Prefix vs. Title: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A prefix is a word, letter, or number placed before another, while a title is a name that describes someone's position or job.
Key Differences
A prefix is a linguistic element added to the start of a word, altering its meaning or creating a new word. A title, however, is used to signify a person's professional or social position, or the name of a work of art or literature.
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Prefixes are common in many languages and can denote time, place, or manner, among other things. Titles are indicative of respect, qualification, or honor, and can be formal or informal.
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Prefixes change the meaning of the base word, like 'un-' changing 'happy' to 'unhappy'. Titles are used as forms of address or to denote the theme or subject of a creative work.
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In grammar, prefixes are a type of affix and are not used independently. Titles can stand alone and often give insight into the content or status of what they are describing.
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Prefixes can be attached to different types of words, such as verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Titles are specific to individuals, publications, or artistic works and are usually unique or specific to a context.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A linguistic element added to the beginning of a word.
A name that describes someone's position, a work of art, or a publication.
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Usage
Changes or modifies the meaning of a word.
Signifies status, respect, or the theme of a work.
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Dependency
Cannot stand alone; always part of a word.
Can stand alone and often unique to a context.
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Types
Various types, including prefixes denoting time, place, manner.
Includes professional titles, titles of nobility, and names of works.
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Example in Language
'Re-', 'un-', 'pre-' are common prefixes.
'Doctor', 'Mr.', 'War and Peace' are examples of titles.
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Prefix and Title Definitions
Prefix
Prefixes are integral parts of words and cannot stand alone.
'Submarine' includes the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under'.
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Title
A title is a name that indicates a person's position or job.
'Doctor Smith' uses the title 'Doctor' to signify a medical professional.
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Prefix
Prefixes modify the meaning of the base word.
'Unhappy' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'happy'.
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Title
Titles can refer to the names of books, movies, or artworks.
'Pride and Prejudice' is the title of a famous novel.
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Prefix
Prefixes are used in various languages to create new words.
The prefix 'anti-' in 'antibiotic' means against.
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Title
A title can denote the theme or main idea of a work.
The movie title 'The Great Escape' suggests an adventurous plot.
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Prefix
A prefix is an affix placed before the root of a word.
The prefix 'dis-' in 'disagree' negates the meaning of 'agree'.
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Title
An identifying name given to a book, play, film, musical composition, or other work.
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Title
A written work that is published or about to be published
The titles in the publisher's fall catalog.
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Title
A division of a legal code, generally consisting of multiple related statutes.
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Title
Often titles Written material to be read by viewers that is included in a film or television show, typically presenting credits, narration, or dialogue.
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Prefix
(Grammar) An affix, such as dis- in disbelieve, attached to the front of a word to produce a derivative word or an inflected form.
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Title
A written piece of translated dialogue superimposed at the bottom of the frame during a film; a subtitle.
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Prefix
A letter, word, abbreviation, or number placed before a name, address, or other identifying label to indicate class or category
You have to indicate on the form whether you prefer the prefix Mr., Ms., or Dr.
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Title
A formal appellation attached to the name of a person as a sign of office, rank, profession, or hereditary privilege.
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Title
A descriptive name; an epithet
The dubious title of the worst bowler in the league.
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Prefix
A morpheme added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning, for example as, pre- in prefix, con- in conjure, re- in reheat, etc.
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Title
A right or claim, or the basis of a right or claim
"The weight of a fish is commonly its only title to fame" (Henry David Thoreau).
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Prefix
(telecommunications) A set of digits placed before a telephone number, to indicate where the number is based, what type of phone number it is (landline, mobile, toll-free, premium rate etc.)
In the UK, a number with an 0800 prefix is a toll-free number.
Add the prefix +34 to dial a Spanish number from abroad
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Title
The aggregate evidence that gives rise to a legal right of possession or control.
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Prefix
(computing) An initial segment of a string of characters.
The string "abra" is both a prefix and a suffix of the string "abracadabra".
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Prefix
(transitive) To put or fix before, or at the beginning of something; to place at the start.
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Title
A source of income or area of work required of a candidate for ordination in the Church of England.
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Prefix
To put or fix before, or at the beginning of, another thing; as, to prefix a syllable to a word, or a condition to an agreement.
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Title
A Roman Catholic church in or near Rome having a cardinal for its nominal head.
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Prefix
To set or appoint beforehand; to settle or establish antecedently.
And now he hath to her prefixt a day.
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Prefix
That which is prefixed; esp., one or more letters or syllables combined or united with the beginning of a word to modify its signification; as, pre- in prefix, con- in conjure.
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Title
An appellation given to a person or family to signify either veneration, official position, social rank, the possession of assets or properties, or a professional or academic qualification. See also :Category:Titles
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Title
(property law) Legal right to ownership of a property; a deed or other certificate proving this.
A good title to an estate, or an imperfect title
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Prefix
A prefix can denote time, number, position, or negation.
'Prehistoric' uses the prefix 'pre-' to indicate 'before' history.
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Title
The name of a book, film, musical piece, painting, or other work of art.
I know the singer's name, but not the title of the song.
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Title
A publication.
The retailer carries thousands of titles.
Buyers of the new video game console can choose from three bundled titles.
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Title
A written title, credit, or caption shown with a film, video, or performance.
The titles scrolled by too quickly to read.
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Title
(bookbinding) The panel for the name, between the bands of the back of a book.
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Title
The subject of a writing; a short phrase that summarizes the entire topic.
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Title
(sports) The recognition given to the winner of a championship in sports.
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Title
An inscription put over or upon anything as a name by which it is known.
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Title
The inscription in the beginning of a book, usually containing the subject of the work, the author's and publisher's names, the date, etc.
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Title
A section or division of a subject, as of a law, a book, specif. (Roman & Canon Laws), a chapter or division of a law book.
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Title
An appellation of dignity, distinction, or preëminence (hereditary or acquired), given to persons, as duke marquis, honorable, esquire, etc.
With his former title greet Macbeth.
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Title
That which constitutes a just cause of exclusive possession; that which is the foundation of ownership of property, real or personal; a right; as, a good title to an estate, or an imperfect title.
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Title
To call by a title; to name; to entitle.
Hadrian, having quieted the island, took it for honor to be titled on his coin, "The Restorer of Britain."
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Title
A heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with;
Title 8 provided federal help for schools
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Title
The name of a work of art or literary composition etc.;
He looked for books with the word `jazz' in the title
He refused to give titles to his paintings
I can never remember movie titles
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Title
A general or descriptive heading for a section of a written work;
The novel had chapter titles
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Title
A legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it;
He signed the deed
He kept the title to his car in the glove compartment
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Title
An identifying appellation signifying status or function: e.g. Mr. or General;
The professor didn't like his friends to use his formal title
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Title
An established or recognized right;
A strong legal claim to the property
He had no documents confirming his title to his father's estate
He staked his claim
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Title
(usually plural) written material introduced into a movie or TV show to give credits or represent dialogue or explain an action;
The titles go by faster than I can read
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Title
An appellation signifying nobility;
`your majesty' is the appropriate title to use in addressing a king
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Title
An informal right to something;
His claim on her attentions
His title to fame
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Title
Designate by an identifying term;
They styled their nation `The Confederate States'
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Title
Titles are used as forms of respectful address.
'Mr. Johnson' uses the title 'Mr.' as a formal address.
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Title
Titles can represent ranks or honors bestowed upon individuals.
'Queen Elizabeth' uses the title 'Queen' to indicate her royal status.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the purpose of using prefixes?
Prefixes are used to create new words or alter the meaning of existing words.
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Can multiple prefixes be added to a single word?
Yes, it's possible to add multiple prefixes to a word to create more complex meanings.
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Give an example of a common prefix.
"Un-" is a common prefix, as in "undo" or "unhappy."
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What is a prefix?
A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a base word to change its meaning.
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Do prefixes have a set meaning, or can they change based on the word they are attached to?
Prefix meanings can be somewhat consistent, but they may vary based on the word they modify.
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Do prefixes always change the meaning of a word?
Yes, prefixes typically change the meaning of a word in some way.
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Are prefixes used in all languages?
No, prefixes are not universal, and their usage can vary between languages.
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What is an example of a hyphenated word with a prefix?
"Co-worker" is an example of a word with a hyphenated prefix.
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What is the opposite of a prefix?
The opposite of a prefix is a suffix, which is added to the end of a base word.
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Why are titles important in writing and communication?
Titles provide clarity and context, helping readers or listeners understand the subject or purpose.
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Are titles always capitalized in writing?
Most titles are capitalized, but the rules for capitalization can vary depending on style guides and context.
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Is it necessary to use a hyphen with prefixes?
Hyphens are used with some prefixes but not all. It depends on the word and style guide.
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What is a title in the context of language?
In language, a title is a word or phrase used to name, label, or designate something, such as a book, movie, or person's position.
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Can a title be a single word or a longer phrase?
Titles can vary in length, from a single word to a longer descriptive phrase.
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Can a title be a nickname or a term of endearment?
Yes, titles can include nicknames or terms of endearment, especially when referring to loved ones or close friends.
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Is it necessary to include a title when addressing someone formally?
Yes, using the appropriate title when addressing someone formally is considered polite.
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Can titles have multiple meanings or interpretations?
Yes, titles can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context and perspective.
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Are titles required in formal writing?
Titles are often used in formal writing to provide structure and organization.
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What are some common types of titles?
Common types of titles include book titles, movie titles, job titles, and academic titles.
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Do titles change over time or remain the same?
Titles can change, especially in job positions, but they are generally stable for books and works of art.
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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