What does the prefix "dis-" indicate in terms of word meaning?

What does the prefix "dis-" indicate in terms of word meaning?

• A. To improve
• B. To indicate a location
• C. Opposition
• D. A sense of urgency

Answer: (C)

The prefix "dis-" typically conveys a sense of opposition or negation. When added to base words, it alters their meaning to suggest doing the opposite or indicating a removal of the original concept. For example, "agree" becomes "disagree," which means to have an opposing view. Similarly, "connect" becomes "disconnect," signaling a separation or removal of connection. This prefix serves as a linguistic tool to create antonyms or denote a reversal of the action implied by the root word, making "opposition" the clear and correct choice. In contrast, options such as "to improve" or "to indicate a location" do not accurately reflect the function of "dis-," as they suggest enhancement or direction rather than negation. The sense of urgency also does not align with the meaning of the prefix, which centers more on negation or contradiction rather than the intensity of action.

The prefix "dis-" typically conveys a sense of opposition or negation. When added to base words, it alters their meaning to suggest doing the opposite or indicating a removal of the original concept. For example, "agree" becomes "disagree," which means to have an opposing view. Similarly, "connect" becomes "disconnect," signaling a separation or removal of connection. This prefix serves as a linguistic tool to create antonyms or denote a reversal of the action implied by the root word, making "opposition" the clear and correct choice.

In contrast, options such as "to improve" or "to indicate a location" do not accurately reflect the function of "dis-," as they suggest enhancement or direction rather than negation. The sense of urgency also does not align with the meaning of the prefix, which centers more on negation or contradiction rather than the intensity of action.