The prefix mal originates from Latin and means bad or wrong. It is commonly used in English to form words that convey a sense of something being bad, incorrect, or undesirable.
For example:
- Malpractice refers to improper or unethical conduct by a professional.
- Malnutrition describes a condition where the body does not receive adequate nutrients.
- Malfunction indicates that something is not working correctly.
Understanding the meaning of the prefix mal can help you decipher the meanings of many English words that incorporate it.