Question

Difficulty: MediumRoot Word Analysis

Which of the following is the closest synonym for the word loquacious?

  1. A
    quiet
  2. B
    logical
  3. talkativeAnswer
  4. D
    localized

Answer

The word 'talkative' is the closest synonym for 'loquacious'.
The word 'loquacious' derives from the Latin root 'loqu-' (meaning 'to speak') and the adjective suffix '-ious' (meaning 'full of' or 'inclined to'). Thus, 'loquacious' means excessively talkative or wordy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base root of the target word.
The word 'loquacious' is built from the Latin root 'loqu-' (or 'loqui'), which means 'to speak' or 'talk'.
Root word analysis isolates the primary morpheme to deduce the underlying core definition.
2
Analyze the suffix to determine grammatical form and nuance.
The suffix '-ious' creates an adjective meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by'.
Combining root and suffix produces the definition 'characterized by speaking a great deal' or 'given to fluent/abundant speech'.
3
Compare the deduced meaning against the answer choices to identify the synonym.
'Talkative' directly corresponds to being full of speech.
Selecting the choice with an equivalent meaning identifies the correct synonym.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis (loqu- / locut-)
Estimated Time:45s
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