Question

The famous couple’s behavior at parties and red carpet events did a lot to dispel rumors that their marriage was in trouble.

What does the word "dispel" mean in this context? Use these dictionary entries to answer the question:

dis- (prefix) apart, reverse

-pel (suffix) drive, push

Answer 1

In this context, the word "dispel" means to drive or push apart, indicating that the famous couple's behavior at parties and red carpet events helped to eliminate or remove doubts about the stability of their marriage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prefix "dis-" conveys the idea of separation or reversal, and the suffix "-pel" implies an action of driving or pushing. In the given sentence, "dispel" is used to describe the couple's behavior, suggesting that their actions actively worked against or pushed away rumors of marital trouble. In this context, the word indicates a deliberate effort to counter or eliminate doubts, reinforcing the idea that the couple's public behavior played a significant role in dispelling any negative perceptions surrounding their relationship.

"Dispelling" is the process of actively driving away or eliminating certain beliefs or doubts.

Answer 2

In the given context, 'dispel' means to drive away or eliminate rumors or false beliefs, suggesting that the couple's public behavior effectively clarified to the public that their marriage was not in trouble.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word dispel in this context means to alleviate or remove doubts, misbeliefs, or false rumors, essentially to clarify by proving them to be wrong. By breaking down the word, the prefix dis- means 'apart' or 'reverse', and the suffix -pel means 'drive' or 'push'. Considering these definitions, dispel can be understood as to 'drive away' or 'push apart' the rumors about the couple's marriage.

In this sentence, the behavior of the famous couple at parties and red-carpet events served to dispel rumors that their marriage was in trouble, suggesting that their actions made it clear to the public that such rumors were unfounded.