Here's why:
* Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. "Trans" often indicates movement, change, or being across or beyond something.
* Base words or root words are the core meaning of a word. They can stand alone or be combined with prefixes and suffixes.
* Root words are the most basic form of a word, often coming from Latin or Greek.
Examples:
* Transport: "Trans" modifies the meaning of "port" (carry), indicating movement across a distance.
* Transfer: "Trans" indicates movement from one place to another.
* Translucent: "Trans" indicates light passing through something.
In these examples, "trans" is not a stand-alone word with its own meaning. It's a prefix that changes the meaning of the base word.