MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

The prefix that denotes "through" is?

1. Per-

2. Ob-

3. Ultra-

4. Super-

The correct answer is: Per-

The prefix that denotes "through" is accurately identified as "per-." This prefix derives from Latin and conveys the idea of thoroughness or completeness, as well as the sense of going through something in a pathway or process. For example, in the word "permeate," it suggests that something spreads through or passes through a substance. The other prefixes, while they carry their own meanings, do not align with the concept of "through." "Ob-" indicates opposition or support, "ultra-" means beyond or extremely, and "super-" denotes above, over, or higher. Thus, their definitions do not correspond to the notion of moving through something. By understanding the specific meanings and origins of these prefixes, it becomes clear why "per-" is the correct choice for this question.