Key facts

  • Identify the prefix first, then read the remaining part as the base word.
  • Do not confuse a real prefix with a similar-looking first syllable.
  • Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu and English-derived prefixes are all used in standard Hindi.
  • Some words contain more than one prefix, such as प्रत्युपकार and निराकरण.
  • For exam answers, write the prefix and base clearly and avoid invented formations.

Key Points at a Glance

  1. 1

    Identify the prefix first, then read the remaining part as the base word.

  2. 2

    Do not confuse a real prefix with a similar-looking first syllable.

  3. 3

    Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu and English-derived prefixes are all used in standard Hindi.

  4. 4

    Some words contain more than one prefix, such as प्रत्युपकार and निराकरण.

  5. 5

    For exam answers, write the prefix and base clearly and avoid invented formations.

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Concept & Rules

A prefix is a meaningful element placed before a base word to form a new word or to modify its sense. In RAS Mains Paper IV, उपसर्ग questions usually ask either to make words from a given prefix or to separate the prefix from a given word.

  • Identify the prefix first, then read the remaining part as the base word.
  • Do not confuse a real prefix with a similar-looking first syllable.
  • Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu and English-derived prefixes are all used in standard Hindi.
  • Some words contain more than one prefix, such as प्रत्युपकार and निराकरण.
  • For exam answers, write the prefix and base clearly and avoid invented formations.

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PredictedPredicted Questions

Use these prompts to test answer structure before moving to practice.

11MMake two words by adding the prefix नि =1 marks · 50 words

Model Answer

निवास, निडर

~50 words · 1 marks