Which prefix means against?

Which prefix means against?

• A. Dia-
• B. Anti-
• C. Lys/o
• D. Dermat/o

Answer: (B)

A prefix that expresses opposition is anti-. It literally means against or opposite, and you’ll see it in terms like antioxidant, antibiotic, and antihypertensive, where the prefix indicates opposing the action described. Dia- means through, across, or between, as in diameter or diagnosis, so it’s not about opposition. Lys/o is a root element meaning to loosen or dissolve (as in lysosome), used within terms rather than as a prefix indicating opposition. Dermat/o relates to the skin, as in dermatology, and does not convey opposition either.

A prefix that expresses opposition is anti-. It literally means against or opposite, and you’ll see it in terms like antioxidant, antibiotic, and antihypertensive, where the prefix indicates opposing the action described.

Dia- means through, across, or between, as in diameter or diagnosis, so it’s not about opposition. Lys/o is a root element meaning to loosen or dissolve (as in lysosome), used within terms rather than as a prefix indicating opposition. Dermat/o relates to the skin, as in dermatology, and does not convey opposition either.