Prefixes 5: New Vocabulary and Pronunciation

The Prefix DE

Prefix	Meaning
de	from, down, away, against, separate, to do the opposite

Pronunciation tips: This prefix is pronounced in two ways: dee or du (u as in up).
The dee pronunciation is the original, formal pronunciation. This is frequently reduced to du for a lighter, casual sound.
Using the pronunciation du may help with syllable stress.
This prefix is usually not stressed.
* Exception in DEDICATE, the E sounds like the E in men.

Answer the Questions

1. Do you like to debate on different subjects with your friends or relatives? If so, what kinds of debates do you enjoy? If not, why not?

2. Do you know someone who lives a debauched lifestyle? Is it because of an addiction or a personal choice?

3. Describe someone you know who is easily deceived and someone who is not easily deceived.

4. If you were going to dedicate a work of art, such as a book, who would you dedicate it to, and why?

5. Are you dedicated to your current career path? Why or why not?

6. What is something that you deduce in your daily life? For example, you might deduce answers to formulas or you might deduce the emotions of people you meet.

7. Is there a subject that you know about and yet you would defer to another due to this person’s expertise? Explain.

8. Who is the most deferential person that you know? How does this person behave?

9. We often speak of a deliberate action. Compare: He made a deliberate attempt to become her friend.He made an attempt to be her friend. How can you use deliberate to describe a recent action?

10. Who are the people you depend on for financial or emotional support? Who depends on you?

11. In the U.S., young people are considered dependent until they are 18. Is there a similar rule in your culture?

12. What are two things that you have designed? These could include work or home projects.

13. Is there a situation in which you prefer to be detached? Why or why not?

14. Who is the most detached person you know? Explain.

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