In-

From Middle English in-, from Old English in- ("in, into", prefix.), from Proto-Germanic *in ("in, into"), from Proto-Indo-European *en ("in, into"). More at in.

Alternative forms

• en-

Full definition of in-

Prefix

1. Prefixed to certain words to give the senses of in, into, towards, within.inhold, intake, inthrillinborn, inboundinfield, infighting, insight, inwork

Related terms

From Latin in (""). Sometimes the Latin word has passed through French before reaching English (e.g. incise, incite, incline, indication).

Prefix

1. in, intoNote: Before certain letters, in- becomes:
• il- before l, e.g. illusion
• im- before b, m, or p, e.g. imperil
• ir- before r, e.g. irrigate

From Latin in- ("not"). Sometimes the Latin word has passed through French before reaching English (e.g. incapable, incertainty, inclement, incompatible). Compare un-.

Prefix

1. (non-productive) Used with certain words to reverse their meaningNote: Before certain letters, in- becomes:
• i- before gn, e.g. ignoble
• il- before l, e.g. illegal
• im- before b, m, or p, e.g. improper
• ir- before r, e.g. irresistible
1. (non-productive) Added to adjectives to mean notinedibleinaccurate
2. (non-productive) Added to nouns to mean lacking or withoutincredulityineptitude

Related terms