Question

What does the word 'plex/plic/ply' mean?

1) to fold
2) to twist
3) to tangle
4) to bend

Answer 1

The word 'plex/plic/ply' means to fold. It is a root found in various English words that often relate to concepts of blending, folding, or layering. Example words include complex, replicate, and apply.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word 'plex/plic/ply' means to fold. When looking at words containing this root, we understand that their meanings often relate to some concept of folding or layering together. For instance, the word 'complex' signifies something consisting of many different and connected parts, which can be thought of as being folded together to form a whole. Similarly, the word 'replicate' involves folding or doubling, iteratively producing copies of an original. Moreover, when you apply for a job, you are, in a figurative sense, folding or layering your skills and experiences together to present to a potential employer.