Flip the Meaning: Antonyms Using Prefixes (un-, dis-) for Class 4

This Grade 4 worksheet introduces students to one of the most practical and powerful vocabulary-building tools in English — forming antonyms using the prefixes un- and dis-. Instead of learning opposites as separate words, students discover how adding un- or dis- to a base word instantly creates its opposite. From unkind to dishonest, this worksheet makes vocabulary expansion logical, systematic, and memorable through five well-structured activity types.

Why Antonyms Using Prefixes (un-, dis-) Matter in Grammar?

Learning prefixes is a key vocabulary strategy in Grade 4 because:
1. The prefix un- added to a word creates its opposite — happy becomes unhappy, known becomes unknown.
2. The prefix dis- added to a word creates its opposite — appear becomes disappear, honest becomes dishonest.
3. Knowing these prefixes helps students decode the meaning of hundreds of new words independently.
4. These prefixed antonyms appear in reading passages, writing tasks, and everyday conversation.
5. Mastering them builds both vocabulary breadth and writing precision.

What's Inside This Worksheet?

This worksheet includes five grammar-rich activities that build mastery of prefix-based antonyms:

Exercise 1 – Match the Following
Students pair each base word on the left with its correct prefixed antonym from the right. This matching activity builds their instinct for recognising which prefix — un- or dis- — attaches to which base word.

Exercise 2 – Sort the Words
Students sort given word pairs into two groups — Has Prefix and No Prefix. This sorting task sharpens their ability to identify whether an antonym has been formed using a prefix or is simply a different word altogether.

Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks
Students choose the correct prefixed antonym from a given pair to complete each sentence meaningfully. This activity tests their understanding of how prefix-formed antonyms work in real sentence contexts.

Exercise 4 – Multiple Choice Questions
Students choose the correct prefixed antonym from four options for each base word. This activity deepens their knowledge of specific word pairs and challenges them to distinguish between similar-looking options.

Exercise 5 – Sentence Rewriting
Students rewrite each sentence by replacing the underlined word with its correct prefixed antonym to make the sentence logically accurate. This task builds both critical thinking and vocabulary application skills.

Answer Key (For Parents & Educators)

Exercise 1 – Match the Following
1. kind → unkind
2. fair → unfair
3. happy → unhappy
4. appear → disappear
5. continue → discontinue
6. regular → irregular (Note: the prefix here is ir-, but in the context of the worksheet, the listed antonym from the right column is used)
7. known → unknown
8. like → dislike
9. connect → disconnect
10. honest → dishonest

Exercise 2 – Sort the Words
Has Prefix:
1. unkind
2. unfair
3. unhappy
4. disable
5. dislike
6. distrust
7. unknown
8. disloyal
9. disorder
10. unsafe
11. disinfect
12. disobey
13. disagree
14. unlike
15. fit

No Prefix:
1. kind
2. fair
3. happy
4. able
5. like
6. trust
7. known
8. loyal
9. order
10. safe
11. infect
12. obey
13. agree
14. like
15. unfit

Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks
1. unkind
2. unfair
3. disorder
4. unfit
5. unknown
6. disabled
7. unsafe
8. dislike
9. unhappy
10. unfair

Exercise 4 – Multiple Choice Questions
1. b) disorder
2. a) unhappy
3. d) unknown
4. c) unsure
5. c) disappear (Note: the correct answer is disappear though listed as "disappera" — the correct spelling is disappear)
6. d) unexcited
7. a) disagree
8. b) unpopular
9. a) unfair
10. c) disinfect

Exercise 5 – Sentence Rewriting
1. Rahul was unkind when he shouted at Diya.
2. The magician was unable to appear in front of the audience.
3. Neha felt unhappy after failing the quiz.
4. Many children dislike eating vegetables.
5. Please disconnect the wires.
6. It is wrong to be dishonest when playing a game.
7. The name is unknown to nobody in class.
8. The class had to discontinue the activity when the bell rang.
9. Touching live wires is unsafe for kids.
10. The marks were unfair though he cheated.

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