Prefixes of Stance: ANTI-, PRO-, COUNTER-, CO-

Read prefixes that show whether something is for, against, or working together with something else.

Some prefixes tell you which side something is on. Anti- means against or opposing: antibacterial soap works against bacteria; an antisocial act goes against the good of others. Pro- often means for or in favor of: a pro-environment group supports protecting nature. (Pro- can also mean forward, as in 'proceed' and 'project', so check the context.) Counter- means against in response, pushing back: a counterargument answers an argument; a counterweight balances a weight.

Co-, col-, com-, and con- mean together or with: coauthor, cooperate, collaborate, combine. These prefixes are especially common in history, civics, and science texts, where groups take positions and forces act on each other. Read: 'The coalition launched a counteroffer to the antidevelopment group's proposal. ' Co- (together): a group formed by joining together. Counter- (in response): an offer made back. Anti- (against): a group opposed to development.

Three prefixes, and the sides of the dispute are clear before you reach the end of the sentence.

• 1ANTI- means against; PRO- can mean for (or forward).
• 2COUNTER- means against in response.
• 3CO-, COL-, COM-, and CON- mean together or with.