2007-03-27 12:41:42 · 6 answers · asked by R Anne 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
"Un-" and "in-" have slightly different usages.
Un- can go with verbs or adjectives, really. However, in- is usually only with adjectives. Besides, in- rolls better with sane than un- does. For example, "ir-'' was put with ''regular'' to make "irregular," just because it flows better.
English has been simplified greatly over hundreds of years, so words have been altered a bit.
Some examples:
-unhappy
-undo
-uneducated
-insignificant
-indirect
2007-03-27 12:45:06 · answer #1 · answered by ♥pirate♥ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Un is not necessarily the only prefix that means NOT:
NOT can also mean:
im, in, anti, or un
For example:
immobile: not able to move
inflammable: not able to catch on fire easily
uneducated: not educated
anti-racial: not being judgmental according to race
2007-03-27 13:29:31 · answer #2 · answered by rosie a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would be an inefficient use of letters.
But I need more information to give you an answer.
The information you provided is insufficient.
Why, it's nearly inhuman!
2007-03-27 12:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"Un" is one of several negating prefixes; 'in" and "im" are also used. Examples: unsanitary, insincere, impossible.
2007-03-27 12:46:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the same reason we drive on parkways and park on driveways.
2007-03-27 12:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
or antisane
2007-03-27 12:50:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋