Synonyms: Prefixes from Latin - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

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Question

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONGENIAL

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Answer

"Congenial" and "congenital" are etymologically related but have quite different meanings. "Congenital" means present from birth (if you chose "inherited," you were likely thinking of this word). "Congenial" means agreeable and pleasant to be around. Both words combine the roots "com_-" (meaning together) and "-_gen" (meaning birth), but they take these root combinations in different directions—"congenital" more literally relating to inborn qualities, and "congenial" relating to the kind of relationship "kindred spirits" might have.

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