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Question

Difficulty: MediumRoot Word Analysis

The technical editor removed all superfluous details from the operating manual to make the instructions concise. What does the word superfluous most nearly mean?

  1. A
    essential
  2. unnecessaryAnswer
  3. C
    superficial
  4. D
    fluid

Answer

unnecessary
The word 'superfluous' derives from the Latin prefix 'super-' (over, beyond) and the root 'fluere' (to flow), literally translating to overflowing or exceeding what is sufficient. In standard usage, it describes something that is extra, nonessential, or unnecessary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphological elements of the target word
Identified the prefix 'super-' (meaning over, above, or beyond) and the Latin root 'flu/fluere' (meaning to flow).
Deconstructing the root and prefix reveals the foundational literal meaning of 'overflowing' or 'more than enough'.
2
Synthesize the root meaning with the context of condensing a manual
Details that 'overflow' or go beyond what is required are extra, nonessential, or unnecessary.
Applying morphological analysis to the sentence confirms that removing extra information creates concise instructions.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis (Latin root 'flu' meaning to flow, combined with prefix 'super-' meaning over/beyond)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Root Word Analysis

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