In the word “circumnavigation,” the Latin prefix “circum” means to move in which of the following directions?
A.
Forward
B.
Up
C.
Around
D.
Sideways
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
C. Around
Explanation
The Latin prefix “circum-” comes from the Latin word “circum,” which means “around” or “about.” This prefix is used to indicate movement in a circular or surrounding direction. In the case of the word “circumnavigation,” the prefix “circum-” signifies the concept of moving around something.
Let’s break down the word “circumnavigation” to understand how “circum-” functions within it:
- Circum-: This prefix means “around” or “about.” It indicates movement in a circular direction or surrounding an area.
- Navigation: This part of the word comes from the Latin “navigatio,” which means “to sail” or “to navigate.” It refers to the process of planning and directing the course of a journey.
When combined, “circumnavigation” literally means to navigate around something. Specifically, it often refers to the act of traveling around the entire circumference of a body of land or sea. For example, circumnavigating the globe means to travel all the way around the Earth.
To illustrate further, let’s consider historical and practical uses of this term:
- Historical Context: One of the most famous examples of circumnavigation is Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition in the early 16th century, which was the first known journey to sail around the world. This journey demonstrated the practical application of the concept of “circumnavigation.”
- Modern Usage: In modern contexts, circumnavigation can refer to traveling around any large geographical feature, such as circumnavigating an island or a continent.
In summary, the prefix “circum-” in “circumnavigation” denotes movement around something, reinforcing the idea of encompassing or surrounding in a circular path. Thus, “circum-” translates to “around” in this context, making option C the correct choice.