What term describes a word that is added to the beginning of the root?

What term describes a word that is added to the beginning of the root?

• A. Noun Phrase
• B. Base Word
• C. Suffix
• D. Prefix

Answer: (D)

A prefix is a morpheme added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning or function. It sits at the front of the root (or base word), so the core word remains the same while its overall meaning shifts—for example, adding un- to happy gives the opposite meaning, or re- to do indicates repetition. This placement at the front distinguishes prefixes from suffixes, which attach to the end of a word (like -ing or -ed). The base word is simply the simplest form without any affixes, and a noun phrase is a group of words acting as a noun, not a single affix attached to the front.

A prefix is a morpheme added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning or function. It sits at the front of the root (or base word), so the core word remains the same while its overall meaning shifts—for example, adding un- to happy gives the opposite meaning, or re- to do indicates repetition. This placement at the front distinguishes prefixes from suffixes, which attach to the end of a word (like -ing or -ed). The base word is simply the simplest form without any affixes, and a noun phrase is a group of words acting as a noun, not a single affix attached to the front.