(Note: The only “exceptions” that remain in languages are ones that are frequently used. The most frequent ones will also be indicated under the sections with their respective prefixes. Analyzing them will often lead to inappropriate or incorrect translations, e.g. Some compound verbs are better learned as separate vocabulary words. See below for in- (+ adjective/adverb)ġ0. One (in- as negator) is added only to adjectives (and their corresponding adverbs), and others may be added to adjectives sometimes or adjectives may be formed from verbs with a prefix. Sometimes a “d” is added between a prefix ending with a vowel and a verb root beginning with a vowel. Note: The prefix ab does not assimilate if there is an assimilated prefix beginning with a- and a double letter (e.g. similis) to go with the beginning of the verb stem that follows.
The form of the prefix will sometimes change or assimilate (ad + similo, -are, cf. For the chart, see chart below (and Linguistic Rules #13).ħ. Sometimes when a prefix is added, the vowel of the verb root will “weaken,” (e.g.
Prefixes that may take the dative have a * in the chart below.Ħ. Translate the verb root first, then any accusative direct object (if the root is transitive), then the prefix, then any dative.Į.g. Note: Compound verbs often take the dative. If needed, you can then adapt this literal translation to fit the context. Sometimes, thus, the English may lead you astray in interpreting the meanings of Latin words.ĥ. The general rule in Latin is that you translate the verb root first, then the prefix (backwards, just as you translate the personal subject ending and tense marker, then the root). Sometimes, though, the prefix has become productive in English, and the proportions of the different meanings and uses may not be the same as in Latin. Often the meaning of the English derivative may help you. Many English derivatives are based on Latin words with prefixes (and suffixes).
Some prefixes are more complex and have multiple meanings some of these meanings do not seem to correspond to translations of the preposition.Ĥ. re-, se-) are “inseparable,” and are only used as prefixes there are no corresponding prepositions.ģ. Prefixes are adverbial and the translations may, therefore, be somewhat different from the translations of the prepositions that they correspond to. Prefixes and suffixes are easier to learn after you have learned enough words having them to have a knowledge basis to build on. For a pre-test to see what you know (and which ones you need to work on) or as a review after you have studied the individual prefixes/suffixes, you can go to the general Word Formation Exercises. Here are some general notes, which you may want to read through and refer back to from time to time as you go through the rest of the material.