Latin · prefix
in-
in, into, on, upon
Forms
- in-
- im- — Used before b, m, or p in Latin.
- il- — Used before l in Latin.
- ir- — Used before r in Latin.
- en- — Developed in French in some words later borrowed into English.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *en, ‘in.’
Note
Identical spellings can hide two different prefixes: this one indicates position or direction, while the other means ‘not.’
Words sharing this root
anointTo apply oil ceremonially as a sign of dedication or selection.coincideTo match exactly in position, time, or character.coincidenceA connection between events or circumstances that seems to happen by chance.coincidentOccupying the same point in space or time.empireA collection of territories under one ruling power.employTo put something to use for a purpose.enchantTo place under a magical spell.enchanterA person who casts magic spells.enchantmentThe effect of a magical spell.enclaveA distinct area or community surrounded by a larger one.encounterComing across someone or something unexpectedly.encrustCover with a hard outer layer.encumbranceA burden that restricts action or freedom.endorseTo express formal or public support for someone or something.endorseTo sign a document to authorize its payment, transfer, or validity.endowTo provide something with a lasting resource or attribute.endureTo continue despite time or difficulty.engenderTo cause something to arise.engineA machine that produces mechanical power.enjoinTo direct someone by an authoritative order.enrageTo make someone very angry.enrichTo increase the valuable content or qualities of something.ensembleA coordinated group of things or people functioning together.ensignA flag flown to show nationality or affiliation.ensignA commissioned naval officer below lieutenant junior grade.ensueTo happen afterward, especially as a result.entitleGive a title or name to a work.entitleGive someone a right or claim to something.entombTo bury or enclose as if in a tomb.entrapTo catch someone or something in a trap.enviousWanting what someone else has, often with resentment.envoyAn official representative sent on a diplomatic or special mission.envyA resentful desire for what someone else has.illuminateTo cast light on something previously dark.illuminateTo decorate a manuscript or page with gold, colors, or designs.illuminationLight that reveals something to sight.illuminationArtistic decoration of a manuscript with colored or gilded designs.illusionAn appearance or impression that makes something seem real or true when it is not.illusoryAppearing real or true but not actually so.illustrateTo make an idea clearer by presenting a concrete representation.illustrationA concrete representation that makes an idea clearer.imbibeTo take liquid into the body by drinking.immerseTo submerge completely in a surrounding liquid.immersionComplete submersion within a liquid.immigrantA person who moves to live permanently in another country, or relating to such people.immigrateTo move into another country to live there.immolateTo sacrifice or destroy, especially by burning.immolationKilling or destroying by fire as an act of sacrifice or protest.impactA forceful collision with something.impairTo weaken or damage something's quality or ability to function.impairmentA reduction in normal function, quality, or value.impaleTo pierce through with a sharp object.impanelTo select and swear in a jury.impartTo pass something on to a recipient.impastoA painting technique using thickly applied paint to create a raised texture.impeachTo formally challenge someone's integrity or fitness.impeachmentA formal challenge to someone's integrity or fitness.impedeTo slow or block progress.impedimentSomething that prevents or makes an action or process more difficult.impelDrive or urge someone to act.imperativeSomething necessary or urgently required.impersonateTo pretend to be another person.impetuousActing quickly without enough thought or care.impetusA force that prompts action or progress.impingeTo press or strike against something's boundary.implantTo insert something firmly within surrounding material.implantationThe securing of something firmly within surrounding tissue or material.implementTo put a plan, decision, or system into effect.implementA tool or piece of equipment used for a task.implicateTo show that someone is involved in wrongdoing.implicateTo imply something as a consequence.implicationSomething that follows from a fact or statement without being directly stated.implicationInvolvement in a situation, especially wrongdoing.implicitContained in something without being openly expressed.implicitComplete and without doubt or reservation.imploreTo beg earnestly or desperately.implosionA collapse directed inward.implyTo carry a further meaning or consequence without stating it explicitly.importSomething brought in from an outside country or system.importThe meaning conveyed by something.importThe importance of something.importanceThe quality of mattering or having value.importantHaving great significance, value, or influence.importationThe act of bringing something into a place from another country or outside source.imposeTo place an unwelcome requirement upon someone.impostorSomeone who assumes a false identity or falsely claims a role or status.impressTo leave a distinct mark by pressing upon something.impressedFeeling admiration because of someone's qualities or achievements.impressionA mark left by contact with a surface.impressionA single display or delivery of an online advertisement.impressionAn imitation of someone's voice or manner, often for humor.impressiveCausing admiration or respect.imprimaturOfficial approval, especially permission to publish a religious text.imprintA durable mark made by pressure or printing.imprisonTo confine someone in prison or captivity.imprisonmentThe act or state of being confined or deprived of freedom.impromptuCreated on the occasion without prior preparation.impugnTo challenge the truth or integrity of someone or something.impulseA brief push that sets something into motion.impulsiveActing on a sudden urge without thinking first.imputeAttribute something to a person or thing.inauguralMarking or celebrating the beginning of something.inaugurateTo formally bring something into operation.inaugurationA formal beginning that puts something into operation.incandescentGlowing visibly from intense heat.incantationWords spoken or chanted to create a magical or mesmerizing effect.incarcerateTo confine someone in prison or jail.incarcerationConfinement in prison or jail.incarnateRepresenting an idea or quality in physical form.incarnationA concrete bodily form in which something exists.incentiveSomething that encourages action.incidenceThe distribution of a tax burden among those who ultimately bear it.incidenceThe arrival of light or another incoming force at a surface.incidenceThe occurrence or frequency of something.incidentalA minor or secondary part of something more important.incinerateTo burn something completely to ashes.incinerationDestruction or disposal by burning to ashes.incisiveSharp enough to cut cleanly through something.inciteTo urge or provoke action, often harmful.incitementSomething that urges or provokes action.inclinationA leaning toward a particular direction.inclineTo lean away from a neutral or upright position.includeTo have or make someone or something part of a whole, group, or activity.inclusiveIncluding everyone or everything within the scope being considered.incorporateTo unite separate parts into an organized body.incorporationThe combining of parts into an organized whole.increaseA rise in size, amount, or degree, or to cause such a rise.incrementA small added amount, or an increase by such an amount.incriminateTo make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.incubateTo maintain favorable conditions for living material to develop.incubationThe care of developing living material under supportive conditions.incubationDevelopment of a disease between infection and the appearance of symptoms.incubusA male demon imagined to oppress sleeping women sexually.inculcationThe teaching of ideas or values through repetition.incurTo become subject to an unwanted cost or consequence.incursionAn entry into a place or area of activity, often without permission.indebtedOwing repayment to someone for what has been received.indentTo set an edge or surface inward from its surroundings.indentureA formal contract binding parties to obligations, especially work or service.indicationEvidence pointing to a condition or appropriate action.indicativeServing as a sign of something.indicativeThe grammatical mood used to present something as fact.indicatorSomething that reveals a condition through an observable sign.induceTo bring a response or condition into being through influence.inductTo formally bring someone into an organization or role.inductionThe production of an electrical or magnetic effect without direct contact.inductionThe deliberate starting or stimulation of a biological process.inductionReasoning from specific observations to a general conclusion.inductionFormal admission or orientation into a new role, group, or institution.inductiveRelating to electrical or magnetic effects produced without direct contact.inductiveCausing a biological or chemical process to begin.inductiveDrawing general conclusions from specific observations.inebriateDrunkenness caused by alcohol.inebriationThe state of being drunk from alcohol.infarctTissue killed by a blocked blood supply, or to undergo such tissue death.infarctionDeath of tissue caused by interrupted blood supply.infatuationAn intense, often short-lived and unreasonable attraction to someone or something.infectTo introduce a disease-causing agent that spreads within a host.infectionThe establishment and spread of harmful microorganisms within a host.inferTo suggest something without stating it directly.inferTo reach a conclusion from evidence or reasoning.inferenceA conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning.inflammableReadily catching fire when exposed to ignition.inflammationA bodily response causing swelling, heat, pain, or redness.inflateTo expand something by forcing gas into it.inflationExpansion caused by filling something with gas.inflationA general rise in prices that reduces money's purchasing power.inflectTo bend away from a straight or uniform course.inflectTo change a word's form to express grammatical information.inflectionA turn away from a straight or uniform course.inflectionA change in a word's form to express grammatical information.inflictTo impose something painful, harmful, or unwanted on someone.inflictionThe act of causing harm or forcing something unwanted on someone.influenceThe power to shape or affect someone or something, or the use of that power.influentialHaving significant power to affect people, events, or ideas.influxAn arrival or inward flow in large numbers or amounts.informTo convey previously unknown information to someone.informTo influence how something develops or is understood.informantA person who supplies information.informationFacts or knowledge communicated about something.informationA formal criminal charge filed by a prosecutor without a grand-jury indictment.informativeProviding useful or interesting information.informerA person who secretly gives information to authorities.infractionA violation of a rule, law, or agreement.infringeTo break a law or agreement or encroach on a right or boundary.infuseTo introduce a substance gradually or thoroughly into something.infusionThe introduction of new material into an existing system.infusionAn extraction of flavor or other substances by steeping ingredients in liquid.ingestTo take material into the body through the mouth.ingestionThe taking of material into the body by swallowing.ingredientA component used in a mixture, recipe, or process.ingressEntry into a place or system.inhabitTo live in or occupy a place.inhabitableSuitable or safe to live in.inhabitantA person or animal living in a particular place.inhalationThe drawing of air or another substance into the lungs.inhaleTo draw something inward with a breath.inhereTo exist within something as an essential or permanent quality.inherentExisting as a natural or essential part of something.inheritTo receive what passes down from a predecessor.inheritanceProperty received from a person after that person's death.inhibitionA restraint that slows or prevents an activity.injectionThe introduction of fluid into the body with a needle.injunctionAn authoritative order requiring or forbidding an action.innatePresent from birth or as a natural quality.innovateTo introduce new ideas or ways of doing things.innovationThe creation or introduction of something new, or the new thing itself.innovatorA person who introduces new ideas, methods, or products.innuendoAn indirect suggestion, usually insulting or sexual.inoculateTo administer material that builds protection against disease.inoculateTo introduce microorganisms into a culture medium or host.inoculationControlled introduction of material that builds disease resistance.inquestAn official investigation, especially into the cause of a death.inquireTo seek information by asking about a matter.inquisitionA harsh or prolonged questioning or investigation.inquisitionA historical system of church courts that prosecuted heresy.inquisitiveCurious and eager to learn, sometimes about others' private affairs.inquisitorA person who investigates or questions others harshly.inscribeTo write or engrave words on an object.inscriptionWords written or carved on an object, often as a dedication or record.insectA small animal with six legs and a body divided into three main parts.inseminateTo introduce reproductive seed so new growth can begin.insertTo put something into something else, or a piece put in this way.insertionThe act of putting something into something else, or the thing put in.insidiousCausing harm gradually in a way that is hard to notice.insigniaA badge or symbol showing rank, office, or membership.insinuateTo suggest something indirectly, especially something unpleasant.insinuateTo maneuver oneself gradually and subtly into a position or situation.insinuationAn indirect suggestion of something negative or improper.insistTo maintain a demand or position firmly against resistance.insistentPersistent and forceful in demanding attention or a response.inspectTo examine carefully to check condition, quality, or compliance.inspectionA careful examination of something to check its condition or quality.inspectorA person who officially checks that something meets required standards.inspirationAn influence that sparks creative ideas or motivation.inspirationThe act of drawing air into the lungs.inspireTo awaken a strong feeling that moves someone to respond.installTo place and prepare something for active service.installationThe setting of something in place for use.instanceA specific realization of a general kind.instantA moment of negligible duration.instillTo gradually establish an idea, feeling, or quality in someone.instinctAn unlearned impulse guiding behavior without deliberate thought.instituteAn organized establishment for concentrated education or research.instituteTo establish something or put it into operation.institutionAn established body with an enduring place in society.instructTo convey directions that guide someone's actions.instructionGuidance telling someone how to act or perform a task.instructorA person who teaches a subject or skill.instrumentA tool designed to carry out a skilled task.instrumentA formal document with legal effect.insultAn offensive remark or action, or treating someone disrespectfully.insurgentA person rebelling against established authority, or relating to such rebellion.insurrectionA violent uprising against a government or established authority.intendTo have something in mind as an aim.intendedA person someone plans to marry.intenseVery strong or deeply felt.intensiveConcentrating substantial effort within a limited scope or period.intensiveAdding emphasis to meaning in grammar.intentA purpose toward which attention and determination are directed.intentionA purpose or aim behind a planned action.interTo bury a dead body in a grave or tomb.intermentThe burial of a dead body.intimidateTo make people afraid, especially to influence their behavior.intonationThe manner in which musical or spoken pitches are produced.intoneTo say or recite in a solemn, chant-like voice.intoxicateTo alter someone's awareness and control through a drug.intoxicationImpaired or altered awareness caused by alcohol or drugs.intoxicationPoisoning caused by a harmful substance.intricateHaving many small, closely connected parts or details.intrigueA secret scheme or the activity of plotting one.intrigueTo arouse curiosity or fascination.intrudeTo enter a place or become involved in a situation where one is not welcome.intrusionEntry that pushes into an existing space from outside.intuitTo understand something without conscious reasoning.intuitionAn immediate understanding or belief reached without conscious reasoning.intuitiveBased on immediate understanding rather than conscious reasoning.inundationThe overwhelming flooding of previously dry ground.invadeTo enter another's territory with hostile forces.invasionHostile entry into another's territory.invasiveSpreading or intruding where unwanted.invectiveInsulting, abusive, or sharply critical language.inventTo create something that did not previously exist.inventionThe creation of an original thing through imagination.inventiveSkilled at thinking of new ideas or making new things.inventorA person who creates a new device, process, or idea.inventoryA complete accounting of the items held in stock.inverseA reversed counterpart that opposes an original.inversionA reversal of the usual order, position, or relationship of something.invertTo reverse something's order, position, or direction.invertA mixture of simpler sugars made by breaking down sucrose.investTo commit resources in the hope of a future benefit.investigationA careful inquiry to discover facts or establish the truth.investigatorA person who examines facts or evidence to discover the truth.investitureThe formal granting of an office or authority to someone.inveterateLong-established and firmly fixed by habit.invigilateTo supervise students during an examination.invocationA calling upon a power to act or provide support.invokeTo call upon something to exercise its power.involveTo include as a participant or necessary part.irradiateTo direct radiant energy through or over something.irradiationThe spreading of radiant energy onto or through something.irrigateTo supply a flow of water across an area.irrigationThe controlled delivery of liquid over an area.supera person responsible for day-to-day supervision, especially of a buildingsuperintendentSomeone responsible for supervising an operation.