What does the prefix "Anti-" mean?

The prefix "Anti-" originates from Greek and means "against" or "opposing." It is commonly used in various contexts to denote opposition to something. For example, "antibiotic" refers to substances that oppose bacterial growth, while "antifreeze" refers to substances that prevent freezing. This prefix establishes a clear relationship where it indicates a counteraction or resistance to whatever follows it, making it essential for understanding many terms in medical, scientific, and everyday language.

The other options presented do not align with the meaning of the prefix "Anti-." The meaning of being "in favor of" pertains to support or endorsement, while "near" would suggest proximity and "in addition to" indicates something that is supplementary. None of these definitions capture the essence of opposition that "Anti-" conveys in its typical usage.