The prefix “bi-” is commonly used in the English language and is derived from the Greek word “bis,” meaning “twice.” It is a versatile prefix that can be added to various words to change their meaning. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “bi-” in detail.
Definitions
The prefix “bi-” means “two” or “twice.” It is used to indicate that something is double or occurs twice. For example, “bifocal” refers to eyeglasses with two lenses, while “bicycle” refers to a vehicle with two wheels.
Origin
The prefix “bi-” has its roots in the Greek language. It was first used in English in the 17th century and has since become a common prefix in the language.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “bi-” means “two” or “double.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having two” or “occurring twice.”
Associations
The prefix “bi-” is often associated with words that refer to pairs or doubles. For example, “bilateral” refers to something that involves two sides, while “bifurcate” refers to something that splits into two branches.
Synonyms
Synonyms of “bi-” include “dual,” “double,” “twice,” and “two.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of “bi-” include “uni-” and “mono-,” which mean “one” or “single.”
The same root words
The prefix “bi-” has several related root words, including “bin,” “bisect,” and “bipolar.” “Bin” refers to a container with two compartments, while “bisect” means to divide something into two equal parts. “Bipolar” refers to a mental disorder that causes extreme mood swings between two opposite states.
Example Sentences
- The bicycle has two wheels.
- The bifocal glasses allow you to see both near and far.
- The bilateral agreement was signed by both countries.
- The bimonthly magazine is published twice a month.
- The binary code uses only two digits, 0 and 1.