What is the meaning of the prefix anti-?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: The prefix anti- means against or opposite of.
Explanation:
The prefix anti- is derived from Greek, where it originally meant “against,” “opposite,” or “in opposition to.” It is commonly used in English to form words that express opposition, prevention, or resistance to something.
For example:
- Antibiotic: A substance that works against bacteria.
- Antisocial: A person who acts against social norms or avoids social interaction.
- Antifreeze: A chemical that works against freezing, especially in car engines.
- Antigravity: A force or condition that works opposite to gravity.
Understanding the prefix anti- can help readers and learners figure out the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. This is especially useful in fields like science, medicine, and politics, where such words appear frequently.
In medicine, the prefix can be seen in terms such as antiviral or antidepressant. These terms refer to medications that work against viruses or depression, respectively. In politics or social discussion, a person who is antiwar is someone who is against war or military conflict.
This prefix can also signal resistance or reaction. For example, antibody refers to a protein produced by the immune system to fight against harmful antigens like bacteria and viruses.
By recognizing the prefix anti-, one can infer that the word has a negative or oppositional meaning relative to the root it is attached to. This knowledge improves vocabulary skills and reading comprehension, especially when encountering complex or technical terms. Understanding prefixes like anti- is a powerful tool in mastering the structure and meaning of English words.
