Prefixes
Updated on Apr 3, 2026
Prefixed words require special attention in writing because a single word may have different meanings when the prefix is hyphenated and when it is not.
General
The guidelines in this Style Guide refer to the following prefixes:
- Anti-
- Counter-
- De-
- Non-
- Pre-
- Re-
- Semi-
- Ultra-
- Un-
Guidelines
- Always check if the prefixed word exists in a hyphenated or non-hyphenated form by referring to a trustful resource such as the Merriam-Webster online dictionary.
- Do not hyphenate the prefixed word if it does not have an established spelling.
- If the prefixed word has an established non-hyphenated spelling, make sure that the form you want to use conveys the meaning you desire to express. If the non-hyphenated usage creates an ambiguous statement, hyphenate it.
| Not that good | Much better |
|---|---|
| Recreate the environment. (Typically, "to recreate" means "to amuse, to entertain".) | Re-createthe environment. (Typically, "to re-create" means "to create again from the ground up".) |
| If a non-critical issue occurs, ignore it and continue your work. | When a noncritical issue occurs, ignore it and continue your work. |