Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumLatin Roots

The mechanical engineers installed an auxiliary thruster to propel the submersible vehicle through strong ocean currents. Based on the meaning of the Latin root *pel*, which of the following is the most accurate definition of propel?

  1. A
    To navigate or travel by foot
  2. B
    To restrain or pull backward
  3. To drive or push forwardAnswer
  4. D
    To protect from external pressure

Answer

To drive or push forward
The Latin root *pel* (and its variant *puls*, from *pellere*) means 'to drive' or 'to push'. When paired with the prefix *pro-* meaning 'forward', the word *propel* specifically means to drive or push something forward.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base Latin root and its core definition
The word contains the Latin root *pel* (from *pellere*), which means 'to drive', 'to push', or 'to urge'.
Analyzing root morphology isolates the foundational meaning of the term.
2
Combine the prefix with the root meaning
The prefix *pro-* signifies 'forward' or 'forth', resulting in the compound meaning 'to drive or push forward'.
Synthesizing the prefix and root provides the complete definition matching the context of the sentence.

Key Concept

Latin root *pel / puls* meaning 'to drive' or 'to push'
Rate this question

Topics

Latin Roots

More questions from this topic