Question 1
The prefix contra- means "against," as in contradict. In common English, the related form counter- carries the same meaning, as in counteract. What do contra- and counter- mean?
Both "contra-" and "counter-" mean "against." "contra-" appears in Latin-origin words: in contradict, it means to speak against. "counter-" appears in common English: in counteract, it means to act against.
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The prefix anti- appears in antibiotic and antidote. What does anti- mean?
"anti-" means "against." In antibiotic, it describes a substance that works against bacterial life. In antidote, it describes a remedy that works against a poison.
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The prefix syn- means "together," as in synchronize. Before b, m, or p, it becomes sym-, as in sympathy. What does syn-/sym- mean?
"syn-" means "together." Before b, m, or p, it becomes "sym-." In synchronize, "syn-" indicates events happening together in time. In sympathy, "sym-" indicates feeling together with another person.
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The prefix para- appears in parallel. The root -allel comes from a Greek word meaning "each other." How does para- shape the meaning of parallel?
"para-" means "beside." In parallel, it combines with a root meaning "each other" to describe lines that run beside each other, maintaining equal distance and never intersecting.
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The prefix inter- appears in interrupt. The root -rupt means "to break." How does inter- shape the meaning of interrupt?
"inter-" means "between." In interrupt, it combines with -rupt (to break) to describe breaking in between — cutting into the middle of a conversation or activity.
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The prefix para- appears in paradox. The root -dox comes from a Greek word meaning "opinion" or "belief." Which best describes what para- contributes here?
In paradox, "para-" carries the meaning "beyond" rather than "beside." Combined with -dox (opinion), paradox means "beyond ordinary opinion" — a statement that seems contradictory but may contain truth. "para-" has two related senses: "beside" (as in parallel) and "beyond" (as in paradox, paranormal).
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The word counterintuitive contains the prefix counter-. The root relates to "intuition" — the immediate sense of what feels right. How does counter- shape the meaning of counterintuitive?
"counter-" means "against." In counterintuitive, it combines with intuitive to describe something that goes against what one would naturally expect — the opposite of what common sense suggests.
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The prefix anti- appears in antithesis. The root -thesis comes from a Greek word meaning "a placing" or "a position." What does antithesis most likely mean?
"anti-" means "against." Combined with -thesis (a placing), antithesis means "placed against" — the direct opposite or complete contrast of something.
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The prefix sym- appears in symbiosis. The root -bio- means "life." What does symbiosis most likely mean?
"sym-" is the form of "syn-" used before b, meaning "together." Combined with -bio- (life), symbiosis means "living together" — typically referring to two organisms in close association, often to mutual benefit.
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Answer question 9 to unlock
The prefix inter- appears in interlocutor. The root -locut- comes from a Latin word meaning "to speak." What does interlocutor most likely mean?
"inter-" means "between." Combined with -locut- (to speak), interlocutor means "one who speaks between" — a participant in a conversation or dialogue, particularly one who facilitates an exchange between others.
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