Words with sub-

Key Notes:-

Understanding the Prefix ‘sub-‘

The prefix ‘sub-‘ comes from Latin and generally means:

  • Under
  • Below
  • Less than
  • Inferior to
  • Nearly

Understanding this core meaning can help you decipher the meaning of many words that begin with ‘sub-‘. Let’s explore some examples!

Examples of Words with ‘sub-‘
Word Examples:

Submarine: A vessel that travels under the sea.

Subway: An underground railway.

Subheading: A heading below a main heading.

Subconscious: Mental activity occurring below the level of awareness.

Subzero: Temperatures below zero.

Subpar: Below average; not good enough.
More Examples:

Subtotal: The sum before final deductions or additions.

Substitute: A person or thing that takes the place of another.

Subordinate: Lower in rank or position.

Subside: To become less intense, violent, or severe.

Subsection: A part of a larger section.

Subtropical: Near the tropics.
Tips for Using ‘sub-‘ Words in Sentences

Here are some tips to help you use ‘sub-‘ words correctly and effectively:

  1. Consider the context: Always think about the overall meaning of the sentence and how the ‘sub-‘ word fits in.
  2. Relate to the core meaning: Remind yourself that ‘sub-‘ generally implies ‘under,’ ‘below,’ or ‘less than.’
  3. Avoid redundancy: Don’t use a ‘sub-‘ word when a simpler word would do. For example, instead of saying ‘a subordinate employee who is under the manager,’ you could say ‘a subordinate employee of the manager’.
  4. Pay attention to spelling: Double-check that you’ve spelled the ‘sub-‘ word correctly, as a single letter can change the meaning.
Exercises

Complete the following exercises to test your understanding:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences below using a word that begins with the prefix ‘sub-‘.

  1. The detective went _______ to catch the thief.
  2. The patient was given a _______ anesthetic before the surgery.
  3. The weather in Florida is _______.

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

  1. Submerge
  2. Subside
  3. Substructure

Exercise 3: Word Meaning

What does the word ‘Subjugate’ mean?

Summary

In these notes, we explored the prefix ‘sub-‘ and its various meanings, including ‘under’, ‘below’, and ‘less than’. We examined numerous examples of words containing ‘sub-‘ and provided tips for effectively using these words in your writing and speech. By understanding the core meaning of ‘sub-‘, you can unlock the meaning of many new words and enhance your vocabulary!

Let’s practice!