Which prefix indicates excessive, above normal?

• A. Excessive, above normal
• B. Under, below, deficient
• C. Pain, suffering
• D. Surgical removal

Answer: (A)

Prefixes that indicate degree or amount show how much something is or how high it goes. The idea of “above normal or excessive” is captured by the prefix hyper-, which is attached to terms to describe increased levels or activity, such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hyperthermia (high body temperature), and hypertension (high blood pressure). In this item, the description “excessive, above normal” matches that concept, making it the best choice. The other ideas point to different prefixes or word parts—under/below aligns with hypo-, pain with a suffix like -algia or odynia, and surgical removal with a suffix like -ectomy—so they don’t convey the meaning of exceeding normal levels.