English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-
Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 8 out of 10 words containing the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- in a given text.
- Explain how the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- change the meaning of at least 3 different root words.
- Apply knowledge of the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- to correctly determine the meaning of 5 unfamiliar words encountered in a new context.
- Analyze the effect of using a word with a negative prefix (un-, dis-, in-, im-, non-) versus a synonym without a negative prefix in 2 different sentence examples, explaining the subtle differences in connotation or emphasis.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify adjectives and adverbs formed with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-.
Define the meaning of words created with these prefixes.
Use adjectives and adverbs with these prefixes correctly in sentences.
Explain how prefixes change the meaning of base words.
Distinguish between adjectives and adverbs formed with these prefixes.
Apply knowledge of these prefixes to understand new vocabulary in texts.
Ever feel like something is *un*fair or *dis*agreeable? 🤔 These little word parts can totally flip a word's meaning!
In this lesson, you'll discover how prefixes like un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- transform adjectives and adverbs. Understanding these powerful prefixes will help you expand your vocabulary, improve your writing, and better understand...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA word part added to the beginning of a base word to change its meaning.In the word 'unhappy', 'un-' is the prefix.
Base WordThe main part of a word to which prefixes and suffixes are added; it carries the core meaning.In the word 'disagreeable', 'agreeable' is the base word.
un-A prefix meaning 'not' or 'opposite of.' It often forms adjectives (e.g., *un*happy) and adverbs (e.g., *un*kindly).If something is *un*true, it is 'not true'.
dis-A prefix meaning 'not,' 'opposite of,' or 'apart.' It forms adjectives (e.g., *dis*honest) and adverbs (e.g., *dis*agreeably).To *dis*approve means 'not to approve' or 'to have the opposite opinion'.
in-/im-...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Meaning Reversal
Prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- generally reverse or negate the meaning of the base word.
When you add one of these prefixes, the new word will mean the opposite or the absence of the original word's meaning. For example, 'happy' means joyful, so 'unhappy' means not joyful.
Part of Speech Preservation
When these prefixes are added to a base word, the word usually remains the same part of speech.
If you add 'un-' to an adjective like 'kind' (unkind), it stays an adjective. If you add 'dis-' to an adverb like 'gracefully' (disgracefully), it stays an adverb.
Spelling Rule for in-/im-
Use 'im-' before base words starting with 'm', 'p', or 'b' (e...
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Challenging
In an argumentative essay, a student writes, 'The opposing argument is invalid because its evidence is incomplete.' How does the adjective 'incomplete' help the author make their point?
A.It suggests the evidence is interesting but not long enough.
B.It shows the author agrees with the evidence.
C.It weakens the opposing argument by claiming its proof is missing parts.
D.It describes the evidence as being too complicated for the reader.
Challenging
A student writes: 'The disloyal friend acted unbelievably.' Analyze this sentence. Which statement best explains how the prefixed adjective and adverb work together?
A.The adjective 'disloyal' describes the friend's character, while the adverb 'unbelievably' describes the friend's specific actions.
B.The adjective 'disloyal' describes the action, while the adverb 'unbelievably' describes the friend.
C.Both words are adjectives that describe the friend's character.
D.Both words are adverbs that describe how the friend acted.
Challenging
A writer wants to describe a government that does not interfere with its citizens' lives. Which prefixed adjective is the most precise and standard term to use?
A.An un-interfering government
B.non-interfering government
C.dis-interfering government
D.An im-interfering government
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What grade level is "Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-"?
Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- is a Grade 6 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 8 out of 10 words containing the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- in a given text; Explain how the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- change the meaning of at least 3 different root words; Apply….
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How many practice questions are included with Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.