Question

language development: word study
identify the choice that best answers the question
the word obstructions is derived from the latin prefix ob - and a word root meaning pile up. based on this information and your knowledge of the prefix ob -, choose the most likely meaning of the word obstructions in the following sentence
ryan explained to his boss that he was late to work because he had encountered several obstructions while driving on the highway.
a. things that move quickly and are piled up behind
b. things that aid and are piled up toward
c. things that encourage and are piled up higher
d. things that block and are piled up against

Explanation:

The prefix "ob -" in Latin often means "against" or "in the way of". The root meaning "pile up" combined with the prefix "ob -" (against) suggests something that is piled up against (i.e., blocking). In the context of Ryan being late because of something on the highway, "obstructions" would be things that block (as they are in the way, preventing smooth passage). Options A, B, and C have positive connotations (move quickly, aid, encourage) which don't fit with the idea of being late (implying something negative/blocking).

Answer:

D. things that block and are "piled up against"