The prefix un-

Un– is added at the beginning of a word to make the meaning opposite to what is meant by the stem of the word.

Example: un added at the beginning of clean makes unclean, or dirty.

In “Crossing the Barra Strait” we used un– in unspoiled, unhurried and unheard. The stems of these words are spoiled, hurried and heard. Adding un– gives the word the opposite meaning.

Add un– to the following words to give them the opposite meaning.

1. cover __________
2. plug _________
3. lock __________
4. ashamed __________
5. eaten __________
6. harmed __________
7. interesting __________
8. informed __________
9. married __________
10. tie __________

Getting Your Bearings

On a map of Cape Breton Island locate Iona and point out the four counties that can been seen from there. Then, trace the route the widow had to travel from Iona to Sydney. Try to find out how many miles she walked.