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Question

Difficulty: EasyRoot Word Analysis

After discovering an error in the published report, the editor chose to retract the claim. In this context, which word is the closest synonym for retract?

  1. A
    confirm
  2. withdrawAnswer
  3. C
    distract
  4. D
    restate

Answer

The closest synonym for retract is withdraw.
The word 'retract' is built from the Latin root 'tract' (to pull or draw) and the prefix 're-' (back). Together, they literally mean 'to draw or pull back.' In the given sentence, retracting a claim means taking it back or withdrawing it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the base root and prefix of the target word 'retract'.
The word contains the Latin root 'tract' (to pull or draw) and the prefix 're-' (back or away).
Root word analysis helps break down unfamiliar vocabulary into core meaning components.
2
Synthesize the morphemes to determine literal definition.
Combining 're-' (back) + 'tract' (pull) gives the definition 'to pull back' or 'to take back'.
Connecting affix and root definitions yields the literal sense of the term.
3
Match the synthesized definition with the answer choices.
'Withdraw' directly expresses the action of pulling back or taking back a prior statement.
The correct choice must serve as a direct synonym for the target word.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis: Latin root 'tract' (to pull/draw) and prefix 're-' (back/again)
Estimated Time:40s
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Root Word Analysis

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