New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What do prefixes do?

1. They are added to the end of words

2. They change the root word to its antonym

3. They are added to the beginning of words

4. They provide definitions of words

The correct answer is: They are added to the beginning of words

The function of prefixes is to be added to the beginning of words. This addition modifies the meaning of the root word to which they are affixed. For example, when the prefix "un-" is added to the word "happy," it transforms the meaning to "not happy." This capability to alter meanings is central to how prefixes operate in building new words and expanding vocabulary. In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the function of prefixes. Adding elements to the end of words pertains to suffixes, not prefixes. While some prefixes can imply negation or opposition, that is not their primary function; rather, they are versatile in creating a range of meanings. Lastly, providing definitions is not a role of prefixes; instead, they modify existing words to create nuanced meanings without defining them outright.