What is the primary function of a prefix?

A prefix is a morpheme added to the beginning of a root or base word that serves to change its meaning. When a prefix is attached to a word, it modifies the original meaning in a specific way, allowing for the creation of new words. For example, the prefix "un-" can be added to the word "happy" to create "unhappy," which conveys the opposite meaning. This function of prefixes is essential in the expansion of vocabulary and understanding of language nuances, as they allow speakers and writers to convey different aspects of meaning without changing the root word itself.

While other options touch on aspects of language, they do not capture the core function of a prefix. A prefix does not primarily alter pronunciation; it may influence how the word is spoken, but its main role is meaning change. Prefixes also do not denote tense or plurality, which are grammatical functions typically marked by affixes like suffixes. Describing the root or base word is not the purpose of a prefix either; it actively transforms the meaning rather than merely providing a description.