The prefix cata- denotes which directional meaning?

The prefix cata- denotes which directional meaning?

• A. Up
• B. Below
• C. Above
• D. Down

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is the directional meaning of the prefix cata-. It comes from Greek kata-, meaning down or downward, and is used when describing processes that move downward or involve descent. For example, catabolic processes break down molecules, literally throwing them down into smaller parts, and catabatic winds descend down slopes. Because of this downward sense, cata- denotes Down. The other directions correspond to different prefixes (up, above, or below) and don’t carry the same downward meaning.

The idea being tested is the directional meaning of the prefix cata-. It comes from Greek kata-, meaning down or downward, and is used when describing processes that move downward or involve descent. For example, catabolic processes break down molecules, literally throwing them down into smaller parts, and catabatic winds descend down slopes. Because of this downward sense, cata- denotes Down. The other directions correspond to different prefixes (up, above, or below) and don’t carry the same downward meaning.