in- Definition

in-¹
prefix

1. Also il- before words beginning in l, im- before words beginning in b, m and p, and ir- before words beginning in r: signifying the negative or opposite of the root word or a lack of the quality implied by the root word; not; lacking. Compare non-, un-.

Example: inhospitable
Example: illogical
Example: immaturity
Example: irrelevance

Etymology: Latin.

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in-²
prefix

1. Also il- before words beginning with l, im- before words beginning with b, m and p, and ir- before words beginning with r: signifying in, on or towards.

Example: immigrant
Example: imprison
Example: intrude
2. Used to add emphasis or force, or sometimes with almost no meaning.

Example: intumesce

Etymology: Latin in- and French en- in or into.