What is a prefix?

What is a prefix?

• A. A prefix is added to the beginning of a word to give it a new meaning.
• B. A prefix is added to the end of a word to give it a new meaning.
• C. A prefix is a standalone word with no relation to the root.
• D. A prefix changes the suffix of a word.

Answer: (A)

A prefix is added to the beginning of a word to give it a new meaning. Prefixes are small units that attach to base words to modify their meaning or function, such as un- to show negation in unhappy, re- to indicate repetition in redo, or pre- to mean before in prefix. Because the prefix sits at the front, the idea of adding something to the end describes a suffix, not a prefix. A prefix is not a standalone word; it must join with a root, so a standalone word with no relation to the root doesn’t fit. And a prefix doesn’t change the end part of the word (the suffix); it changes the front.

A prefix is added to the beginning of a word to give it a new meaning. Prefixes are small units that attach to base words to modify their meaning or function, such as un- to show negation in unhappy, re- to indicate repetition in redo, or pre- to mean before in prefix. Because the prefix sits at the front, the idea of adding something to the end describes a suffix, not a prefix. A prefix is not a standalone word; it must join with a root, so a standalone word with no relation to the root doesn’t fit. And a prefix doesn’t change the end part of the word (the suffix); it changes the front.