What does the prefix "mis" indicate when added to a word?

The prefix "mis" signifies an incorrectness or a failure related to the root word to which it is attached. When added, it conveys a sense of doing something wrongly or inappropriately. For instance, the word "misunderstand" implies a failure to understand correctly. This denotes an action that has gone awry, highlighting the prefix's association with error or mistake.

In contrast, the other prefixes have different meanings altogether. "Not" can relate to negation, while "re" indicates repetition or doing something again. "Before" typically refers to timing or order, which does not align with the concept of error introduced by "mis." Thus, the prefix "mis" clearly communicates that something is done wrongly, which is why this interpretation is correct.