Which of the following prefixes indicates opposition or negation?

The prefix that indicates opposition or negation is "anti-." This prefix derives from the Greek language and is commonly used to convey ideas of being against or opposing something. For instance, the word "antibiotic" describes a substance that works against bacteria. When "anti-" is prefixed to a word, it signifies a contrarian or negative stance towards the root word's meaning.

In contrast, the other prefixes serve different functions. "Ante-" refers to "before" in time or place, such as in "antebellum," meaning before the war. "Un-" indicates a reversal or absence of a quality, as in "unhappy," meaning not happy, but it does not convey direct opposition. "Con-" means "with" or "together," as in "convene," which implies coming together rather than opposing.

Understanding the specific nuance of each prefix is key in determining their meanings, particularly regarding the concept of opposition or negation.