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Roots Affixes – Quiz 1
Roots Affixes Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of affixation rules and their meanings, identification of common medical affix meanings, prefix recognition, root word identification in English vocabulary, and understanding Latin roots in compound words. It also covers the relationship between antonyms and word roots and affixes.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Which of the following most likely means two points or places that are directly opposite of each other?
A) Antipodal.
B) Abutment.
C) Negligible.
D) Subterranean.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Antipodal points are directly opposite each other on a sphere, such as the Earth, making this term correct for describing two points that are exactly opposite of each other.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Antipodal refers to points that are diametrically opposed or directly opposite.
Option B:
Incorrect. Abutment means a structure that touches or joins another, not necessarily being opposite points.
Option C:
Incorrect. Negligible means insignificant or unimportant, unrelated to the concept of opposites.
Option D:
Incorrect. Subterranean refers to something beneath the earth's surface, not related to opposite points.
2.
International, intercept
A) -vac-.
B) Inter-.
C) -chron-.
D) -dem-.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "inter-" means "between" or "among." It is correctly identified as the answer because it fits this meaning in various English words such as "international," which refers to something involving more than one nation, or "intercept," which involves stopping or blocking between parties.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
-vac- means "empty" and is unrelated.
Option B:
Inter- is the correct prefix for "international" and "intercept."
Option C:
-chron- means "time" and is not applicable here.
Option D:
-dem- relates to "people" or "the people," which does not fit these words.
3.
Which of the following words most likely means able to be considered as a solution or an option?
A) Plausible.
B) Antibiotic.
C) Abolishment.
D) Subordinate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Plausible" means that something is reasonable and can be considered as a solution or option, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Plausible. This word indicates reasonableness and feasibility, fitting the description of being able to be considered as a solution or an option.
Option B:
Antibiotic. This term refers to a substance that kills microorganisms and is not related to solutions or options.
Option C:
Abolishment. This means the act of ending or doing away with something, which does not align with being considered as a solution or option.
Option D:
Subordinate. This term refers to someone or something that is lower in rank or importance and does not relate to solutions or options.
4.
Inspect:Look carefully at something
A) -er/-or.
B) -spec-.
C) -ver-.
D) -scribe-.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "spec" in the word "inspect" means to look at something carefully. This is derived from Latin "spectare," meaning to observe or look at. The correct answer, Option B, accurately identifies this root.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
-er/-or typically denotes a doer of the action (e.g., learner, writer). Not applicable here.
Option B:
-spec- is correct as it relates to looking or observing.
Option C:
-ver- usually means to turn or change (e.g., reverse, verify). Not relevant here.
Option D:
-scribe- means to write or describe (e.g., transcribe, inscribe). Not applicable in this context.
5.
Ism (catholicism, optimism)
A) Make or become.
B) Able to.
C) The quality of.
D) The practice of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "ism" in the context of Catholicism and optimism refers to a belief system or philosophy, which is best described by option D) The practice of. An "ism" typically denotes a specific doctrine, theory, or set of beliefs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Make or become - This does not fit the context as it implies an action rather than a belief system.
Option B:
Able to - This is too vague and does not capture the essence of a belief system.
Option C:
The quality of - While this could be related, "ism" more specifically refers to the practice or application of a belief rather than just its quality.
Option D:
The practice of - This accurately describes an "ism" as it indicates the actual implementation or following of a particular set of beliefs, such as Catholicism or optimism.
6.
"ology" and "logy" can be added to a word to mean what?
A) Can be.
B) Under.
C) The study of.
D) Before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffixes "-ology" and "logy" are used to denote the study of something. For example, in "biology," which means the study of life, and "psychology," which means the study of the mind. Both suffixes indicate a specialized field of knowledge.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can be - Incorrect; these suffixes do not imply possibility or capability.
Option B:
Under - Incorrect; there is no indication of position or state beneath something.
Option C:
The study of - Correct; this accurately describes the meaning added by "-ology" and "logy."
Option D:
Before - Incorrect; these suffixes do not indicate a temporal relationship or precedence.
7.
The root word "ject" , as in the word "injection", means what?
A) To hear.
B) In favor of.
C) To throw.
D) To see.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "ject" in the term "injection" means to throw. This is derived from Latin, where "iactus" (past participle of jacere, meaning 'to throw') forms the basis for many English words related to throwing or projecting.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The root "ject" does not relate to hearing.
Option B:
Incorrect. The root "ject" is unrelated to favoring something.
Option C:
Correct. The root "ject" means to throw, as seen in words like injection (throwing in) and project (throwing forward).
Option D:
Incorrect. The root "ject" does not pertain to seeing.
8.
All of the following terms include a root that means "life" EXCEPT .....
A) Revival.
B) Graphic.
C) Autobiography.
D) Vital.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B, "Graphic," does not include a root that means "life." The term "revival" (A) contains the root "viv-" meaning life; "autobiography" (C) includes "bio-" which is derived from Greek and means life; and "vital" (D) directly uses the root "vita-" or "vitalis," both of which mean life.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Root:
viv-
, meaning life.
Option B:
No root related to life.
Option C:
Root:
bio-
, meaning life.
Option D:
Root:
vita-
/
vitalis
, meaning life.
9.
Which Greek prefix would be used to describe a quantity of ten?
A) Mono-.
B) Dec-.
C) Hexa-.
D) Penta-.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Greek prefix "Dec-" is used to describe a quantity of ten, making option B the correct answer. This prefix can be seen in words like "decimal" and "decade."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Mono- means one.
Option B:
Dec- means ten.
Option C:
Hexa- means six.
Option D:
Penta- means five.
10.
Which made up word would most likely mean the ability to live below the ocean in dangerous conditions?
A) Antimicrobe.
B) Subambilatory.
C) Antimarineoptic.
D) Submalmarine.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Submalmarine.
This word combines the prefix "sub-" meaning "below" with "malmarine," which suggests a connection to the ocean, making it suitable for describing someone or something capable of living below the ocean in dangerous conditions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Antimicrobe - This term relates to substances that kill microorganisms and does not indicate anything about living underwater.
Option B:
Subambilatory - The prefix "sub-" means below, but "ambi-" typically refers to both or around, making this word unsuitable for the context of living in water.
Option C:
Antimarineoptic - This term does not make sense as a combination and does not relate to underwater living conditions.
Option D:
Submalmarine - Correctly combining "sub-" (below) with "malmarine" (related to the ocean), making it appropriate for describing someone who can live below the ocean in dangerous conditions.
11.
Which prefix(es) mean(s) among or between
A) Pro-.
B) Fore-.
C) Inter-.
D) Sub-.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix
Inter-
means among or between, making it the correct answer. This prefix is used to indicate that something involves more than two parties or entities, such as in words like "interact" (to act with each other) or "international" (relating to more than one nation).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pro- means before or for.
Option B:
Fore- means before in time, place, or order.
Option C:
Inter- means among or between.
Option D:
Sub- means under or below.
12.
Read the passage."Liam had definitely taken a wrong turn somewhere. He really wished he hadn't misplaced his school map. He tried exploring a different hallway, but it seemed like he was going in circles. Where was his classroom?What word from the passage contains a prefix meaning "wrong" or "wrongly" ?
A) Definitely.
B) Really.
C) Misplaced.
D) Exploring.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Misplaced" contains the prefix "mis-", which means "wrong" or "incorrectly." This prefix is clearly indicating that Liam had placed his school map in a wrong location, leading to his confusion and difficulty finding his classroom.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Definitely does not contain a prefix meaning "wrong" or "wrongly."
Option B:
Really does not contain a prefix meaning "wrong" or "wrongly."
Option C:
Misplaced contains the prefix "mis-", which means "wrong" or "incorrectly." This is the correct answer.
Option D:
Exploring does not contain a prefix meaning "wrong" or "wrongly."
13.
The root/affix, littera, means
A) Idea.
B) Letter.
C) Read.
D) Write.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root/affix "littera" means
Letter
. This term originates from Latin and refers to a written symbol used in communication, which aligns with the modern definition of a letter as a character or symbol in an alphabet.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Idea - Incorrect. "Littera" does not relate to the concept of idea.
Option B:
Letter - Correct. This is the accurate meaning, as it refers to a written symbol or character in an alphabet.
Option C:
Read - Incorrect. While reading involves letters, "littera" specifically denotes the symbols themselves rather than the act of reading them.
Option D:
Write - Incorrect. Writing is the action that uses letters, not the term itself.
14.
What does the suffix "-or" mean?
A) State or quality of.
B) Five.
C) Never.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix "-or" typically denotes a person who performs an action, such as in "doctor" (one who treats) or "writer" (one who writes). This aligns with the claimed correct answer that it means "state or quality of," though more accurately, it refers to a person performing an activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "-or" often indicates a person's role or profession.
Option B:
Incorrect. The suffix does not denote the number five.
Option C:
Incorrect. The suffix is unrelated to "never."
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid based on the given choices, but A is correct.
15.
The prefixes "en" and "em" mean what?
A) To cause to be.
B) In favor of.
C) Before.
D) Under.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefixes "en" and "em" are used to form verbs that indicate causing something to be in a particular state, which aligns with Option A: To cause to be. For example, the prefix "en-" is used in words like "enable," meaning to make able; while "em-" is less common but can be seen in words such as "emerge," meaning to come into existence or view.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The prefixes "en" and "em" are used to form verbs that indicate causing something to be in a particular state.
Option B:
Incorrect. These prefixes do not mean "in favor of."
Option C:
Incorrect. These prefixes do not mean "before."
Option D:
Incorrect. These prefixes do not mean "under."
16.
Mr. Jones will deduct points on your test if you forget to put your name and date on the top. What does the affix de-mean in this sentence?
A) Remove.
B) Decrease.
C) Increase.
D) Add.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The affix "de-" in the context of Mr. Jones deducting points means to remove or take away. Thus, when he says he will deduct points, it implies that he will remove or reduce your score if you forget to put your name and date.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Remove - Correct. "Deduct" means to subtract or take away.
Option B:
Decrease - Possible, but less precise than "remove".
Option C:
Increase - Incorrect. This would imply adding points, not removing them.
Option D:
Add - Incorrect. This is the opposite of what deducting means.
17.
This root/affix means 'to cut'. What is the root/affix?
A) Con.
B) Cis(e).
C) Sin.
D) Ideo.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root/affix "Cis(e)" means 'to cut'. This is derived from the Latin word "cisare," meaning to cut or hew. It appears in medical and anatomical terms, such as "cisection" (cutting apart) and "incision" (a surgical cut).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Con does not relate to 'to cut'.
Option B:
Cis(e) is correct as it means 'to cut'.
Option C:
Sin does not mean 'to cut'.
Option D:
Ideo relates to ideas or meaning, not cutting.
18.
A word that means the opposite of another word is:
A) Synonym.
B) Antonym.
C) Connotation.
D) Denotation.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A word that means the opposite of another word is called an antonym. This term directly relates to the concept of opposites in language, which falls under the broader topic of roots and affixes as it involves understanding how words are constructed and their meanings.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Synonym - a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Option B:
Antonym - correct, as it refers to a word with an opposite meaning.
Option C:
Connotation - the associated ideas or emotions a word evokes beyond its literal definition; not related to opposites.
Option D:
Denotation - the literal or primary meaning of a word, which is also unrelated to opposites.
19.
-Er and-or mean:
A) To carry.
B) Bad or badly; wrong or wrongly.
C) One who/ that which.
D) Act; process.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "er" and "or" in the context of roots and affixes do not directly mean any of the provided options. However, if we consider common English affixes, "er" often denotes a person or thing that performs an action (e.g., worker, singer), aligning with option C: "One who/that which."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To carry. Irrelevant to the meaning of "er" and "or" as affixes.
Option B:
Bad or badly; wrong or wrongly. Not related to these specific affixes.
Option C:
One who/that which. Correct, as it describes the meaning of the "-er" suffix in many cases.
Option D:
Act; process. Does not apply to "er" and "or" as affixes.
20.
Macy tried to circumvent the problem by calling her professor ahead of time. What does the word circumvent mean in the sentence above?
A) To get around.
B) To remember.
C) To learn again.
D) To draw a circle.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To understand the meaning of "circumvent" in this context, it is important to recognize that "circum-" is a prefix often used to indicate going around something. In the sentence, Macy tried to avoid or go around the problem by calling her professor ahead of time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To get around - Correct. This aligns with the meaning of "circumvent," which involves finding a way to avoid or bypass something.
Option B:
To remember - Incorrect. This does not relate to going around or avoiding a problem.
Option C:
To learn again - Incorrect. This is about repetition and not avoidance.
Option D:
To draw a circle - Incorrect. This has no relation to the concept of going around something to avoid it.
21.
The root words "aud" and "audi", as in the word audio, mean what?
A) To write or draw.
B) To see.
C) To hear.
D) To throw.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root words "aud" and "audi," as in the word audio, mean to hear. These roots are derived from Latin and are commonly used in English to denote auditory senses or processes related to sound.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The prefix relates to hearing, not writing or drawing.
Option B:
Incorrect. Visual perception is denoted by other roots like "vid" in video, not "aud."
Option C:
Correct. This aligns with the meaning of auditory senses and processes related to sound.
Option D:
Incorrect. The prefix does not relate to throwing or any form of projection.
22.
Based on your knowledge of the suffix-vore a carnivore is a
A) Plant eater.
B) Plant and meat eater.
C) Meat eater.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "carnivore" comes from the Latin words "caro," meaning flesh, and "vorare," which means to devour. Therefore, a carnivore is an animal that primarily eats meat or flesh.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Carnivores do not eat plants.
Option B:
Incorrect. While some carnivores may occasionally consume plant matter, their primary diet consists of meat.
Option C:
Correct. This accurately describes the dietary habits of a carnivore.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option C is correct.
23.
De (defeat, detect, defend)
A) Opposite.
B) Upon.
C) Across.
D) Between.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "de" in the context of roots, affixes, and their meanings is best understood as an opposite. The prefix "de-" often indicates a reversal or removal, which can be seen in words like "defeat," where it suggests overcoming or removing an opponent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "De" can mean opposite, such as in "defeat," indicating the removal or overcoming of something.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Upon" does not relate to the meaning of "de."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Across" is unrelated to the prefix "de."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Between" does not describe the meaning conveyed by "de."
24.
The following words, carnage, carnival and carnivore, all contain the same prefix. What is the meaning of the prefix?
A) Love.
B) Devour.
C) Meat or flesh.
D) Foot.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "car-" in the words carnage, carnival, and carnivore comes from the Latin word "caro," meaning "flesh." This is why option C) Meat or flesh is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Love. Incorrect; there's no connection between love and these words.
Option B:
Devour. Incorrect; while devour involves eating, the prefix here specifically refers to meat or flesh.
Option C:
Meat or flesh. Correct; this is derived from Latin "caro."
Option D:
Foot. Incorrect; foot has no relation to these words.
25.
Which of the following words is defined as "the opposite of appearing in the past?"
A) Disappeared.
B) Appeared.
C) Reappeared.
D) Disappear.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Disappeared is the correct answer because it means to cease to exist or be visible, which is the opposite of appearing in the past.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Disappeared. Opposite of appearing in the past.
Option B:
Appeared. This word means to come into sight or become known, not the opposite of appearing in the past.
Option C:
Reappeared. This means to appear again after a period of absence, which is related but not the exact opposite of appearing in the past.
Option D:
Disappear. This verb form refers to the act of disappearing, not the state or action of having disappeared in the past.
26.
Foolish:Not sensible
A) Con-.
B) De-.
C) -less.
D) -ish.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer is D) -ish because the suffix "-ish" in English often indicates a quality or characteristic that is not fully developed, complete, or typical of the word it modifies. For example, "foolish" suggests a degree of foolishness that is not completely sensible but leans towards it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Con- typically indicates negation or opposition (e.g., condemn).
Option B:
De- usually means to remove, undo, or negate something (e.g., delete).
Option C:
-less means without (e.g., careless).
Option D:
-ish indicates a quality that is not fully developed or typical (e.g., foolish).
27.
Which of the following roots mean "self?"
A) Micro.
B) Inter/a.
C) Bio.
D) Auto.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "auto-" means "self." This prefix is commonly used in words like "automobile" (self-moving) and "autonomy" (self-governance).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Micro does not mean self; it refers to small or minute.
Option B:
Inter/a means between or among, not self.
Option C:
Bio means life, not self.
Option D:
Auto is correct as it means self.
28.
Consider the word submarine. What is the meaning of the root word?
A) To write.
B) Nature of.
C) Under or below.
D) Sea or ocean.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word of "submarine" is "marine," which relates to the sea or ocean. This term comes from Latin, where "mare" means sea. The prefix "sub-" indicates below or under, thus combining these elements gives us a meaning related to something beneath the sea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To write" is unrelated to the word's meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Nature of" does not describe the root meaning here.
Option C:
Incorrect. While "sub-" means under or below, it is not the complete root meaning on its own.
Option D:
Correct. The root "marine" relates to sea or ocean.
29.
I watched the tv replay the soccer player score the game winning goal.What does the prefix re-mean?
A) After.
B) Before.
C) Not.
D) Again.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "re-" in the context of "replay" means "again." A replay is a re-occurrence or repetition of an event, such as watching a game again from a recorded source.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
After - Incorrect. The prefix does not indicate something that happens after but rather repeats.
Option B:
Before - Incorrect. This would imply the event happened before, which is not the meaning of "re-".
Option C:
Not - Incorrect. This negation is not what "re-" means in this context.
Option D:
Again - Correct. The prefix "re-" indicates repetition or a second occurrence.
30.
Ship (relationship, championship)
A) The art or skill of.
B) Able to.
C) The quality of.
D) To make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "ship" in the context of "Ship (relationship, championship)" is derived from the Latin root "sociare," meaning to associate or unite. The correct answer, Option A) The art or skill of, aligns with this etymology as it refers to the relationship aspect, which involves connecting or uniting individuals or teams.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Refers to the relationship aspect involving association or unity.
Option B:
Incorrect. Does not relate to the concept of association or unity.
Option C:
Incorrect. Not relevant to the root meaning of "ship" in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Making does not align with the root's meaning of association or unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are roots and affixes in English grammar?
Roots and affixes are fundamental components of words. Roots are the core part that carries the main meaning, while affixes are added to the root to modify its meaning or grammatical function.
How do roots and affixes help in learning English vocabulary?
Understanding roots and affixes helps learners recognize patterns in words, making it easier to learn new vocabulary. By knowing common prefixes and suffixes, one can predict the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Can you give an example of how roots and affixes are used in medical terminology?
Certainly. In medical terms, "carnivorous" (meaning meat-eating) can be broken down into the root "carn-" from Latin meaning flesh, and "-vore" which means eater. Similarly, "auditory" relates to hearing, with "auri-" derived from the Latin word for ear.
What is the difference between a prefix and an affix?
A prefix is an affix that is added to the beginning of a root or word, altering its meaning. Affixes are broader terms that include both prefixes (at the start) and suffixes (at the end), which modify the grammatical function of words.
How do roots and affixes contribute to understanding antonyms?
Roots and affixes can help in identifying antonyms by showing how the meaning of a word changes. For example, adding the prefix "un-" to "happy" creates "unhappy," which is an antonym. Similarly, changing suffixes can also create opposite meanings.