Adjectives with negative affixes: Part 1

NEGATIVE PREFIXES

Negative statements are the opposite of affirmative statements. In English, one way to make negative statements is by adding negative prefixes to nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Here are some English negative prefixes: a-, dis-, il-, im-, in-, ir-, non-, un-.

For example, the prefix un- can be attached to the adjective “happy” to create the negative adjective “unhappy”. Or you can use the negative adverb “not”. Note that there is no difference in meaning between these two forms.

Words that take a- as a negative prefix always begin with a consonant.

Words that take dis- as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant.

Words that take il- as a negative prefix always begin with the letter “l”.

Words that take im- as a negative prefix always begin with the letter “m” or “p”.

Words that take in- as a negative prefix can begin with a vowel (except “i” or “u”) or a consonant.

Note: There are many words that begin with in- that are not words with a negative prefix. For example:

Words that take ir- as a negative prefix always begin with the letter “r”.

Words that take non- as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant.

Words that take un- as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or consonant.

Remember, not all words that appear to have a negative prefix are negative.

NEGATIVE SUFFIXES

-Less is the most common suffix for negation:

Too many people are homeless in this city.

We just have endless meetings at work — they’re so boring.

Sources: https://www.lawlessenglish.com/learn-english/grammar/negative-prefixes

https://dictionary.cambridge.org

Thirteen adjectives with negative affixes are given in this test. They are as follows: anti-ageing, dishonest, disloyal, harmless, impolite, inarticulate, indelible, indifferent, indispensable, irresponsible, unbiased, uninterested, and unsocial. Choose the one which fits best each situation described.

1. Simon failed to submit an analytical report on time, and the entire team missed the deadline. He is …

2. Sandy attempted to forge her sick sister’s signature to receive benefits. She’s ...

3. My neighbours are constantly trying to convince me that their dog is ... Don’t they see that it’s always trying to jump on me?

4. Picking your nose in public is not only ... but also disgusting.

5. As I see it, the only thing that concerns Shannon is her appearance. She will spend hours staring at her reflection in the mirror or shopping for posh outfits, but she’s ... to any other issues, no matter how important they are.

6. Carol is a nurse in a busy hospital. She works ... hours — at night or early in the morning when most people donʼt have to work.

7. The manner in which the research proposition has been written is far from being ...

8. Trevis is not very good at getting his ideas across. He is ...

9. Have you seen a new commercial of Y1 ... cream?

10. My uncle doesnʼt even know whoʼs going to run for presidency next year, let alone knowing the key points of their manifestos. Heʼs totally ... in politics.

11. Paula had been working for a pharmaceutical company for several years when it was revealed that she had told the companyʼs know-how to its competitor. I still canʼt believe that she was so ...!

12. I can hardly imagine someone not using a computer or a smartphone. In fact, technology has become an ... part of our lives.

13. Iʼll never forget making my first sales pitch. That was an ... experience!