Which root means 'bear offspring'?

• A. Para
• B. Part
• C. Pari
• D. Ped

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is recognizing a root that means to bear offspring. The form pari- comes from Latin parere, meaning to give birth or bring forth. In medical terms, this root appears in words related to childbirth and birth history, such as parity (the number of pregnancies carried to viability) and parous (having borne offspring). The other prefixes or roots don’t convey birth: para- typically means beside or near (and is used in words like parallel or parameter), part- isn’t a birth-related root, and ped- is tied to feet (pedal) rather than birthing. So pari- is the correct root for bearing offspring.