Question

Difficulty: MediumLatin Roots

Understanding word structure and morphology enables precise vocabulary interpretation on the ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest. Based on morphological analysis of Latin roots, which terms correctly complete the statement below?

Answer:The Latin root *flu* (or *flux*) fundamentally means to 【flow】, which forms the structural basis for the term 【influx】, describing a continuous arrival or flowing inward of people, resources, or materials.

Answer

The Latin root *flu* (or *flux*) means to 'flow', and the corresponding vocabulary term describing an inward flow of people or materials is 'influx'.
The Latin root *flu* (supine stem *flux*) derives from the verb *fluere*, meaning 'to flow'. When combined with the directional prefix *in-* ('into'), the resulting term *influx* literally denotes a flowing in, which accurately describes an arrival of people, resources, or goods.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the foundational definition of the target Latin root morpheme *flu* / *flux*.
The Latin root *fluere* translates directly to 'to flow' (seen in words like *fluid*, *fluent*, *fluctuate*, and *affluent*).
Recognizing the core definition of the morpheme establishes the baseline meaning for all derived English terms.
2
Combine the directional prefix with the base root to identify the target noun.
Combining the directional prefix *in-* (meaning 'into' or 'inward') with the root *flux* (meaning 'flow') yields the noun *influx*.
Applying morphological synthesis confirms that an 'influx' represents a massive or steady inward flow.

Key Concept

Latin Root Morphology: flu/flux (to flow)
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