Understanding the Prefix 'de-' for Decarbonated

The question asks us to choose the correct prefix to complete the word describing soda that has lost its fizz. Fizz in soda is due to carbonation, which is dissolved carbon dioxide. When the soda sits for a long time and loses its fizz, it loses its carbonation. We need a prefix that signifies the removal or reduction of carbonation.

Let's look at the options provided and their common meanings as prefixes:

• un-: Typically means 'not' or 'opposite of'. For example, 'unhappy' means not happy, and 'undo' means to reverse an action.
• de-: Often means 'opposite action', 'remove', 'reduce', or 'down'. For example, 'deforest' means to remove forests, 'dehydrate' means to remove water, and 'deactivate' means to make inactive.
• re-: Means 'again' or 'back'. For example, 'rewrite' means to write again, and 'return' means to come or go back.
• dis-: Can mean 'not', 'opposite of', or 'apart'. For example, 'disagree' means not agree, and 'disconnect' means to break a connection.

The word 'carbonated' means containing dissolved carbon dioxide (carbonation). When soda loses its fizz, the carbonation is removed or reduced. The prefix that best fits the meaning of removal or reduction is 'de-'. Therefore, soda that has lost its fizz is described as 'decarbonated'.

Let's consider how the other prefixes would change the meaning:

• 'uncarbonated' would mean never having been carbonated in the first place.
• 'recarbonated' would mean carbonated again after losing its fizz.
• 'discarbonated' is not a standard English word used in this context.

Based on the meaning of losing fizz (removing carbonation), the correct prefix is 'de-'. The completed sentence is: "Peter let his soda sit so long that the fizz went out and it was decarbonated."