Question

use this dictionary entry to answer the question.

equi- (prefix): equal or equally; latin

what does the word equilibrium mean in the following sentence?

after being jostled by the crowd at the mall, john had to sit down for a minute to get his equilibrium back.

health
memory
balance
strength

Explanation:

Analyze the prefix definition

The dictionary entry defines the prefix equi- as meaning "equal" or "equally". This suggests that the word "equilibrium" relates to equal distribution, stability, or state of balance.

Examine the context clues

In the sentence, John was "jostled by the crowd" and "had to sit down for a minute to get his equilibrium back." Being bumped around physically disrupts physical stability, requiring rest to recover.

Evaluate the options

• health: Too broad; being jostled temporarily upsets physical stability, not overall medical health.
• memory: Irrelevant to physical jostling.
• balance: Fits perfectly, as "equal" forces or weight distribution results in physical balance.
• strength: Sitting down helps recover stability and balance rather than muscular strength.

Answer:

• health
• memory
• balance (Correct answer)
• strength