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Difficulty: MediumUsing Word Morphology (Roots and Affixes) in Context

During tactical communications field tests, engineers evaluated standard whip antennas that broadcast in an omnidirectional pattern. While this configuration provides dependable signal coverage radiating outward in every direction across level terrain, it also increases vulnerability to enemy interception from any surrounding position.

Based on the passage and its word parts, what is the meaning of the word 'omnidirectional'?

  1. Radiating or transmitting in all directionsAnswer
  2. B
    Focusing transmission along a single direct path
  3. C
    Modulating frequencies to avoid signal interception
  4. D
    Functioning reliably only over flat ground

Answer

Radiating or transmitting in all directions
The correct answer accurately reflects the Latin prefix 'omni-' (all/every) combined with 'direction' and the adjectival suffix '-al'. This morphological breakdown is corroborated by the context phrase 'radiating outward in every direction.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphological components of the target word
The word consists of the Latin prefix 'omni-' (meaning 'all' or 'every'), the root 'direction', and the adjective suffix '-al' (meaning 'pertaining to'). Combined, the word morphologically means 'pertaining to all directions.'
Deconstructing unfamiliar or compound words into roots and affixes provides their foundational denotation.
2
Examine surrounding context clues in the passage
The text describes the antenna providing 'coverage radiating outward in every direction' and notes interception risks from 'any surrounding position.'
Contextual evidence confirms whether the morphological interpretation fits the author's specific usage.
3
Synthesize word structure with context to select the matching definition
The definition 'radiating or transmitting in all directions' aligns with both the morpheme 'omni-' and the contextual phrase 'in every direction.'
Eliminates distractors that misapply affixes or rely on irrelevant details.

Key Concept

Using Word Morphology (Roots and Affixes) in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Using Word Morphology (Roots and Affixes) in Context

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