What does the root “cand” mean in the word “candescent”? The candescent quality of the room was improved by the southern exposure.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The root “cand” in the word “candescent” means “to shine” or “to glow.”
Explanation
The word “candescent” comes from the Latin root “candēre,” which means “to shine,” “to glow,” or “to be white or bright.” This root appears in several English words that are related to light, whiteness, or glowing heat.
In “candescent,” the prefix and suffix work together to describe something that is glowing with heat or light. The word is closely related to other terms like:
- Incandescent – glowing with heat or emitting light as a result of being heated.
- Candle – a source of light with a glowing flame.
- Candor – metaphorically related, meaning purity or openness, which symbolically reflects the idea of clarity or brightness.
- Candidate – originally referred to someone wearing white (pure garments) in ancient Rome to show honesty and clarity.
In the example sentence, “The candescent quality of the room was improved by the southern exposure,” the word “candescent” describes a glowing or warmly illuminated atmosphere. The southern exposure allows more sunlight into the room, increasing its natural brightness and warmth—enhancing its candescent quality.
This use of “candescent” doesn’t necessarily mean the room is physically hot but rather suggests that it is bright, glowing, or filled with warm, pleasant light. It evokes a soft, luminous ambiance, often associated with sunlight or gentle illumination.
Understanding roots like “cand” helps in decoding unfamiliar words, especially those involving light, heat, purity, or brightness. Recognizing this root can deepen vocabulary and improve comprehension across various subjects, from literature to science.
So, “cand” = to shine or glow, and “candescent” refers to glowing with light or heat.
