What does the root word "gen-" mean?

The root word "gen-" comes from the Greek and Latin roots meaning "to produce" or "to generate." This root is commonly found in many words across various fields, such as "generate," which means to produce or create. The use of "gen-" indicates an action related to the creation or formation of something, making "to produce" the most appropriate meaning.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition of the root "gen-." For instance, "destroy" implies an action of eliminating or causing cessation, which contradicts the idea of creation. "Divide" refers to separating into parts, while "reduce" indicates a process of making something smaller or less, neither of which connect to the notion of generation or production. Thus, understanding "gen-" as meaning "to produce" enhances comprehension of numerous related terms and their applications.