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what is prefix?
A prefix  is a group of letters that you can add to the beginning of a root word* to change the meaning of the word.  For example, mis+ fortune = misfortune.


*A root word stands on its own as a word but you can make new words from  it by adding beginnings (prefixes) and endings (Suffixes).


For example, 'comfort' is a root word.  By adding the prefix 'dis' and the suffix 'able' you can make new words such as 'discomfort' and 'comfortable'. 


The meanings of prefixes


Every prefix has a meaning. For example. 

   The prefix 'un' means 'not'

   The root word 'clear' means 'bright', 'free from difficulty'.

So un+clear = unclear, meaning  'not clear' or 'dim' 'difficult to see or understand'.