Question

the word conspire (line 17) comes from con- (\together\) + spira (\breath\). what meaning does this etymology point to?

a. to make a public announcement made together in front of a crowd

b. to make a secret plan formed together

c. to perform synchronized deep - breathing in a group

d. to study shared breathing patterns in families

Explanation:

Etymology involves the study of word origins. The prefix "con -" means "together". In historical and linguistic contexts, when people "conspired", they made secret plans together. Option A ("public announcement") contradicts the secretive nature often implied. Option C ("synchronized deep - breathing") and Option D ("study breathing patterns") are too literal interpretations of "breath" (from "spira") and ignore the common figurative use in language for planning.

Answer:

B. To make a secret plan formed together