Mississippi Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the primary function of a prefix?

1. To form new words by adding to the end of a word

2. To alter the meaning by being placed at the beginning of a word

3. To replace the main root of a word

4. To signify importance in a sentence

The correct answer is: To alter the meaning by being placed at the beginning of a word

The primary function of a prefix is to alter the meaning by being placed at the beginning of a word. Prefixes are added to the start of root words to modify their meanings or indicate negation, quantity, direction, or other nuances. For example, adding the prefix "un-" to the word "happy" creates the word "unhappy," which conveys an entirely different meaning. On the other hand, forming new words by adding to the end of a word typically involves suffixes rather than prefixes, so that is not the correct function of a prefix. A prefix does not replace the main root of a word; it works alongside it to enhance or change meaning. Lastly, while prefixes can contribute to the overall meaning of a sentence, they do not serve to signify importance as a standalone function. Thus, the exploration of prefixes emphasizes their role in modifying and enhancing word meanings at the beginning of the base word.