Verbs With Prefixes

Level 3

A small word in front of a verb makes a new verb.

How It Works

PrefixMeaningVerbEnglish
ad-toadvenioI arrive
con-togetherconvenioI meet
ex-outexeoI go out
re-backredeoI go back
ab-awayabeoI go away

The prefix often changes its last letter to match the verb: ad- and cedo make accedo, I approach.

The perfect usually follows the simple verb: facio has feci, and conficio has confeci. Learn a prefix and you can guess many new verbs.

Check the meaning in a dictionary, because a compound can mean more than prefix plus verb. Evenio is literally come out, but it means turn out or happen.

Examples (5)

  1. Amici Romam adveniunt.

    The friends arrive in Rome.

    Adveniunt is ad- plus veniunt: to come to.

  2. Amici in foro conveniunt.

    The friends meet in the forum.

    Conveniunt is con- plus veniunt: to come together.

  3. Iulia epistulam conficit.

    Iulia finishes the letter.

    Conficit is con- plus facit, and the a became i.

  4. Sacerdos ad altare accedit.

    The priest goes up to the altar.

    Accedit is ad- plus cedit, with the d changed to c.

  5. Introibo ad altare Dei.

    I will go in to the altar of God.

    Introibo is intro- (in) plus ibo, I will go. In the older form of the Mass, these words open the prayers at the foot of the altar.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving the vowel unchanged after the prefix.

    Iulia epistulam confacit.
    Iulia epistulam conficit.

    After a prefix the a of facio becomes i: conficit.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Verbs With PrefixesLevel 3

Learn This First

A prefix goes in front of a verb you already know.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.