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Question

Difficulty: HardWord Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

In formal legal nomenclature regarding hereditary succession, specific adjectival suffixes are added to root verbs to express precise legal conditions. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence below?

"Following the royal decree, Lord Sterling was recognized as the heir __________ to the estate, as his entitlement remained subject to the possible birth of a closer heir."

  1. presumptiveAnswer
  2. B
    presumptuous
  3. C
    presumable
  4. D
    presuming

Answer

The word 'presumptive' is the correct choice because the suffix '-ive' creates the specific legal adjective designating an inheritance right that is valid unless superseded by a closer relative.
The word 'presumptive' uses the adjective suffix '-ive' to signify an expectation based on current evidence that may be defeated by subsequent events, forming the standard legal term 'heir presumptive'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the root verb and contextual requirement of the sentence.
The root verb is 'presume' (from Latin 'praesumere'), requiring a derivative adjective that modifies 'heir' to express conditional inheritance.
The sentence specifies a legal condition where an inheritance status can be altered by a future birth.
2
Evaluate the morphological functions of the competing suffixes.
The suffix '-ive' produces 'presumptive' (based on reasonable inference/conditional legal status), whereas '-uous' produces 'presumptuous' (overly bold/arrogant), and '-able' produces 'presumable' (capable of being assumed).
Affix selection must align with both grammatical category and domain-specific terminology.
3
Select the proper derivative for the formal legal register.
'Presumptive' forms the standard legal collocation 'heir presumptive'.
This correctly conveys the intended legal nuance without paronym confusion.

Key Concept

Paronym affixation and suffix differentiation in formal registers
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Topics

Word Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

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