Which term refers to a word part added before the root word to modify meaning?

Which term refers to a word part added before the root word to modify meaning?

• A. Prefix
• B. Suffix
• C. Root word
• D. Metacognition

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how word parts attach to a base word to change its meaning based on position. A prefix is a morpheme placed in front of a root word to modify its meaning or create a new word. For example, adding un- to happy gives unhappy, signaling negation or opposite meaning; adding pre- to view forms preview, indicating something before. This front-position attachment is what prefixes do. In contrast, a suffix attaches to the end of a word to change its meaning (like -ed or -ing), the root word is the base form, and metacognition refers to thinking about one’s own thinking.

The concept being tested is how word parts attach to a base word to change its meaning based on position. A prefix is a morpheme placed in front of a root word to modify its meaning or create a new word. For example, adding un- to happy gives unhappy, signaling negation or opposite meaning; adding pre- to view forms preview, indicating something before. This front-position attachment is what prefixes do. In contrast, a suffix attaches to the end of a word to change its meaning (like -ed or -ing), the root word is the base form, and metacognition refers to thinking about one’s own thinking.