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Difficulty: MediumWord Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

In English word formation, the Latin prefix *in-* (and its assimilated variants *im-*, *il-*, *ir-*) usually denotes negation. However, in certain words derived from Latin verbs, it serves as an intensive or locative prefix meaning 'into' or 'upon'. In which of the following words does the prefix *in-* function as an intensive marker rather than a negative marker?

  1. InflammableAnswer
  2. B
    Incurable
  3. C
    Inadmissible
  4. D
    Inaudible

Answer

The word 'inflammable' uses the prefix 'in-' as an intensive marker rather than a negative marker.
In the word 'inflammable', the prefix 'in-' acts as an intensive prefix (originating from Latin 'inflammare', to set on fire), yielding the definition 'easily ignited'. In contrast, in words like 'incurable', 'inadmissible', and 'inaudible', the prefix 'in-' functions as a privative (negative) prefix meaning 'not'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the function of the prefix 'in-' across the given vocabulary choices.
Identify that 'in-' can function either as a privative prefix meaning 'not' or an intensive/directional prefix meaning 'into/upon'.
Prefixes derived from Latin often carry polysemous historical roots depending on whether they attach to adjectives or verbs.
2
Evaluate 'incurable', 'inadmissible', and 'inaudible'.
All three words negate their base stems (not curable, not admissible, not audible).
The prefix 'in-' acts as a negative prefix when combined with these adjectival roots.
3
Evaluate 'inflammable'.
'Inflammable' derives from the Latin verb 'inflammare' (to inflame/set on fire), where 'in-' reinforces the action of catching fire.
Here 'in-' is intensive, meaning 'easily ignited' or 'combustible', which is why 'flammable' and 'inflammable' are synonymous.

Key Concept

Morphological Prefix Dual-Functionality (Negative vs. Intensive Prefixes)
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Topics

Word Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

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