Choosing the Right Prefix for 'Mortal'

The question asks us to find the most suitable prefix to complete the sentence: "The Taj Mahal is a symbol of the _______ mortal love of two people." We need a prefix that modifies 'mortal' to describe the kind of love symbolized by the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is famous as a symbol of unending, eternal love.

Understanding the Base Word 'Mortal'

The word 'mortal' means subject to death, not living forever. In the context of love, 'mortal love' would imply love that ends or is limited, perhaps by death.

Analyzing the Prefixes

Let's look at the given prefix options and how they typically change the meaning of a word:

• im-: This prefix often means 'not'. It is commonly used before words starting with 'm' or 'p'. Examples: possible → impossible (not possible), patient → impatient (not patient).
• dis-: This prefix usually means 'not', 'opposite of', 'away', or 'apart'. Examples: agree → disagree (not agree), appear → disappear (vanish).
• un-: This prefix usually means 'not' or 'opposite of'. Examples: happy → unhappy (not happy), tie → untie (opposite of tie).
• re-: This prefix usually means 'again' or 'back'. Examples: build → rebuild (build again), turn → return (turn back).

Applying the Prefixes to 'Mortal'

Now, let's see how these prefixes combine with 'mortal':

• im- + mortal = immortal: 'Immortal' means not mortal, living forever, or in the context of concepts like love, it means unending or eternal.
• dis- + mortal: 'Dismortal' is not a standard English word.
• un- + mortal: 'Unmortal' is not a standard English word; 'immortal' is the correct term for 'not mortal'.
• re- + mortal: 'Remortal' is not a standard English word.

Choosing the Suitable Prefix

The sentence describes the Taj Mahal as a symbol of the love between two people. This love is famously depicted as eternal or unending. The word that means 'not mortal' and fits the context of unending love is 'immortal'. The prefix 'im-' creates the word 'immortal'.

Therefore, the most suitable prefix is 'im'. The complete phrase is 'immortal love', which correctly describes the eternal nature of the love symbolized by the Taj Mahal.