Which of the following prefixes means "without"?

The prefix that means "without" is "sine," which is derived from Latin. In a variety of contexts, especially in medical and scientific terminology, "sine" is used to signify the absence of something. For example, "sine qua non" refers to a condition or element that is indispensable, literally meaning "without which, not."

The other prefixes provided have different meanings. "Sub" typically means "under" or "below." "Non" denotes negation or absence, but it's used differently in terms like "nonprofit," where it signifies the absence of profit rather than a direct "without." "Mal" generally refers to something that is bad or harmful. Understanding these distinctions reinforces knowledge of prefix meanings that are crucial in various professional fields, including medical and technical communication.