How would a student justify inferring that "indigenous” means "originating in a particular region”?

The word root “gen” means “earth,” and the suffix “-ous” means “someone who does something.”
The word root “gen” means “birth,” and the suffix “-ous” means “having the quality of something.”
The word root “gen” means “body,” and the suffix “-ous” means “the state or condition of something.”
The word root “gen” means “rule,” and the suffix “-ous” means “being filled up with something.”

To justify inferring that "indigenous" means "originating in a particular region," a student can break down the word into its roots and analyze the meaning of each component.

In this case, the word root "gen" can be traced back to Greek and Latin origins, with different meanings. In Greek, "gen" typically means "birth" or "origin." In Latin, it can mean "earth" or "race."

Next, the student can consider the suffix "-ous," which commonly means "having the quality of" or "characterized by."

Based on this understanding, the third option, "The word root 'gen' means 'birth,' and the suffix '-ous' means 'having the quality of something'" would be the most appropriate. This is because "originating in a particular region" implies that something is born or originates in that specific area.

By recognizing the meanings of the roots and suffixes and how they contribute to the overall definition, the student can justify their inference that "indigenous" means "originating in a particular region."