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Negative Prefixes – Quiz 1
Negative Prefixes Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and use negative prefixes correctly in sentences, recognize specific negative prefixes, understand their application in context, and distinguish between positive and negative connotations. It also tests understanding of prefix formation and meaning, as well as the correct spelling and usage of negative prefixes.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
They often act like babies, they are so .....
A) Unmature.
B) Dismature.
C) Immature.
D) The weatherman.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Immature.
The prefix "in-" in "immature" means not having reached the proper state of development, which fits the context of people acting like babies due to their lack of maturity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unmature is not a valid English word.
Option B:
Dismature does not exist in English language.
Option C:
Immature uses the correct negative prefix "in-" to indicate lack of maturity, making it the right choice.
Option D:
The weatherman is unrelated to the context and has no connection with the word formation discussed here.
2.
..... view = display (a product, film, etc.) before it is made generally available
A) PREview.
B) COview.
C) REview.
D) ANTIview.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "preview" is correct because it uses the negative prefix "pre-" meaning before, indicating that something is viewed before its general availability. The other options do not fit this definition:
- COview: Not a valid English word or prefix.
- REview: Indicates a review after an event, not before.
- ANTIview: No such term exists in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the negative prefix "pre-" meaning before.
Option B:
Incorrect. Not a valid word or prefix combination.
Option C:
Incorrect. Indicates review after, not before availability.
Option D:
Incorrect. No such term exists in English.
3.
1) an interval between parts of a play, film, or concert2) a break, pause
A) CO-mission.
B) SUBmission.
C) INTERmission.
D) ANTI-mission.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) INTERmission.
An
INTERmission
refers to a break between parts of an event, such as acts in a play or movements in a concert. This term directly aligns with the definition provided.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
CO-mission does not fit the context of a break or interval.
Option B:
SUBmission is related to submission, not intervals or breaks.
Option C:
INTERmission correctly denotes a break between parts of an event.
Option D:
ANTI-mission implies opposition and does not relate to intervals or breaks.
4.
Not mantain; Not extend help, Not providing of necessary means or funds for a person or family to live.
A) UNSUPPORTIVE.
B) UNSUPPORTIV.
C) UNSUPPORTIVE.
D) ANSUPPORTIVE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) UNSUPPORTIVE.
The given statement describes a situation where there is no maintenance, extension of help, nor provision of necessary means or funds for living. This clearly indicates a lack of support, which is precisely what the negative prefix "un-" conveys in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The word "unsupportive" accurately describes the situation.
Option B:
Incorrect. The spelling error makes it invalid.
Option C:
Incorrect. The spelling error makes it invalid.
Option D:
Incorrect. The spelling error makes it invalid.
5.
She is proud to be ..... in her job.
A) Independant.
B) Independent.
C) Independent.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Independent.
The word "independent" is the correct spelling and matches the context of the sentence, which conveys pride in one's job performance without relying on others or external factors. The prefix "in-" means not or without, but it does not apply here as there is no negation; rather, it describes a positive trait.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Spelling error ("Independant" instead of "Independent").
Option B:
Correct spelling and fits the context.
Option C:
Duplicate of Option B, correct but redundant in this context.
Option D:
Indicates no suitable option, which is incorrect as "Independent" is valid.
6.
Which one of the following is NOT a negative prefix?
A) And-.
B) In-.
C) -ation.
D) Il-.
Show Answer
Explanations:
-ation is not a negative prefix; it is a suffix that typically indicates an action, result, or state of being (e.g., information, clarification).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And- is a negative prefix used in some words to indicate absence or negation. For example, "androgen" can be seen as having a root meaning related to male characteristics, and the prefix "a-" (from "an-" or "un-") suggests a lack of these characteristics.
Option B:
In- is commonly used as a negative prefix in English. Examples include "incorrect," "inadequate," and "inaccessible." It indicates the absence or negation of something.
Option C:
-ation, as mentioned, is not a negative prefix but rather a suffix that denotes an action, result, or state (e.g., information).
Option D:
Il- is sometimes used as a negative prefix in words like "illogical" and "illegal," indicating the absence of something.
7.
It's ..... to smoke in schools.
A) Illegal.
B) Inlegal.
C) Illegal.
D) Dislegal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Illegal" is the correct answer because it uses the negative prefix "in-" correctly, which in this context means not allowed by law. The prefix "in-" before a word often changes its meaning to indicate negation or opposite, such as "illegal," which means not legal.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the negative prefix "in-" properly.
Option B:
Incorrect. Spelling error; should be "Illegal."
Option C:
Correct. Same as Option A, uses the negative prefix correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect. Spelling error; should be "Illegal."
8.
Which of these words do not belong?
A) Incomplete.
B) Inactive.
C) Intelligent.
D) Incorrect.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Intelligent does not belong because it is the opposite of negative prefixes, which indicate a lack or absence. The other options (Incomplete, Inactive, Incorrect) all contain the prefix "in," which is commonly used to denote negation or opposition in meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incomplete - Contains 'in,' indicating negation.
Option B:
Inactive - Contains 'in,' indicating negation.
Option C:
Intelligent - Does not contain a negative prefix, meaning it does not indicate a lack or absence.
Option D:
Incorrect - Contains 'in,' indicating negation.
9.
We were very ..... with our hotel-the rooms were small and dirty.
A) Pleased.
B) Unsatisfied.
C) Dissatisfied.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Dissatisfied.
The sentence indicates a negative experience with the hotel, specifically mentioning that the rooms were small and dirty. This clearly shows dissatisfaction rather than any positive sentiment like being pleased or satisfied.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pleased - This is incorrect as the description of the room conditions does not indicate a positive experience.
Option B:
Unsatisfied - While this could be considered, it is less precise than "dissatisfied" which directly conveys the negative sentiment expressed in the sentence.
Option C:
Dissatisfied - This accurately reflects the negative feeling towards the hotel rooms as described.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect since option C is correct.
10.
If I want to buy something that is not very EXPENSIVE, then it means that it is .....
A) UNEXPENSIVE.
B) IREXPENSIVE.
C) INEXPENSIVE.
D) INEXPENSIVE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) INEXPENSIVE because the prefix "in-" in English often indicates negation or opposite meaning, such as in words like "incorrect" (not correct), "impossible" (not possible). Here, it negates the meaning of "expensive," resulting in a word that means not expensive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unexpensive is not a standard English term.
Option B:
Irexpensive does not exist and is not grammatically correct.
Option C:
Inexpensive, meaning not expensive, is the correct answer.
Option D:
Repeated option C; same explanation applies.
11.
Of course I can see you, you can't become .....
A) Unvisible.
B) Irvisible.
C) Invisible.
D) Invisible.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Invisible.
The word "invisible" uses the negative prefix "in-" which means not, and it correctly completes the sentence by indicating that something cannot be seen. The other options are misspellings or incorrect forms: "Unvisible," "Irvisible," and "Invisible" (repeated).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unvisible - Incorrect spelling of invisible.
Option B:
Irvisible - Incorrect spelling of invisible.
Option C:
Invisible - Correct form using the negative prefix "in-".
Option D:
Invisible - Repeated and correct, but not the first choice.
12.
He never likes visiting new places or doing exciting things. He's so .....
A) Unfriendly.
B) Unadventurous.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "unadventurous" means someone who avoids new experiences and exciting activities, which aligns with the description given in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unfriendly refers to a lack of friendliness or unwillingness to interact socially, not necessarily avoiding new experiences.
Option B:
Unadventurous accurately describes someone who dislikes visiting new places or doing exciting things as stated in the sentence.
13.
John said he wasn't going to change his mind. His decision is ..... reversible.
A) D. ir.
B) C. dis.
C) Good.
D) A. in.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "dis-" means to negate or reverse an action or state, but in this context, it is not used correctly. The correct negative prefix for indicating something that cannot be changed is "in-," which is derived from the Latin "in-" meaning "not" or "within." Therefore, "irreversible" accurately describes a decision that cannot be changed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Ir. - This is the correct answer as it uses the prefix "in-," which means not changeable.
Option B:
C. dis. - The prefix "dis-" does not fit here; it implies a separation or opposite, not an inability to change.
Option C:
Good. - This is not relevant to the question and does not address the concept of reversibility.
Option D:
A. in. - While "in-" is correct, it should be written as "ir-," which is a common spelling for this prefix when used to mean irreversible or unchangeable.
14.
Because you are pushing your body so hard a career in sport can actually be quite ..... , so you need to look after yourself.
A) Unhealthy.
B) Healthy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence suggests that a career in sport can have negative consequences on one's health due to the intense physical demands, hence "unhealthy" is the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The term "unhealthy" accurately reflects the potential negative impact of rigorous sports training.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Healthy" contradicts the context provided in the sentence, which implies a negative outcome from intense physical activity.
15.
An ..... known visitor has left a package in the room
A) In.
B) Im.
C) And.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) And.
The sentence requires a coordinating conjunction to connect the two independent clauses: "An known visitor has left a package in the room." Adding "And" at the beginning of the second clause properly connects the two ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In. - Incorrect, as it does not form a proper conjunction.
Option B:
Im. - Incorrect, this is not a word and does not make sense in context.
Option C:
And. - Correct, forms a proper conjunction to connect the clauses.
Option D:
None of above. - Incorrect, as "And" is the correct answer.
16.
My body is starting to ..... hydrate because I have not drink anything in eighteen hours.
A) And.
B) Of.
C) Dis.
D) Im.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Of.
The sentence should read "My body is starting to dehydrate because I have not drink anything in eighteen hours." Here, the prefix "de-" means "the opposite of" or "a lack of," indicating that the body is losing its water content. This fits with the context of not drinking for 18 hours.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And - Incorrect as it does not make sense in this context.
Option B:
Of - Correct, forming "dehydrate," meaning to lose water content.
Option C:
Dis - Incorrect as it would form a word like "dishydrate" which is not the intended term here.
Option D:
Im - Incorrect as it does not form a meaningful prefix in this context.
17.
..... surprising
A) Im.
B) In.
C) Ir.
D) Un.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "un-" is a negative prefix in English, used to form the opposite meaning of words (e.g., unhappy, unkind). The claimed correct answer D) Un. is indeed accurate because it correctly identifies this negative prefix as the appropriate choice for forming a word with an opposite meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Im. - Incorrect; not a standard English prefix.
Option B:
In. - Incorrect; can be used in some words but is not a negative prefix.
Option C:
Ir. - Incorrect; not a standard English prefix.
Option D:
Un. - Correct; a recognized negative prefix.
18.
The Miner's trip through the Death Valley was .....
A) Unsuccessful.
B) Unsuccessful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "un-" in "Unsuccessful" indicates the opposite of success, which means the trip did not achieve its intended purpose or goals. This aligns with the claimed correct answer that the Miner's trip was unsuccessful.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The prefix "un-" denotes failure or lack of success.
Option B:
Incorrect. No additional explanation needed as Option A is already clear and correct.
19.
I am ..... to finish that assignment in time. (able)
A) And.
B) In.
C) Dis.
D) Re.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) And.
The sentence "I am and to finish that assignment in time" uses the negative prefix "un-" which is implied by the word "and," making it grammatically incorrect. The intended use of a negative prefix would be "unable."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the negative prefix "un-" implying inability.
Option B:
Incorrect. Does not form a meaningful sentence with a negative prefix.
Option C:
Incorrect. Does not form a meaningful sentence with a negative prefix.
Option D:
Incorrect. Does not form a meaningful sentence with a negative prefix.
20.
A central character in a story, film, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes
A) I will go out.
B) ANTI-hero.
C) SUBHERO.
D) UNDERhero.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An anti-hero is a central character who lacks conventional heroic attributes, often possessing flaws and engaging in morally questionable actions. This term correctly describes the given definition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant to the context of negative prefixes or the definition provided.
Option B:
Correct as it accurately defines a character lacking heroic attributes.
Option C:
Not a standard term in literature or storytelling.
Option D:
Not a recognized term for this concept.
21.
He was too ..... to wait in line for the bus.
A) Impatient.
B) A patient.
C) Inpatient.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "impatient" is the correct answer because it uses a negative prefix, "in-," to indicate a lack of patience. The prefix "in-" in this context means not or lacking, which fits the meaning of someone who cannot wait.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the negative prefix "im-" (not) with "patient" to mean lacking patience.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Patient" means able to endure waiting or pain without annoyance, which is the opposite of what the sentence implies.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Inpatient" typically refers to a person staying in a hospital and does not mean lacking patience.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
22.
What is the opposite of approve?
A) Unproven.
B) Disapprove.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The opposite of approve is disapprove, as it indicates a negative reaction or refusal to accept something. This aligns with the concept that "dis-" is a negative prefix meaning not or against.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unproven does not directly oppose approval; it suggests lack of proof rather than rejection.
Option B:
Disapprove correctly represents the opposite, indicating disagreement or refusal to accept something.
23.
Sarah doesn't like her new school because she doesn't know anyone here. She's really .....
A) Irhappy.
B) Mishappy.
C) Unhappy.
D) Dishappy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Unhappy.
The prefix "un-" in English means "not" or "the opposite of." In this context, "unhappy" means Sarah feels the opposite of happy because she doesn't know anyone at her new school.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irhappy is not a valid word in English.
Option B:
Mishappy is also not a correct term; it does not exist in the language.
Option C:
Unhappy uses the negative prefix "un-" correctly to indicate Sarah's state of feeling unhappy.
Option D:
Dishappy is another non-existent term, making this option incorrect.
24.
It's too complicated, not practical. It means it is .....
A) UNPRACTICAL.
B) DISPRACTICAL.
C) IMPRACTICAL.
D) IMPRACTICAL.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer is C) IMPRACTICAL because the prefix "im-" in English often means "not" or negation, making something impractical by implying it lacks practicality.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
UNPRACTICAL - Incorrect. The prefix does not change the word to its opposite form.
Option B:
DISPRACTICAL - Incorrect. This is not a valid English word with this meaning.
Option C:
IMPRACTICAL - Correct. "Im-" means "not," making it mean lacking practicality.
Option D:
IMPRACTICAL - Repeated and correct, but only one answer is needed.
25.
..... experienced
A) Mis.
B) Im.
C) And.
D) In.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) In.
The prefix "In-" is a negative prefix in English, meaning the opposite of the word it modifies. For example, "incomplete" means not complete. This aligns with the concept that "experienced" can be negated to form "inexperienced," indicating a lack of experience.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Mis. - Incorrect; "Mis-" is a prefix meaning wrong or incorrect, not negative.
Option B:
Im. - Incorrect; "Im-" is sometimes used but not as commonly as "In-," and it doesn't always indicate negation.
Option C:
And. - Incorrect; "And" is a conjunction, not a prefix.
Option D:
In. - Correct; "In-" is the negative prefix that can be used to form words like "inexperienced."
26.
The opposite of "like" is .....
Show Answer
Explanations:
Dislike is the correct answer because it directly expresses opposition to liking something, making it the antonym of "like."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unlike is a preposition or conjunction used to compare things but does not function as an antonym for like.
Option B:
Dislike directly expresses opposition to liking something, making it the correct antonym of "like."
27.
Words that take il-as a negative prefix always begin with the letter
Show Answer
Explanations:
The negative prefix "il-" in English typically appears before words that begin with the letter L, forming words like "illegal," "illiterate," and "illogical." This pattern is consistent across many such terms where "il-" negates the meaning of a word starting with L.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
P. Incorrect; no common negative prefixes in English begin with 'P' followed by a vowel and then an L.
Option B:
M. Incorrect; there are no common negative prefixes in English that follow this pattern starting with 'M'.
Option C:
R. Incorrect; while "ir-" is another negative prefix, it does not consistently precede words beginning with L.
Option D:
L. Correct; the negative prefix "il-" always begins with a vowel followed by an L in English.
28.
His ..... to listen annoys his colleagues.
A) Imability.
B) Unability.
C) Misability.
D) Inability.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Inability.
The negative prefix "in-" means the opposite of the root word, indicating a lack or inability to do something. Here, it suggests he lacks the ability to listen properly, which annoys his colleagues.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Im-" is not a standard negative prefix in English.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Un-" typically negates verbs or indicates a change, but does not fit grammatically here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Mis-" means wrong or incorrect, which doesn't fit the context of inability to listen properly.
Option D:
Correct. "In-" negates the ability to do something, fitting the context perfectly.
29.
Jennifer is very ..... She never says 'please' or 'thank you'.
A) Rudely.
B) Unpointed.
C) Polite.
D) Impolite.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Jennifer is very
Impolite.
The use of negative prefixes, such as "un-" in words like "uncivil" or "unkind," can imply the opposite of a positive trait. Here, "rude" (rudely) and "impolite" are synonymous, but "impolite" is more directly related to the lack of politeness shown by not using 'please' or 'thank you'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Rudely - Close in meaning but less direct than impolite.
Option B:
Unpointed - Not relevant to the context of politeness.
Option C:
Polite - Opposite of what is described, hence incorrect.
Option D:
Impolite - Correct as it directly describes the behavior of not using 'please' or 'thank you'.
30.
Words that take ir-as a negative prefix always begin with the letter
Show Answer
Explanations:
The negative prefix "ir-" in English typically appears before words that begin with the letter R, as in "irregular," "irreplaceable," and "irresistible." This usage is a specific linguistic pattern where "ir-" negates or reverses the meaning of the word.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
L. Incorrect; there are no common English words with "ir-" as a prefix followed by L.
Option B:
R. Correct; many negative forms in English use "ir-" before words starting with R, such as irregular and irreplaceable.
Option C:
B. Incorrect; there are no common English words with "ir-" as a prefix followed by B.
Option D:
M. Incorrect; there are no common English words with "ir-" as a prefix followed by M.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are negative prefixes?
Negative prefixes are small word parts added to the beginning of words to change their meaning, often indicating a negation or opposite. Examples include "un-" (as in unhappy), "dis-" (as in dishonest), and "non-" (as in non-fiction).
How do negative prefixes differ from antonyms?
Negative prefixes are a type of word formation that creates new words by adding meaning to existing ones, whereas antonyms are words with opposite meanings. For example, "happy" and "unhappy" can be considered as having the prefix "un-" applied to create an antonym, but not all negative prefixes form direct opposites.
Can you give examples of how negative prefixes are used in context?
Certainly! Negative prefixes can be seen in various contexts, such as "disobedient" (not obeying), "unbelievable" (not believable), and "non-competitive" (not competitive). These examples show how the prefix changes the meaning of the base word to indicate a negative or opposite quality.
How do students learn about negative prefixes?
Students typically learn about negative prefixes through vocabulary exercises, grammar lessons, and reading activities. They might start by recognizing common prefixes like "un-", "dis-", and "non-" in words and then practice using them to form new meanings or understand existing ones.
Why are negative prefixes important for understanding literary characters?
Understanding negative prefixes is crucial for interpreting character traits and actions in literature. For example, a "dishonest" character might be described using the prefix "dis-", highlighting their untrustworthiness or deceitfulness. This knowledge helps readers grasp the nuances of character development more effectively.