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Word Derivation – Quiz 1
Word Derivation Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of word derivation, focusing on adjective form recognition from a foreign language context, Latin roots in English vocabulary, and noun-to-verb conversion. It also assesses skills such as recognizing affixes, analyzing root meanings, and forming adjectives from nouns.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Read the sentence.First, we have to find the injured finch and then confine its wing until it heals. The words finite and infinite both derive from the same Latin word finis, which means "limit" or "ending." Based on this information, which word in the sentence derives from finis?
A) Injured.
B) Confine.
C) Finch.
D) Find.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "confine" derives from the Latin word
finis
, meaning "limit" or "ending." The term "confine" involves setting limits or boundaries, which aligns with the concept of a limit or ending.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Injured does not relate to the idea of a limit or ending.
Option B:
Confine directly relates to setting limits or boundaries, derived from
finis
.
Option C:
Finch is a noun referring to a bird and has no direct relation to the concept of a limit or ending.
Option D:
Find does not relate to the idea of a limit or ending.
2.
Which of the following is NOT a derivation of the word 'act'?
A) Active.
B) Actual.
C) Action.
D) Actor.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Active, actual, and actor are all derived from the word 'act'. Active is an adjective form meaning full of action; actual means real or genuine, which can be traced back to 'act'; actor is a noun referring to someone who performs in plays or films.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Active - Derived from 'act' as an adjective.
Option B:
Actual - Derived from 'act' as an adjective meaning real or genuine.
Option C:
Action - Derived from 'act' as a noun meaning a deed or activity.
Option D:
Actor - Derived from 'act' as a noun referring to someone who performs in plays or films.
3.
It's simply ..... I have won the lottery . (BELIEVE)
A) Unbelievable.
B) Believable.
C) Believer.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "It's simply... I have won the lottery." implies a situation that is highly unlikely and surprising, which aligns with the meaning of "unbelievable."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unbelievable. Correct. The context suggests an extraordinary event that would be hard to believe.
Option B:
Believable. Incorrect. Winning the lottery is not a common or expected occurrence, making it unbelievable rather than believable.
Option C:
Believer. Incorrect. This option does not fit grammatically or contextually in the sentence provided.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect. Option A is correct.
4.
What does derivational suffixes do to a word?
A) It changes the grammar of a word.
B) It changes the meaning and part of speech of a word.
C) All of these.
D) None of these.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Derivational suffixes modify the meaning and part of speech of a word by adding meaningful elements that change its lexical category, such as turning a noun into a verb or altering the semantic content of the word.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Derivational suffixes do not primarily alter the grammar but rather the meaning and part of speech.
Option B:
Correct. This accurately describes what derivational suffixes do to a word.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is incorrect, so this cannot be correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are valid options among the choices provided.
5.
It is ..... colder today that it was yesterday (CERTAIN)
A) Certain.
B) Certainly.
C) Certainty.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Certainly.
This option accurately reflects the certainty in the statement that it is colder today than yesterday, as indicated by the word "CERTAIN" in uppercase, which emphasizes the certainty of the situation. The other options do not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "Certain" is already used and does not need repetition.
Option B:
Correct; "Certainly" conveys the same level of certainty as "Certain."
Option C:
Incorrect; "Certainty" refers to a state rather than an adverb expressing certainty.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct answer among the given options.
6.
Which of the following is NOT a derivation of the word 'play'?
A) Playful.
B) Playwright.
C) Played.
D) Player.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Playful, played, and player are all direct derivatives of the word 'play'. Playwright is a compound word derived from 'play' and 'writer', making it not a direct derivation but rather a combination with another word to form a new term.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Playful - Derived from play, meaning full of fun or enjoyment.
Option B:
Playwright - Not a direct derivative; it combines 'play' and 'writer'. Correct answer.
Option C:
Played - Past tense form of the verb 'to play', directly derived from play.
Option D:
Player - Derived from play, meaning someone who participates in a game or performance.
7.
What is the prefix in the word 'impossible'?
A) Possible.
B) Pos.
C) Sible.
D) Im.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix in the word 'impossible' is
Im-
. This prefix indicates negation, meaning "not possible."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Possible. Incorrect. The root of the word refers to possibility.
Option B:
Pos. Incorrect. This is a misspelling and not related to the prefix in 'impossible'.
Option C:
Sible. Incorrect. This is unrelated to the prefix in 'impossible'.
Option D:
Im. Correct. The prefix "Im-" negates the root meaning, indicating impossibility.
8.
How would you say DESESPOIR in English?
A) Hope.
B) Hopeful.
C) Hopelessness.
D) Hopefulness.
E) Hopeless.
Show Answer
Explanations:
DESESPOIR is a French word that translates to "despair" in English, which means a complete loss of hope. The correct answer, C) Hopelessness, accurately captures this meaning as it refers to the state of having no hope.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Hope - This is incorrect because despair involves the absence of hope, not its presence.
Option B:
Hopeful - This is incorrect as it describes someone with hope, which contradicts the meaning of despair.
Option C:
Hopelessness - This is correct as it accurately represents the state of having no hope, aligning with the meaning of despair.
Option D:
Hopefulness - This is incorrect because it describes a positive outlook on hope, not its absence.
Option E:
Hopeless - While this is close in meaning to "hopelessness," "hopelessness" more accurately captures the state of despair as it emphasizes the lack of any possibility for hope.
9.
What part of speech do the suffixes-able and-ible make a word?
A) ADJECTIVE.
B) VERB.
C) NOUN.
D) ADVERB.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffixes -able and -ible make an adjective when added to a word, indicating the possibility of something happening or describing a quality that can be applied to a noun. For example, "possible" (from "poss- + -ible") and "credible" (from "cred- + -ible").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The suffixes -able and -ible typically form adjectives.
Option B:
Incorrect. These suffixes do not change a verb into an adjective; they modify nouns or verbs to create adjectives.
Option C:
Incorrect. While these suffixes can be used in forming some nouns, their primary function is to form adjectives.
Option D:
Incorrect. These suffixes do not change a word into an adverb; they modify verbs or nouns to create adjectives.
10.
What part of speech do the suffixes-er, -or, and-ist make a word?
A) ADVERB.
B) NOUN.
C) VERB.
D) ADJECTIVE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffixes -er, -or, and -ist typically form nouns. For example, the suffix -er can be seen in "worker" (one who works), -or in "doctor" (one who treats), and -ist in "artist" (one who creates art). These suffixes denote a person or thing associated with an action or occupation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Adverbs do not typically end in these suffixes.
Option B:
Correct. Nouns are commonly formed by these suffixes.
Option C:
Incorrect. Verbs do not usually have these endings.
Option D:
Incorrect. Adjectives often end in -ful, -less, or -ish, but not typically with these suffixes.
11.
The word 'misunderstand' is derived from which base word?
A) Understand.
B) Misunderstood.
C) Misunderstanding.
D) Misunderstand.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word 'misunderstand' is derived from the base word 'understand'. The prefix 'mis-' indicates a negative or incorrect action, transforming 'understand' into its opposite in meaning but retaining the same root.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. 'Understand' forms the core of the derived word 'misunderstand', with 'mis-' being an affix that modifies the meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. 'Misunderstood' is a past participle form, not the base word from which 'misunderstand' is derived.
Option C:
Incorrect. 'Misunderstanding' is a present participle or gerund form, not the base word from which 'misunderstand' is derived.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option repeats the term in question and does not indicate any derivation process.
12.
Which word is most likely derived from the root "duct, duc" which means "lead" ?
A) Dictionary.
B) Conduct.
C) Dictator.
D) Dictate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "conduct" is derived from the Latin root "duc," meaning "lead." It refers to guiding, directing, or managing something or someone, which aligns with the idea of leading.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dictionary - This term relates to a book containing words and their meanings but is not derived from "duct, duc."
Option B:
Conduct - Correct. Derived from "duc," meaning "lead," it refers to guiding or directing.
Option C:
Dictator - This term comes from the Latin "dictare," which means "to order" or "to dictate a law," not directly related to "duct, duc."
Option D:
Dictate - While this word is also derived from "duc," it specifically refers to ordering someone to speak and write down what they say, focusing on the act of commanding rather than leading in a broader sense.
13.
Convert the verb given into noun.teach
A) Is teaching.
B) Taught.
C) Teacher.
D) Teached.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "teach" can be converted into a noun by using its base form, which becomes "teacher." This is the correct answer because it represents the person who performs the action of teaching.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is teaching. - Present continuous tense, not a noun.
Option B:
Taught. - Past simple tense, not a noun.
Option C:
Teacher. - Correct conversion of the verb to a noun representing a person who teaches.
Option D:
Teached. - This is an archaic or non-standard form; "taught" is the correct past tense and past participle of teach.
14.
How would you say UNBELIEVABLE in French?
A) Incroyable.
B) Croyance.
C) Incroyablement.
D) Croire.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "incroyable" is the correct translation of "unbelievable" in French. It directly corresponds to the meaning and usage of the English term, making it a precise and accurate translation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Incroyable" means "unbelievable" in French.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Croyance" means "belief" or "faith," not "unbelievable."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Incroyablement" is the adverb form of "incroyable," meaning "unbelievably," which does not match the question's request for a noun.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Croire" means "to believe," not "unbelievable."
15.
How would you say SATISFAISANT in English?
A) Satisfyingly.
B) Satisfying.
C) Satisfied.
D) Unsatisfying.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "satisfaisant" in French translates to "satisfactory" in English, which can be derived as an adjective describing something that meets expectations or requirements. The correct answer is
B) Satisfying.
This form is used as a present participle and can function as an adjective modifying a noun.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Satisfyingly" is an adverb, not an adjective. It modifies verbs or adjectives to describe the manner in which something happens.
Option B:
Correct. "Satisfying" as a present participle can function as an adjective modifying a noun.
Option C:
"Satisfied" is typically used as a past participle, often with a person or animal as the subject (e.g., "He was satisfied").
Option D:
This option directly contradicts the meaning of the French word and does not fit grammatically in this context.
16.
What part of speech do the suffixes-ent, -ous, and-less make a word?
A) NOUN.
B) VERB.
C) ADVERB.
D) ADJECTIVE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffixes -ent, -ous, and -less form adjectives in English. For example, "gentle" (from gentle-ent), "noisy" (from noise-ous), and "careless" (from care-less). These suffixes modify nouns to create descriptive words that typically answer the question "what kind of?" or "how?".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
NOUN - Incorrect. Suffixes like -ent, -ous, and -less do not form nouns.
Option B:
VERB - Incorrect. These suffixes are not used to form verbs.
Option C:
ADVERB - Incorrect. Adverbs typically end in -ly or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs; they do not use these specific suffixes.
Option D:
ADJECTIVE - Correct. These suffixes create adjectives that describe nouns or other adjectives.
17.
Quel suffixe transforme un adjectif en adverbe?
A) -ly.
B) -ate.
C) -able.
D) -ness.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Le suffixe
-ly
transforme un adjectif en adverbe dans la langue anglaise. Par exemple, l'adjectif
quick
devient l'adverbe
quickly
.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Adjectifs comme
quick
deviennent adverbes avec le suffixe
-ly
.
Option B:
Incorrect. Le suffixe
-ate
est utilisé pour former des verbes, par exemple
operate
à partir de
opera
.
Option C:
Incorrect. Le suffixe
-able
forme des adjectifs, comme
possible
à partir de
possibl-
.
Option D:
Incorrect. Le suffixe
-ness
forme des noms, par exemple
happiness
à partir de
happy
.
18.
The children were very ..... when the teacher came in (NOISE).
A) Noisy.
B) Noise.
C) Noisily.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The children were very
Noisy
when the teacher came in (NOISE). The word "noisy" is an adjective that describes the state of being loud or making a lot of noise. In this context, it correctly modifies the subject "children."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Adjective form fits the sentence structure.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Noise" is a noun and does not fit as an adjective here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Noisily" is an adverb, which would be used to describe how the children acted, but not in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid.
19.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word in the bracket.She is a very ..... person and loves meeting new people. (friend)
A) Friendless.
B) Friends.
C) Friendly.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Friendly.
The word "friendly" is the appropriate form to describe someone who loves meeting new people, as it directly modifies and describes her personality trait.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Friendless" means without friends, which contradicts the given context of loving to meet new people.
Option B:
"Friends" is a noun form and does not fit as an adjective describing her personality.
Option C:
"Friendly" is the correct adjective form that fits grammatically and semantically in this context.
Option D:
Not applicable since option C is correct.
20.
Convert the verb given into noun.work
A) Is working.
B) Worked.
C) Worker.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "work" can be converted into a noun by using its base form, which is "worker." This term refers to a person who performs work for wages or as an occupation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is working. - This is a present continuous tense verb phrase and not a noun.
Option B:
Worked. - This is the past tense form of the verb and not a noun.
Option C:
Worker. - Correct, as it is the noun form derived from the verb "work."
Option D:
None of the above. - Incorrect since Option C is correct.
21.
Writing LinkedIn posts helps you gain more professional .....
A) Recognisable.
B) Recognition.
C) Recognised.
D) Recognise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Recognition is correct because the sentence requires a noun to complete the phrase "gain more professional," and "Recognition" fits grammatically as it refers to the state of being acknowledged for one's work on LinkedIn.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Recognisable" is an adjective, not a noun, so it does not fit in this context.
Option B:
"Recognition" is the correct answer as explained above.
Option C:
"Recognised" is a past participle and cannot be used to complete the sentence structure here.
Option D:
"Recognise" is a verb, which does not fit in this context of gaining something.
22.
There's a lot of ..... about that on the internet (INFORM)
A) Informs.
B) Information.
C) Informative.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Information.
The phrase "There's a lot of information about that on the internet" is grammatically correct and makes sense in context, indicating an abundance of data or knowledge available online regarding a particular topic.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Informs - This verb form does not fit the sentence structure.
Option B:
Information - Correct choice as it fits naturally in the context provided.
Option C:
Informative - While this adjective could describe content, it doesn't fit grammatically here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "Information" is the right answer.
23.
What is the function of the suffix-ment in the word 'enjoyment'?
A) Verbalizer.
B) Nominalizer.
C) Adverbializer.
D) Adjectivalizer.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix -ment in the word 'enjoyment' functions as a nominalizer, converting the verb 'enjoy' into a noun 'enjoyment'. This process turns an action (verb) into a thing (noun).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Verbalizer - Incorrect. The suffix does not change the word from a noun to a verb.
Option B:
Nominalizer - Correct. This is the function of the suffix -ment, turning verbs into nouns.
Option C:
Adverbializer - Incorrect. This would modify an adjective or adverb to form an adverb ending in -ly.
Option D:
Adjectivalizer - Incorrect. The suffix does not change a noun or verb into an adjective.
24.
To attract recruiters, you should regularly update your career .....
A) Progressed.
B) Progressive.
C) Progression.
D) Progress.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Progression.
The phrase "regularly update your career progression" makes the most sense in this context, as it refers to the advancement and development of one's professional journey over time. This term is commonly used by recruiters when they are looking for candidates who have a clear path of growth within their field.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Progressed" is a verb form, which does not fit grammatically in the sentence.
Option B:
"Progressive" means advancing or developing gradually; it does not fit as well with the context of updating one's career.
Option C:
"Progression" is the correct term, indicating the advancement and development in a career over time.
Option D:
"Progress" is a noun but lacks the sense of ongoing development that "progression" conveys.
25.
Convert the verb given into noun.express
A) Expression.
B) Is expressing.
C) Expressly.
D) Expressed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "express" can be converted into a noun by using its base form, which is "expression." This is the correct answer because it directly transforms the action of expressing into a thing that can be discussed or used in a sentence as a subject or object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Expression. Correct conversion from verb to noun.
Option B:
Is expressing. This is a present progressive form, not a noun.
Option C:
Expressly. This adverb does not change the verb into a noun.
Option D:
Expressed. This is the past tense of express and cannot be used as a direct noun form in this context.
26.
The grammatical function of the suffix-ed in the word "left-handed" is .....
A) Nominalizer.
B) Adjectivalizer.
C) Verbalizer.
D) Adverbializer.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix "-ed" in "left-handed" functions as an adjectivalizer, transforming the past participle of the verb "to left" (which is actually a misnomer; it should be "to leave") into an adjective that describes someone or something who habitually leaves with their left hand.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Nominalizer - Incorrect. This suffix does not turn verbs into nouns.
Option B:
Adjectivalizer - Correct. The "-ed" suffix in "left-handed" turns the verb into an adjective describing a characteristic of the person or thing.
Option C:
Verbalizer - Incorrect. This would be used to form verbs from nouns, not adjectives.
Option D:
Adverbializer - Incorrect. This suffix is used to form adverbs, not adjectives.
27.
When job hunting, it's important to remain ..... on LinkedIn.
A) Active.
B) Activity.
C) Act.
D) Activation.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A, "Active," is correct because it means to be engaged and regularly participating in activities on LinkedIn. This keeps your profile visible to potential employers and allows you to network effectively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Being involved and regularly updating or interacting with the platform.
Option B:
Noun form of activity, not a verb. Irrelevant in this context.
Option C:
Verb "to act," too general for job hunting context.
Option D:
Process of becoming active, not an ongoing state needed for job hunting on LinkedIn.
28.
Which of the following words is derived from the Latin root 'videre', meaning 'to see'?
A) Video.
B) Vision.
C) Visible.
D) All of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
All options are derived from the Latin root 'videre', meaning 'to see'.
-
Video:
From Latin "video" (I see).
-
Vision:
From Latin "visionem" (sight, view), a noun form.
-
Visible:
From Latin "visibilis" (that can be seen).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Video - From Latin "video" (I see).
Option B:
Vision - From Latin "visionem" (sight, view), a noun form.
Option C:
Visible - From Latin "visibilis" (that can be seen).
Option D:
All of the above. Correct as all are derived from 'videre'.
29.
LinkedIn allows users to endorse each other's .....
A) Qualifier.
B) Qualification.
C) Qualified.
D) Qualify.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Qualification.
In the context of LinkedIn, users can endorse each other's qualifications, meaning they can acknowledge a colleague’s skills and expertise in specific areas. This aligns with the term "qualification," which refers to the formal recognition or certification of abilities.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Qualifier - Incorrect. A qualifier is something that modifies or limits the meaning of another word, not a term used for endorsements.
Option B:
Qualification - Correct. This accurately describes what users can endorse on LinkedIn, recognizing each other's skills and expertise in specific areas.
Option C:
Qualified - Incorrect. While this is related to having the necessary abilities or credentials, it does not fit the context of endorsements as well as "qualification" does.
Option D:
Qualify - Incorrect. This verb means to meet certain requirements but does not describe what users can endorse on LinkedIn.
30.
. The film was a bit ..... I didn't really understand what happened (CONFUSE)
A) Confussion.
B) Confusing.
C) Confuse.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "confuse" is a verb, which means to cause someone to feel puzzled or uncertain about something. In the given sentence, we need an adjective to describe the film, so "confusing" (Option B) is the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Confussion" is not a valid word in English.
Option B:
"Confusing" is an adjective that correctly describes the film as unclear or hard to understand.
Option C:
"Confuse" is a verb and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (B) is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is word derivation in the context of vocabulary?
Word derivation refers to the process of creating new words from existing ones, often by adding prefixes or suffixes. This concept is crucial for understanding how languages evolve and expand their vocabularies.
How does Latin influence English vocabulary?
Latin has significantly influenced the English language, providing a substantial number of words in various fields such as law, medicine, and science. Many English words are derived directly from Latin roots.
Can you explain adjectif-adverbe derivation?
Adjectif-adverbe derivation involves converting an adjective into an adverb by adding a suffix, such as -ly in English. This process is common and helps to modify verbs or other adjectives more precisely.
Why is understanding word derivation important for learners?
Understanding word derivation enhances comprehension and vocabulary building. It allows learners to recognize patterns, predict meanings of unfamiliar words, and improve their overall language skills.
What is the difference between noun derivation from verbs and verb-to-noun conversion?
Noun derivation from verbs involves creating a new noun by adding suffixes to a verb, such as "run" becoming "running." Verb-to-noun conversion directly changes a verb into a noun form, like turning "to walk" into "a walk."