Question

exercise vi. drawing on your knowledge of roots and words in context, read the following selection and define the italicized words. note that the prefix tra (from trans) means \across,\ and that e (from ex) means \out from.\ if you cannot figure out the meaning of the words on your own, look them up in a dictionary.

the defense attorney attempted to win over the jury in the case by traducing the prosecutors star witness. in response to the claim that his witness was a drunk, the prosecutor tried to repair the damage done with a series of questions intended to educe a feeling of pity for the witness from the jury. unfortunately, after the defenses harsh attack, there was little reason for the jury to believe the witness.

Explanation:

1. traducing: Uses the prefix tra- (trans) meaning "across". In context, the defense is attacking the prosecutor's witness's reputation across the jury's perception; it means speaking maliciously to damage someone's reputation.
2. educe: Uses the prefix e- (ex) meaning "out from". In context, the prosecutor is trying to draw out a feeling of pity from the jury; it means to bring out or draw forth something latent or potential.

Answer:

1. traducing: To speak maliciously and falsely about someone to damage their reputation.
2. educe: To bring out, draw forth, or develop something (like a feeling or information) from a person or source.