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Question

Difficulty: Very hardRoot Word Analysis

Which of the following words most nearly means the same as perspicacious?

  1. A
    Noticeable
  2. InsightfulAnswer
  3. C
    Obtuse
  4. D
    Pervasive

Answer

Insightful
The word 'perspicacious' originates from the Latin prefix 'per-' (meaning 'through') and the root 'specere' (meaning 'to look'). Figuratively, this translates to 'looking through' complex issues, which perfectly aligns with being insightful, astute, or mentally penetrating.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the Latin prefix in the target word.
The prefix is 'per-', which translates to 'through' or 'completely'.
Isolating the prefix is the primary step in morphological word analysis.
2
Identify the Latin root in the target word.
The root is 'specere' (often appearing in English as 'spic' or 'spec'), which means 'to look' or 'to see'.
The root provides the core thematic meaning of the vocabulary word.
3
Synthesize the meanings of the prefix and the root.
Combining 'through' and 'to look' translates literally to 'looking through' or having penetrating vision.
Combining structural elements reveals the underlying translation of the word.
4
Apply the literal translation to an abstract cognitive context to find the synonym.
Mental 'penetrating vision' translates directly to being mentally sharp, astute, or insightful.
Many English words utilize physical roots (like seeing) to describe abstract cognitive traits (like understanding).

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis: 'per-' (through) and 'specere' (to look)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Root Word Analysis

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