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Question

Difficulty: MediumRoot Word Analysis

Read the context below and determine the appropriate vocabulary word to complete the sentence. Which word meaning 'to formally withdraw or take back' correctly completes the sentence?

Answer:When key evidence in the investigative report was proven inaccurate, the agency was forced to 【retract】 the published allegations.

Answer

retract
The word 'retract' is derived from the Latin prefix 're-' (back) and the root 'tract' (to pull or draw), literally meaning 'to pull back.' In formal and standard English, to retract a statement or allegation means to withdraw or disavow it, precisely fitting the sentence context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues and target definition
The sentence requires a verb that means to formally take back or withdraw published statements after finding inaccuracies.
Identifying the target part of speech and required meaning establishes the necessary semantic criteria.
2
Apply root and affix analysis
Combining the Latin prefix 're-' (meaning 'back' or 'again') with the root 'tract' (meaning 'to draw' or 'to pull') yields 'retract' ('to pull back' or 'withdraw').
Morphemic analysis confirms that 'retract' aligns with the required meaning of withdrawing a previously issued statement.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis using Latin root 'tract' (to pull/draw) and prefix 're-' (back)

Alternative Method

Identify the base word family related to pulling/drawing (such as 'traction' or 'tractor') and attach the prefix for reversal ('re-') to deduce 'retract'.
Estimated Time:45s
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Root Word Analysis

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