Hyper- and hypo- express which idea?

Hyper- and hypo- express which idea?

• A. Slow/fast
• B. Too much/too little
• C. Between two
• D. Within

Answer: (B)

Hyper- and hypo- express quantities relative to what’s normal, indicating excess versus deficiency. Hyper- means above or beyond the normal range, i.e., too much; hypo- means below or deficient, i.e., too little. This is why terms like hyperglycemia or hyperthermia describe states where levels are higher than normal, while hypoglycemia or hypothermia describe levels that are lower than normal. The idea captured here is about abnormal amount, not rate, relation, or location. So “too much/too little” is the best way to express what these prefixes convey.

Hyper- and hypo- express quantities relative to what’s normal, indicating excess versus deficiency. Hyper- means above or beyond the normal range, i.e., too much; hypo- means below or deficient, i.e., too little. This is why terms like hyperglycemia or hyperthermia describe states where levels are higher than normal, while hypoglycemia or hypothermia describe levels that are lower than normal. The idea captured here is about abnormal amount, not rate, relation, or location. So “too much/too little” is the best way to express what these prefixes convey.