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Question

Difficulty: HardPrefix and Suffix Analysis

The commander sought to exculpate the junior officer after reviewing the incident report. In this context, what does the word exculpate most nearly mean?

  1. A
    incriminate
  2. exonerateAnswer
  3. C
    expel
  4. D
    cultivate

Answer

exonerate
The word 'exculpate' is built from the Latin prefix 'ex-' (meaning 'out of' or 'free from'), the root 'culp' (meaning 'blame' or 'guilt'), and the suffix '-ate' (forming a verb). Combined, the parts mean 'to free from blame or declare not guilty.' The word 'exonerate' shares this exact meaning of clearing someone from accusation or wrongdoing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphological structure of the target word 'exculpate'.
The word consists of the Latin prefix 'ex-' (meaning 'out of', 'away from', or 'free from'), the base root 'culp' (from 'culpa', meaning 'blame' or 'fault'), and the verbal suffix '-ate' (meaning 'to make' or 'to cause').
Deconstructing affixes and roots establishes the literal definition of causing someone to be free from blame.
2
Evaluate the answer choices to identify the exact synonym matching the derived definition.
'Exonerate' means to absolve or clear someone from a charge or fault, matching the meaning of 'exculpate'.
Validating the definition in the context of an official investigation confirms 'exonerate' as the precise synonym.

Key Concept

Prefix and root morphological analysis (ex- + culp + -ate)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Prefix and Suffix Analysis

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