Prefix - उपसर्ग

Following is the list of prefixes and their meanings as explained in the Nirukta - Chapter 1, Section 3:

  

 

1. 'आ' (ā) is used in the sense of hitherward; 'प्र' (pra) and 'परा' (parā) are used in its opposition
2. 'अभि' (abhi) is used in the sense of towards; प्रति (prati) is used in its opposition
3. 'अति' (ati) and 'सु' (su) are used in the sense of approval* (पूजितार्थ)  ; 'निर्' (nir) and 'दुर्' (dur) are used in their opposition 
4. ‘नि’ (ni) and ‘अव’ (ava) are used in the sense of downwards* (विनिग्रहार्थ) ; ‘उद’ (ud) is used in their opposition
5. ‘सम्’ (sam) is used in the sense of combination* (एकीभावम् ); ‘वि’ (vi) and ‘अप’ (apa) are used in its opposition
6. ‘अनु’ (anu) is used in the sense of similarity and succession
7. ‘अपि’ (api) is used in the sense of contact
8. ‘उप’ (upa) is used in the sense of accession* (उपजनम्)
9. ‘परि’ (pari) is used in the sense of being all around
10. ‘अधि’ (adhi) is used in the sense of being above or supremacy

 Thus, they express various meanings to which attention should be paid.

*English translation taken from Mr. Sarup's book. But given the original Sanskrit word from the Nirukta, it seems inaccurate. A better translation is welcome from the readers.