North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the function of prefixes such as bi-, re-, and un- in English language?

1. They indicate the tense of a verb

2. They appear at the beginning of base words to change their meanings

3. They create compound words with additional meanings

4. They are used to simplify complex words

The correct answer is: They appear at the beginning of base words to change their meanings

Prefixes like bi-, re-, and un- function primarily by appearing at the beginning of base words to modify their meanings. Each of these prefixes contributes specific semantic value: for example, "bi-" often means two (as in "bicycle," meaning two wheels), "re-" suggests doing something again (as in "rewrite," meaning to write again), and "un-" typically indicates negation or the opposite of something (as in "unknown," meaning not known). This modification of meaning is crucial in vocabulary development, as it allows for greater expressiveness and precision in communication without altering the fundamental structure of the base word. The ability to manipulate base words with prefixes enhances lexical understanding and supports language learners in grasping new vocabulary through familiar roots and affixes.