'Sub-' & 'Super-'
English Language: KS3, topic 1.2.4
'Sub-' Means Under or Below
Prefixes are letters or words placed at the start of words which change their meaning. The prefix 'sub-' means under. Let's look at some words beginning with 'sub'...
Submarine
- A submarine is a ship that goes underwater.
Subheading
- A subheading is a heading that goes under the main heading.
Subzero
- Subzero means under the temperature 0.
Subway
- A subway is an underground path.
'Super-' Means Above
Prefixes are letters or words placed at the start of words which change their meaning. The prefix 'super-' means 'above'. Let's look at some words beginning with 'super'...
Superstar
- A superstar is someone who is more famous than other stars - so 'above' other stars.
Superior
- Someone or something that is superior is better than or above other things.
Superjet
- A superjet is a very large jet - so 'above' the size of other jets!
Superglue
- Superglue is very strong glue - so 'above' the strength of other glues!
Test yourself on 'Sub-' & 'Super-'
What does the prefix 'sub-' mean?
Which of these words do you think means 'below standard'?
What prefix would I add to words to mean 'under-'?
What prefix means 'above'?
Which of these descriptions could you use about your teacher?
(Clue: If you don't know all the words, look at the prefixes!)