Prefixes

In general, do not use a hyphen between a prefix and a stem word unless a confusing word would result or if the stem word begins with a capital letter. In general, when a prefix results in a double vowel and each vowel is pronounced, the word is not hyphenated. Note the following examples:

reenter

nonnegative

non-native

cooperate

coworker

un-American

For more information, see the individual entries in the Usage Dictionary for specific prefixes, the American Heritage Dictionary, or The Chicago Manual of Style.

A prefix affects only the word to which it is affixed. Do not use a prefix to affect an entire phrase.

Microsoft style

unrelated to security

Not Microsoft style

non-security related

International considerations

International considerations

Do not ...

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