“The top-secret blueprints were for an intergalactic spaceship.”
Which of the following is the meaning of the prefix “inter-” as used in the sentence above?
A.
Past
B.
Among
C.
Into
D.
Below
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Among.
Explanation
The prefix “inter-” comes from Latin, where it means “between” or “among.” In the context of the sentence, “The top-secret blueprints were for an intergalactic spaceship,” the prefix “inter-” is used to indicate that the spaceship is designed to operate between or among galaxies.
To break it down:
- Intergalactic is a compound word formed from “inter-” and “galactic.”
- Galactic pertains to galaxies.
- The prefix “inter-” modifies “galactic” to convey that the spaceship functions across or among different galaxies, not just within a single galaxy.
Here’s a closer look at the meanings of the other options:
- A. Past: This does not align with the meaning of “inter-.” The prefix “post-” would be more suitable for indicating something related to “past.”
- C. Into: This prefix would be more accurately represented by “in-” or “into.” “Inter-” does not convey a sense of movement or penetration but rather a relational aspect.
- D. Below: This would be represented by prefixes like “sub-” or “under-,” which suggest a position beneath or lower than something.
In summary, the prefix “inter-” suggests a relationship of being between or among things. In the case of “intergalactic,” it implies that the spaceship can travel among or across different galaxies, underscoring its expansive capability beyond just one galaxy. This use of “inter-” emphasizes the broad scope and connectivity across the vast distances between galaxies.