MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What does the prefix 'pro-' mean?

1. Upon

2. Forward, in place of

3. Out

4. Not-opposing

The correct answer is: Forward, in place of

The prefix 'pro-' means "forward" or "in place of." This prefix is commonly used in English to denote a sense of favor or support for something, as well as to indicate movement ahead or progression. For instance, in words like "promote," it suggests pushing something forward, while in "proactive," it implies taking action to move forward rather than reacting to events after they occur. Other options present different meanings that do not align with the definition of 'pro-.' For instance, 'upon' would suggest a position or location rather than the action of moving forward, 'out' signifies a removal or exit rather than an advancement, and 'not-opposing' denotes a lack of opposition, which doesn't encapsulate the proactive or supportive nature of the prefix 'pro-.' Understanding this prefix can enrich comprehension of numerous English vocabulary words and their meanings.