Question

ir- =
ot\
re- = \back\
press = \hold firm\
-ible = \able to be\

based on the list of word parts, what is the best definition of the word irrepressible?

\unable to be held back\

ot pressed firmly enough\
\firmly restrained\
\unable to stand strong\

Explanation:

Analyze the word parts

Using the Morphology knowledge point

• ir- = "not"
• re- = "back"
• press = "hold firm"
• -ible = "able to be"

Combine the meanings

Using the Morphology knowledge point

• Combining the parts sequentially: ir- (not) + re- (back) + press (hold firm) + -ible (able to be).
• This translates literally to: "not able to be held firm back" or "unable to be held back."

Evaluate the given options

Using the Morphology knowledge point

• "unable to be held back" matches our combined definition.
• "not pressed firmly enough" does not account for re- or -ible correctly.
• "firmly restrained" contradicts the negative prefix ir-.
• "unable to stand strong" does not capture the action of re- (back) and press (hold firm).

Answer:

• "unable to be held back" (Correct answer)
• "not pressed firmly enough"
• "firmly restrained"
• "unable to stand strong"