Prefix Practice: Forming New Words

This question involves understanding how prefixes can be added to a base word to create a new word with a different meaning. A prefix is a word part that is added to the beginning of a word.

Understanding Prefixes and Word Formation

We need to find the correct prefix from the given options that, when added to the word "Continued", forms a meaningful English word. Let's examine each option:

• Option 1: mis- Adding "mis-" to "Continued" would create "miscontinued". This is not a standard or commonly used English word. The prefix "mis-" often implies doing something wrong or badly.
• Option 2: dis- Adding "dis-" to "Continued" creates "discontinued". This is a valid English word meaning something that has been stopped or ended. For example, "The service was discontinued."
• Option 3: un- Adding "un-" to "Continued" would result in "uncontinued". This is not a recognized English word. The prefix "un-" typically means "not".
• Option 4: in- Adding "in-" to "Continued" would create "incontinued". This is not a standard English word. The prefix "in-" can mean "not" or indicate something within.

Analyzing the Options

By testing each prefix, we find that only "dis-" combines with "Continued" to form a recognized and meaningful word, "discontinued". This word signifies the cessation or stopping of something.

Correct Prefix Identification

The task requires identifying the prefix that logically and grammatically transforms "Continued" into a new, valid word. Comparing the results:

• mis + Continued = miscontinued (Incorrect)
• dis + Continued = discontinued (Correct)
• un + Continued = uncontinued (Incorrect)
• in + Continued = incontinued (Incorrect)

Therefore, the prefix "dis-" is the correct choice to make a new word.