Which prefix means 'against'

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Multiple Choice

Which prefix means 'against'

Opposition is shown by the prefix contra- or counter-, because it literally means against and appears in many common terms that indicate opposing action or ideas, such as contradict, counteract, contravene, and counterargument. This direct sense of being against makes it the clearest match for "against." The prefix anti- also means against, but it often signals opposition in a more general or adversarial sense (as in antibiotic, antiwar). The other two options don’t convey opposition at all: extra- means outside or beyond, and bi- means two. So the best choice is the prefix that most plainly expresses opposition in a wide range of words.

Opposition is shown by the prefix contra- or counter-, because it literally means against and appears in many common terms that indicate opposing action or ideas, such as contradict, counteract, contravene, and counterargument. This direct sense of being against makes it the clearest match for "against." The prefix anti- also means against, but it often signals opposition in a more general or adversarial sense (as in antibiotic, antiwar). The other two options don’t convey opposition at all: extra- means outside or beyond, and bi- means two. So the best choice is the prefix that most plainly expresses opposition in a wide range of words.

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