Latin Prefixes of Position and Direction

Use spatial prefixes to read words about relationships, movement, and scope.

Many academic words begin with a Latin prefix that describes position or direction. Sub- means under (submarine, subordinate). Super- means over or above (supervise, superficial). Inter- means between (international, interact). Intra- means within (intramural, intravenous). Trans- means across (transatlantic, transmit). Circum- means around (circumference, circumvent). Pre- means before; post- means after. Worked example: 'The two departments rely on intranet messages, but interdepartmental meetings are rare. ' Intra- tells you the network stays within the organization.

Inter- tells you the meetings happen between departments. A single letter, a versus e, changes the meaning entirely. These prefixes also work figuratively. To 'circumvent' a rule is to go around it, and a 'superficial' answer stays on the surface. Picture the spatial meaning first, then apply it to the abstract idea.

• 1Sub/super, inter/intra, trans, circum, pre/post describe position.
• 2Inter- means between; intra- means within.
• 3Spatial prefixes often carry figurative meanings.