Which of the following is the definition of the word prefix?
an affix added to the end of a word root
word part added at the beginning or end of a word root that changes the word's meaning
an affix added at the beginning of a word root
a basic word part that often comes from Greek or Latin
The definition of the word "prefix" is an affix added at the beginning of a word root.
The correct definition of the word "prefix" is: an affix added at the beginning of a word root.
To arrive at this answer, you need to understand the meanings of the individual options provided. Let's break them down:
1. "An affix added to the end of a word root" - This describes a suffix, not a prefix. A suffix is a word part added at the end of a word root that often changes the word's form or function.
2. "A word part added at the beginning or end of a word root that changes the word's meaning" - This explanation encompasses both prefixes and suffixes. While this statement is not incorrect, it is a more generalized definition that includes both types of affixes. However, the question specifically asks for the definition of a prefix, so it is not the most precise answer.
3. "An affix added at the beginning of a word root" - This option perfectly matches the definition of a prefix. A prefix is a word part added at the beginning of a word root to modify its meaning.
4. "A basic word part that often comes from Greek or Latin" - This describes the nature of many word roots, which frequently have their origins in Greek or Latin. However, it does not explicitly define a prefix.
Therefore, the correct definition of a prefix is "an affix added at the beginning of a word root."