The Meaning of Prefix HYPER (4 Illustrated Examples)
The prefix HYPER is fairly common in English. The video provides a clear definition and then 4 illustrated sentence examples so you clearly understand the meaning of prefix HYPER.
Here is a transcript of the video: “Words With the Prefix HYPER”
Slide 2:
The prefix HYPER simply means:
OVER | ABOVE
EXCESSIVE
The clipart shows a man with his arms outstretched, exaggerating the size of something.
We are going to look at 4 common words with the prefix HYPER. Watch out for example 4 as it will give you added insight into speaking English.
Slide 3:
So our first word is:
HYPERACTIVE
Definition: abnormally or extremely active
Here’s an example:
Slide 4:
We see a girl who seems a little agitated.
The sentence reads: Hyperactive behaviour usually refers to constant activity, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, fidgeting or constant moving.
You may know that hyperactivity is one of the core features of ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Slide 5:
Our next word is:
HYPERSENSITIVE
Definition:
- extreme physical sensitivity to some substances
- easily hurt, or offended, unusually vulnerable
Slide 6:
In the picture we see a teenager holding her mobile phone, while deep in thought.
The sentence reads: As many teenagers are hypersensitive to the opinions of others, social media can have a very damaging effect if a teenager becomes the victim of bullying.
While people of all ages are sensitive to the opinions of others, this sensitivity is usually heightened during the teenage years when acceptance by peers is viewed as very important.
Slide 7:
Before the third example, here’s a quick reminder. If you want to continually improve your English, be sure to subscribe to this channel. Just click the red button in the right corner, then the bell icon, and finally All.
Slide 8:
Our third example of words with the prefix HYPER is:
HYPERCRITICAL
Definition: excessively or unreasonably critical
Slide 9:
Note: Be careful not to confuse
HYPERcritical with
HYPOcritical,
an entirely different word which refers to the behaviour of a person who says one thing, but doesn’t follow it themselves.
Here’s an example of hypercritical:
Slide 10:
The picture shows Lee Iacocca, the famous automobile executive who died in 2019.
The sentence reads: Lee Iacocca, the American automobile executive best know for the development of the Ford Mustang, and later reviving the Chrysler Corporation, was also known for his hypercritical, micro-managing style, which some colleagues found difficult to work with.
So while Lee Iacocca was a gifted CEO with acute business acumen, he also had a reputation for being excessively or unreasonably critical.
Slide 11:
Now we come to our fourth and final example, the word:
HYPERBOLE
Note the pronunciation. A first time reader might be tempted to say HYPER – BOLE. But note, the pronunciation is HYPERBOLE, with emphasis on the 2nd syllable, hy-PER-bol-ee.
Definition: a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for effect or emphasis, not to be taken literally
Slide 11:
What is a figure of speech?
An expression of language such as a simile or metaphor, used in a non-literal way.
Here’s an example of hyperbole:
Slide 13:
The picture shows a 17th century painting by Italian Baroque painter, Domenico Fetti, in which he portrays one of the sayings of Jesus Christ.
The text reads:
The Great Teacher Jesus sometimes used hyperbole. Here is an example:
“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ when look! a rafter is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the straw from your brother’s eye.”— Matthew 7:4, 5.
This quote is taken from the gospel of Matthew in the Bible. In other words, by using this hyperbole, Jesus is encouraging his disciples not to be hypercritical, taking note of a small defect in another person, when they themselves may have a major defect of their own.
So take note of this figure of speech. It can add colour, dramatic effect, and even humour to the spoken or written word.
So let’s summarize what we have learned in this lesson.
Side 14:
Remember, the prefix HYPER simply means:
OVER | ABOVE
EXCESSIVE
We considered 4 examples:
HYPERACTIVE
HYPERSENSITIVE
HYPERCRITICAL
HYPERBOLE
Look for opportunities to use these words in your conversation and add them to your active vocabulary.
Slide 15:
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As you are interested in the meaning of the prefix HYPER, check these prefixes:
Words With the Prefix SYS | SYL | SYM | SYN
Image Credits
Slide 4 – hyperactive
Royalty Free
Courtesy of ptksgc at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-beautiful-fashion-woman-2099363/
Slide 6 – hypersensitive
Royalty Free
Courtesy of Surprising_Snapshots at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/girlie-teenager-purse-phone-7334626/
Slide 9 – hypercritical
Public Domain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Iacocca#/media/File:Lee_Iacocca_1972.jpg
Slide 13 – hyperbole
Public Domain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_7:3#/media/File:Domenico_Fetti_-_The_Parable_of_the_Mote_and_the_Beam.jpg
Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:
Public Domain
Public domain works are not restricted by copyright and do not require a license or fee to use. Public domain status allows the user unrestricted access and unlimited creativity. These are typically very old works.
Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.
