Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

NEGATIVE PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES

440

Words can be made negative in English by the use of prefixes. 

The main negative prefixes

prefix

examples

a-

amoral

de-

deforestation

dis-

dissatisfaction

il-

illegally

im-

immodest; immature

in-

inhuman

ir-

irregular; irresponsible

no-

no-go; no-win

non-

non-conformist; non-believer

un-

unhappy; unimportant

Many negative words are adjectives that are formed from nouns + the suffix -less:

Words and phrases of negative or adverse meaning when negated with not can

often convey a positive meaning:

That pasta’s 

not too bad. 

(it’s quite good)

[said during a car journey]

We’re 

not far away now. We’ll soon be there.

Û

also 261 Prefixes and 262 Suffixes for further discussion

NO

441

In spoken English, no is most frequently used as a response to yes-no questions, as

a response agreeing with a negative assertion, or as an interjection:

A: Are you ready yet?

B: No. Not yet. Can you give me another couple of minutes?

A: The system doesn’t take account of people’s individual circumstances.

B: No. That’s right.

No, don’t move! I want to take a photo of you two together.

careless

childless 

doubtless

endless

harmless

homeless

pointless 

useless

worthless