MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What does the prefix "over-" indicate?

1. Not

2. Above

3. Same, equal

4. In, into

The correct answer is: Above

The prefix "over-" indicates a meaning related to being above or excessive. It often suggests a sense of surpassing or exceeding a limit, capacity, or requirement. For example, in words like "overestimate," it suggests estimating beyond the actual value. Similarly, in "overcrowded," it indicates that there is more than the optimal amount of crowding. This use of "over-" consistently conveys a sense of excess or being positioned at a higher level. Other options do not align with the inherent meaning of "over-." For instance, "not" would imply negation, which does not reflect the prefix’s meaning. Words like "same" or "equal" suggest a balance rather than an excess, and "in" or "into" conveys a sense of inclusion or physical movement rather than an exceedance. Thus, "above" accurately captures the essence of what "over-" conveys in various contexts.