Attaching prefixes to words can help you express yourself more directly and concisely. For example, by adding the word “over” before certain words, you communicate that something is excessive. In other words, “too much.”
Let’s look at some adjectives:
- Overconfident = excessively or unreasonably confident
- Overpaid = paid too highly
- Overweight = too much weight
- Overcrowded = too many people
Now some verbs:
- Oversleep = sleep too much
- Overeat = eat too much
- Overact = act a role in an exaggerated way
- Overdress = dress too formally
The opposite is expressed by adding the prefix “under” (meaning “not enough”) to certain words:
- Underpaid = not paid enough
- Undercooked = not cooked enough
- Underweight = doesn’t weigh enough
- Undernourished = having insufficient food for good health
There are lists of words that have the prefixes over and under. Try to learn some of them for increased fluency and greater versatility. I prefer that you know "too much" instead of "not enough."
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