in-
Prefix meaning inside
In- is a prefix with two distinct origins and opposite effects.
One in- means "not" or "opposite of," negating whatever follows: incomplete, invisible, injustice.
The other in- means "in" or "into," indicating direction or intensification: influx, insight, instill.
Before certain consonants, in- becomes il- (illegal), im- (impossible), or ir- (irregular).
Context usually makes clear which in- is at work.
Lack of capacity
- inequalityUnequal distribution of resources
- inactionDeliberate nonmovement
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- inaccurateNot correct or precise
inactive · incomplete · incorrect · indefinite · indirect · ineffective · inefficient · inexact
inability
Lack of capacity
- inequalityUnequal distribution of resources
- inactionDeliberate nonmovement
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
inaccurate · inactive · incomplete · incorrect · indefinite · indirect · ineffective · inefficient · inexact · inexperience
intake
Amount received or consumed
indoor · inflow · ingrown · inhale · inject · inland · inlet · inmate · inner · insert
inflame
Intensify emotion or irritation
indoctrinate · implore · impress · imprint · inspire · incite · insist · intent · intense · inquire