MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What is the meaning of the prefix "un-"?

1. Not, reverse of

2. Large

3. Same, equal

4. Poorly, not

The correct answer is: Not, reverse of

The prefix "un-" is a common linguistic element in English that signifies negation or the opposite of a particular state or quality. When it is attached to a word, it typically transforms that word into its opposite meaning. For example, adding "un-" to "happy" creates "unhappy," which conveys the meaning of not being happy. This aligns perfectly with the concept of "not" or "reverse of," making the first choice the correct understanding of the prefix "un-." In contrast, the other options suggest meanings that do not accurately represent the function of the prefix. For instance, "large," "same," and "poorly" each carry distinct connotations that are unrelated to the idea of negation, demonstrating a misunderstanding of how prefixes are used to alter the meanings of root words.