What does the prefix macro- mean?
Macro- comes from the Greek makros, which means "long" or "large". It is the direct opposite of micro-. It shows something large-scale or something visible to the naked eye, without needing a microscope.
ESEN
Prefix · large scale / broad
macro-
Signals large scale or breadth: macroeconomics, macroscopic, macronutrient.
Scientific
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
Macro is also a word on its own
Today macro is also used by itself. In computing, a macro is an instruction that runs several steps automatically. In photography, a macro lens is used to take photos of very small things from very close, which seems contradictory: the name refers to the size of the image in the photo, not to the size of the object.
How it is used
Attaches to scientific nouns and adjectives:
- macro- + field of studyeconomics → macroeconomicsbiology → macrobiologyevolution → macroevolution
- macro- + adjective/nounscopic → macroscopicmolecule → macromoleculenutrient → macronutrient
Pronunciation: /ˈmækrəʊ/, with a short "a" as in "cat." Used alone as a noun in computing: "a macro" = an automated set of instructions.
How it is pronounced
macro-/ˈmækrəʊ/
Tap the button to hear how the prefix sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Root word
With macro-
In a phrase
- economicsmacroeconomicsMacroeconomics looks at how inflation and employment affect the economy.
- scopicmacroscopicUnlike bacteria, mould is macroscopic and easy to see growing.
- moleculemacromoleculeDNA and proteins are macromolecules made of smaller chemical units.
- evolutionmacroevolutionMacroevolution studies large changes in species over millions of years.
- nutrientmacronutrientProteins, carbs, and fats are the body's three main macronutrients.
- environmentmacroenvironmentA company's macroenvironment includes factors it cannot control directly.
- instructionmacroShe created a macro that automatically sorted the spreadsheet data.
Common mistakes
macroeconomics = the same as economics
macroeconomics = large-scale economy; microeconomics = individual and firm behaviour
"Macroeconomics" studies national or global economy (GDP, inflation, monetary policy). "Microeconomics" studies individual decision-making, firm behaviour, and specific market dynamics.
macro lens = a lens for photographing large things
macro lens = a lens for close-up photography of very small subjects
In photography, "macro" indicates a high reproduction ratio (the image on the sensor equals or exceeds the real-world size of the subject). A macro lens is used for insects, flowers, and other small subjects.
A trick to remember it
Think of the big picture: macro- = large. macroeconomics, macronutrient.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
What is the difference between "macroeconomics" and "microeconomics"?
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
"Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are all ___ that the body needs in relatively large quantities."
Frequently asked questions
What does the prefix macro- mean in English?
The prefix macro- signals large scale or breadth: macroeconomics, macroscopic, macronutrient.
How do you pronounce macro-?
The prefix macro- is pronounced /ˈmækrəʊ/. For example, "macroeconomics".
Can you give an example of a word with macro-?
"economics" becomes "macroeconomics". It is a typical example of the macro- prefix.
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