In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the option that is formed with a prefix.

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The correct option is 'None of these' because none of the given words are constructed using a prefix.
A prefix is an affix added to the beginning of a word. The words provided are formed either by adding a suffix or by combining two root words.
Analysis shows 'Ugliness' and 'Roundness' use the suffix '-ness', and 'Waterfall' is a compound word made from 'water' and 'fall'.

Option A: The word 'Ugliness' is formed by adding the suffix '-ness' to the end of the root word 'Ugly'. It does not contain a prefix.
Option B: The word 'Roundness' is formed by adding the suffix '-ness' to the end of the root word 'Round'. It does not contain a prefix.
Option C: 'Waterfall' is a compound word, created by joining two independent words: 'water' and 'fall'. 'Water' acts as a noun here, not a prefix.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Word Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Compound Words as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a grammar question, a strong command of language is crucial in nursing for accurate documentation, understanding medical terminology (which heavily uses prefixes and suffixes, e.g., 'hyper-'tension, gastr-'itis'), and clear communication with patients and colleagues.
What if the options included 'unhealthy'? This would be the correct answer, as 'un-' is a prefix meaning 'not'. This highlights the need to identify parts of a word at the beginning, middle (root), and end to understand its meaning.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the core task: identify a word formed with a 'prefix'.
Define 'prefix': a word part added to the beginning of a root word that changes its meaning.
Analyze each option one by one:
'Ugliness': Break it down. The root is 'Ugly'. The part '-ness' is added at the end. This is a suffix, not a prefix. Eliminate this option.
'Roundness': Break it down. The root is 'Round'. The part '-ness' is added at the end. This is also a suffix. Eliminate this option.
'Waterfall': Break it down. This is 'Water' + 'Fall'. Both are standalone words. This is a compound word, not a prefixed word. Eliminate this option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.