Question

Which of these best describes the effect of adding a prefix like anti- to a root word?

A. It does not affect the word.
B. It modifies the root word in a negative way.
C. It strengthens the meaning of the root word.
D. It creates an antonym.

Answer 1

B. It modifies the root word in a negative way.

Even though “anti,” by definition, can mean “the opposite of” something, it does not necessarily always make the word into an antonym. Because of the negative connotation of “anti,” however, what does happen is that the word is modified in a negative manner. For instance, the opposite of “hero” is “villain.” To put “anti” in front of “hero” gives you “antihero,” which is an unlikely hero of undesirable, unconventional attributes, which, as you can see is still a “hero,” not its opposite, but still negative.

Answer 2

The correct answer for this question is "B. It modifies the root word in a negative way." The statement that best describes the effect of adding a prefix like anti- to a root word is that it modifies the root word in a negative way. Being anti is being oppose from what is good.