What does the prefix 'semi-' mean?

What does the prefix 'semi-' mean?

• A. Whole
• B. Two
• C. Half
• D. Quarter

Answer: (C)

The prefix semi- signals half or only partially. When you attach it to a word, it usually means the thing is not complete or is in two parts. That’s why semicircle refers to half of a circle, and semiclassical suggests a partial or halfway approach to classical styles. So the intended meaning here is “half.” The other options describe different quantities: whole means everything, two would use a prefix like bi-, and a quarter means one fourth.

The prefix semi- signals half or only partially. When you attach it to a word, it usually means the thing is not complete or is in two parts. That’s why semicircle refers to half of a circle, and semiclassical suggests a partial or halfway approach to classical styles. So the intended meaning here is “half.” The other options describe different quantities: whole means everything, two would use a prefix like bi-, and a quarter means one fourth.