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Question

Difficulty: MediumRoot Word Analysis

The supply specialist reported that the additional rations were superfluous for a one-day field exercise. What does the word superfluous most nearly mean?

  1. A
    superficial
  2. unnecessaryAnswer
  3. C
    essential
  4. D
    superior

Answer

The correct synonym is unnecessary.
The word 'superfluous' is constructed from the Latin prefix 'super-' (meaning over, above, or beyond) and the root 'fluere' (meaning to flow). Together, they form the literal meaning of 'overflowing,' which figuratively denotes anything that exceeds what is sufficient or necessary. Therefore, 'unnecessary' is the exact synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the morphological root and affix elements of the target word.
The prefix 'super-' signifies 'over', 'above', or 'beyond', while the Latin root 'fluere' signifies 'to flow'.
Deconstructing a word into its prefix and base root reveals its foundational etymological meaning.
2
Synthesize the combined morphological meaning in the sentence context.
Literally translating to 'overflowing' or 'beyond what flows naturally', the word describes an excess beyond what is needed.
Connecting the literal root meaning to the context of extra rations indicates a surplus amount.
3
Match the synthesized definition to the closest answer choice.
'Unnecessary' directly matches the concept of surplus or unneeded items.
Selecting the synonym that aligns with being extra or beyond necessity.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis (Latin root 'flu/flux' and prefix 'super-')
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Root Word Analysis

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