MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Which prefix is used to indicate negation?

1. Pro-

2. In-

3. Epi-

4. Sub-

The correct answer is: In-

The prefix that indicates negation is "in-." This prefix is commonly used to form words that express the opposite or absence of a particular quality or state. For example, the word "incomplete" conveys the idea of something not being whole or lacking some components. In contrast, the other options do not denote negation. "Pro-" often signifies favor or support for something, as in "promote." "Epi-" is a prefix that relates to being upon or over, as seen in "epidermis," which refers to the outer layer of skin. "Sub-" indicates beneath or below, as in "submarine," meaning under the sea. Thus, "in-" is the only prefix listed that effectively communicates negation.