Final answer:
The root of the word "pre-screen" is "screen", which can stand alone as a word in English, thereby making it a free root.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if the root of the word "pre-screen" is locked or free, we need to identify the base root word. The word "pre-screen" contains the prefix "pre-" and the root word "screen". A free root is one that can stand alone as a word in English, whereas a locked root cannot stand alone and must be combined with other elements to form a complete word. In this case, "screen" is a word that can stand alone, which means it is a free root.
The root of the word "pre-screen" is "screen." In linguistic terms, a root is the core lexical unit that carries the primary meaning of a word. In this case, "screen" refers to a protective barrier or partition. The addition of the prefix "pre-" in "pre-screen" indicates that the action or process is taking place before something else. In the context of screening, it implies an evaluation or examination conducted in advance. While the prefix alters the original meaning slightly, the root "screen" remains free, as it is a meaningful word on its own. Understanding word roots aids in deciphering and comprehending the meanings of various words and contributes to language proficiency.