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Prefix and Suffix Analysis

42 questions

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Question 41Question →

Analyze the morphological components provided to determine the correct vocabulary word.

Fill in the blanks below

By analyzing its components—the negative prefix *in-* (meaning 'not'), the Latin root *corrigere* (meaning 'to correct'), and the suffix *-ible* (meaning 'capable of')—identify the adjective , which describes a person or behavior that is firmly established and completely beyond reform.
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Answer

incorrigible
The word 'incorrigible' is directly formed by combining the prefix 'in-' (not), the root 'corrigere' (to correct), and the suffix '-ible' (capable of). Its literal etymological translation—'not capable of being corrected'—flawlessly corresponds to the contextual definition of an individual whose habits are firmly established and beyond any possibility of reform.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prefix.
The prefix 'in-' functions as a negation, meaning 'not' or 'without'.
Identifying the prefix establishes the negative polarity of the target word.
2
Analyze the root word.
The Latin root 'corrigere' means 'to correct' or 'to set right'.
The root provides the core semantic meaning related to correction or reform.
3
Analyze the suffix.
The suffix '-ible' is an adjectival suffix meaning 'capable of being'.
The suffix determines the part of speech and indicates a state of capacity or potential.
4
Synthesize the morphological components and match with the context.
Combining 'in-' + 'corrigere' + '-ible' yields 'incorrigible', meaning 'not capable of being corrected'.
This literal translation perfectly matches the sentence context describing someone who is 'completely beyond reform'.

Key Concept

Morphological synthesis of Latin affixes and roots to deduce the meaning and spelling of advanced vocabulary.

Alternative Method

If the exact Latin root 'corrigere' is unfamiliar, a student can work backward from the definition 'beyond reform' and think of words related to 'correcting' (like 'corrigendum' or 'correction') to construct the word 'incorrigible'.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 42Question →

During diplomatic negotiations, the ambassador remained circumspect before agreeing to the proposed treaty. In this context, what does the word circumspect most nearly mean?

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Answer: cautious

Answer

cautious
The word 'circumspect' is built from the Latin prefix 'circum-' (meaning around) and the root 'spect' (meaning to look). Literally meaning 'looking around oneself,' it describes someone who is prudent, watchful, and cautious.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Isolate the morphological components of the target word 'circumspect'
Prefix: circum- (meaning 'around') + Root: spect (meaning 'to look or observe')
Deconstructing a derived word into its prefix and base root reveals its underlying literal definition.
2
Synthesize the affix and root meanings into a unified definition
'Circumspect' literally means 'looking all around', which denotes being watchful, prudent, or cautious regarding potential hazards.
Affix combinations guide the semantic meaning of formal vocabulary.
3
Select the option that matches the synthesized meaning and fits the sentence context
'Cautious' is the precise synonym for 'circumspect'.
The context describes a diplomat exercising care before signing an agreement, matching the definition of cautious.

Key Concept

Prefix and Suffix Analysis (circum- + spect)
Estimated Time:45s
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