ParaPro Assesment Practice Exam

Which prefix means "not"?

1. Non-

2. Post-

3. Anti-

4. Mal-

The correct answer is: Non-

The prefix that means "not" is "non-." This prefix is commonly used in the English language to indicate the absence or negation of something. For example, the word "nonexistent" means "not existing," and "nonsmoker" refers to someone who does not smoke. The use of "non-" effectively conveys the idea of negation or the opposite of a characteristic. Other prefixes such as "post-," "anti-," and "mal-" have different meanings. "Post-" indicates something that occurs after, as in "postwar," referring to the time after a war. "Anti-" denotes opposition or resistance, as seen in the word "antibiotic," meaning against bacteria. "Mal-" implies something is bad or inadequate, as in "malfunction," which refers to a failure to function properly. Understanding these prefixes expands your vocabulary and comprehension of English word formation.