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Root Words β Quiz 1
Root Words Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of root words and their derived meanings, including prefixes and suffixes in English. It covers various contexts such as biology, measurement, and etymology to enhance vocabulary expansion and comprehension skills.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What is the root word that means "carry" ?
A) Photo.
B) Port.
C) Tempo.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word that means "carry" is
port
. This can be seen in words like import, export, and transport, where the core meaning revolves around carrying goods or people from one place to another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Photo - relates to taking pictures, not carrying.
Option B:
Port - correct; derived from the Latin "portare," meaning to carry.
Option C:
Tempo - refers to speed or rhythm, unrelated to carrying.
Option D:
None of above - incorrect as port is the right answer.
2.
The prefix semi-, like in the word semiprecious means
A) Half.
B) Before.
C) Not or away.
D) One.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix
semi-
in words like
semiprecious
means "half" or "partly." This is derived from the Latin word
semis
, meaning half. Thus, a semiprecious stone is one that is valuable but not as highly regarded as precious stones such as diamonds or rubies.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The prefix
semi-
indicates "half" or "partly."
Option B:
Incorrect. The prefix does not mean "before."
Option C:
Incorrect. The prefix does not indicate "not or away."
Option D:
Incorrect. The prefix does not mean "one."
3.
Feeling good about oneself
A) Self-confident.
B) Automatic.
C) Self-sufficient.
D) Autocrat.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Self-confident refers to having trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment, which aligns with the feeling of being good about oneself. This option accurately captures a sense of self-assurance and positive self-perception.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Self-confident is correct as it describes having trust in one's abilities and qualities.
Option B:
Automatic means happening or done without conscious effort, which does not relate to feeling good about oneself.
Option C:
Self-sufficient means capable of meeting oneβs own needs without external help; it is more related to independence than self-esteem.
Option D:
Autocrat refers to a ruler or person who exercises absolute power, which has no relation to feeling good about oneself.
4.
What does the root word "phon" mean as in microphone?I sang in the microphone.
A) Sound.
B) Life.
C) Light.
D) Distance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "phon" in the term microphone refers to sound. Microphones are devices designed to capture and amplify sound, making it a direct association with the concept of sound.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The root "phon" is derived from the Greek word for sound.
Option B:
Incorrect. Life is not related to the term microphone or its root "phon".
Option C:
Incorrect. Light has no relation to the function of a microphone.
Option D:
Incorrect. Distance does not pertain to the core meaning of the word "microphone" or its root "phon".
5.
The prefix "un " meansex. un do, un tie
A) Does not.
B) Not.
C) Without.
D) Full of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "un-" in English often means "not" or "without." This is why option B) Not. is the correct answer. Examples like "undo" (to reverse an action) and "untie" (to release a knot) illustrate this meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Does not mean "does not," which is incorrect.
Option B:
Not. correctly represents the meaning of "un-." in these examples.
Option C:
Without. implies a complete absence, which isn't always the case with "un-."
Option D:
Full of. is opposite to what "un-" typically means.
6.
A megastar is a bigger version of a star.What does the root word mega mean?
A) Brighter.
B) Larger.
C) Super.
D) More colorful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "mega" in the term "megastar" refers to something that is larger, greater, or more significant than usual. This aligns with Option B: Larger.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Brighter - Incorrect. The prefix does not indicate brightness.
Option B:
Larger - Correct. "Mega" often denotes largeness or greatness in size, quantity, or importance.
Option C:
Super - Incorrect. While "super" can mean excellent or superior, it is not the meaning of "mega" here.
Option D:
More colorful - Incorrect. The prefix does not imply colorfulness.
7.
A person who fights
A) Fighter.
B) Fightful.
C) Fightly.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "fight" is present in all options, but only "Fighter" (Option A) correctly forms a noun from the verb "to fight." The suffix "-er" denotes someone who performs an action, making "fighter" the appropriate term for a person who fights.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Forms a noun meaning a person who fights.
Option B:
Incorrect. Not a standard English word or form.
Option C:
Incorrect. Not a valid English word.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Fighter" is the correct term.
8.
The Latin root pop-like in the word population means
A) People.
B) Body.
C) Art.
D) Soda.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Latin root "pop" in the word "population" means people. This is derived from the Latin verb "populus," which refers to a group of individuals or inhabitants.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The term "people" accurately reflects the meaning of the root "pop."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Body" is not related to the Latin root "pop."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Art" has no connection to the Latin root "pop."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Soda" is unrelated to the Latin root "pop."
9.
The professor's ..... sounded like a robot droning on.
A) Unison.
B) Solo.
C) Monotonous.
D) Monotone.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "monotone" is the correct choice because it specifically describes a voice that is unvarying in pitch, pace, and volume, making it sound like a robot droning on. This term directly relates to the quality of the professor's speech.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unison refers to speaking or acting together at the same time; not relevant here.
Option B:
Solo means performed by one person alone, which does not describe a voice quality.
Option C:
Monotonous implies lacking variety and is often used to describe something boring, but it does not specifically refer to the sound of speech.
Option D:
Monotone accurately describes a voice that sounds like a robot droning on due to its unvarying quality.
10.
Which word means to appear again?
A) Resee.
B) Rewatch.
C) Reply.
D) Reappear.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "reappear" means to appear again, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Resee is not a standard English word and does not mean to appear again.
Option B:
Rewatch means to watch something again but does not relate to appearing.
Option C:
Reply means to answer or respond, which is unrelated to appearing.
Option D:
Reappear correctly means to appear once more, fitting the question's requirement.
11.
Which word has the same root word as moving?
A) Moves.
B) Mowing.
C) Oven.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "moves" shares the same root as "moving." Both words come from the verb "move," which means to change position or location.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Moves" is a form of the verb "move," sharing the same root.
Option B:
Incorrect. While "mowing" does share a root with "moving" (as it comes from "mow"), it is not directly related to the concept of movement or change in position.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Oven" has no relation to the verb "move." It refers to an appliance used for baking and cooking.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
12.
What word means odd?
A) Genesis.
B) Idiosyncratic.
C) Grandiloquent.
D) Idiom.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "idiosyncratic" means peculiar, characteristic of an individual, and can be used to describe something that is unusual or odd in a particular way. This makes it the correct answer as it aligns with the meaning of "odd."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Genesis refers to the origin or beginning of something; not related to oddness.
Option B:
Idiosyncratic, correct choice, means peculiar or characteristic of an individual, often used for describing something unusual or odd.
Option C:
Grandiloquent refers to speech that is pompous and inflated; not related to oddness.
Option D:
Idiom refers to a set phrase with a figurative meaning; not related to oddness.
13.
Which root word means "to show how things are different from each other" ?
A) Oppress.
B) Contrast.
C) Contradict.
D) Compare.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "contrast" means to show how things are different from each other. This term directly relates to the act of highlighting differences between two or more subjects, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Oppress - means to treat (someone) in an unfair and cruel way.
Option B:
Contrast - means to show how things are different from each other.
Option C:
Contradict - means to say or do something that disagrees with something else.
Option D:
Compare - means to examine in order to discover the similarities and differences between (two or more things).
14.
Which word means to play again?
A) Unplay.
B) Preplay.
C) Replay.
D) Misplay.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "replay" means to play again, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unplay is not a valid English word and does not mean to play again.
Option B:
Preplay refers to playing before something happens, not repeating an action.
Option C:
Replay means to play again, which matches the definition in the question.
Option D:
Misplay means to play incorrectly or poorly, not to repeat a play.
15.
When you pull in your breath, then your stomach will .....
A) Protract.
B) Extract.
C) Contract.
D) Retract.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When you inhale, your diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume in your chest cavity. This causes your stomach to contract slightly as it has less space due to the expansion of the lungs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Protract - means to extend or stretch out, not related to the contraction of the stomach.
Option B:
Extract - means to remove or take out, unrelated to breathing actions.
Option C:
Contract - correct. The stomach contracts as it has less space due to lung expansion.
Option D:
Retract - means to pull back or draw in, not related to the action during inhalation.
16.
What does bio-mean in biology?
A) Plants.
B) Animals.
C) Life.
D) The study of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "bio-" in biology means "life." This root word is used to denote anything related to living organisms, processes, and systems.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Plants - Incorrect. While plants are a part of the biological study, "bio-" specifically refers to life in general.
Option B:
Animals - Incorrect. Similar to Option A, animals are one aspect of biology but not the meaning of "bio-."
Option C:
Life - Correct. The prefix "bio-" is derived from the Greek word "bios," which means life.
Option D:
The study of - Incorrect. This option describes the field of biology but not the meaning of the prefix "bio-."
17.
What does the suffix "ful" mean? As in peaceful, harmful, beautiful, powerful.
A) To scare.
B) To hide.
C) To take.
D) To have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix "ful" in English is used to form adjectives that indicate the quality of something, meaning it gives a sense of having or possessing a particular characteristic. For example, "peaceful" means having peace, and "beautiful" means having beauty.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To scare - Incorrect. The suffix does not relate to causing fear.
Option B:
To hide - Incorrect. The suffix is not associated with concealing something.
Option C:
To take - Incorrect. The suffix does not involve the action of taking or possession in this sense.
Option D:
To have - Correct. This option accurately describes the function of the "ful" suffix, as it indicates having a particular quality or characteristic.
18.
What is the root word in the word "prediction" ?
A) Dict.
B) Pre.
C) Ion.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word in the word "prediction" is
dictio
, which means to speak or say. The prefix "pre-" indicates before, and "-ion" is a suffix that forms nouns indicating action or state. Therefore, the claimed correct answer A) Dict. is accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Root word
dictio
.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Pre-" is a prefix, not the root.
Option C:
Incorrect. "-Ion" is a suffix, not the root.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
What does the root word ast/astr mean?
A) Air.
B) Space.
C) Life.
D) Star.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "ast" and its variant "astr" primarily refers to the concept of a star in etymology. This is evident from words like astronomy (the study of stars) and astronaut (a person trained for space travel, where "star" symbolizes celestial bodies).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Air - Incorrect. The root does not relate to air.
Option B:
Space - Incorrect. While related to stars, the direct meaning is specifically star.
Option C:
Life - Incorrect. No etymological connection to life.
Option D:
Star - Correct. The root "ast" or "astr" directly relates to a star.
20.
Which is the root word of completed?
A) Co.
B) Complet.
C) Ed.
D) Complete.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word of "completed" is
complete
. The suffix "-ed" in "completed" indicates past tense, but it does not change the core meaning or form of the root word.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Co. - Incorrect. This prefix means 'together' and is unrelated to the root word.
Option B:
Complet. - Incorrect. While this looks similar, it's not a standard root form in English.
Option C:
Ed. - Incorrect. This suffix forms past tense or participial adjectives and is not the root word itself.
Option D:
Complete. - Correct. The core meaning of "completed" comes from this root word, with "-ed" indicating it as an adjective in the past tense or a verb form.
21.
What is the root word of singer?
A) Sin.
B) Ing.
C) Sing.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word of "singer" is
Sing.
The suffix "-er" indicates the person who performs the action, so we remove it to find the root: sing- + -er = singer. This process is known as back-formation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sin. Incorrect; this does not relate to the word formation of "singer."
Option B:
Ing. Incorrect; this suffix typically forms present participles or gerunds, not root words.
Option C:
Sing. Correct; it is the base form from which "singer" is derived by adding the -er suffix.
Option D:
None of above. Incorrect; option C is correct.
22.
What is the root word of brushes?
A) Brush.
B) Rushes.
C) Brushed.
D) Bush.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word of "brushes" is
Brush
. The suffix "-es" in "brushes" indicates the third-person singular present tense, but it does not change the root word itself.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Brush" is the base form of the word from which other forms are derived.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Rushes" refers to a type of plant, unrelated to the root of "brushes."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Brushed" is a past tense or past participle form, not the root word.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Bush" is a different word referring to a small tree or shrub and has no direct relation to the root of "brushes."
23.
A three-footed stand often used to balance a camera
A) Tripod.
B) Biped.
C) Pedestrian.
D) Quadruped.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "trip" in
Option A: Tripod
indicates three, which aligns with the description of a three-footed stand used to balance a camera.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The term "tripod" directly relates to having three legs or supports.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Biped" refers to an organism with two feet, unrelated to the number of legs a stand has.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Pedestrian" means a person walking on foot and is not related to camera stands.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Quadruped" refers to an organism with four feet, which does not match the description of the stand.
24.
What is the root word of loudest?
A) Loud.
B) Dest.
C) Loude.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word of "loudest" is derived from the base form "loud." The suffix "-est" is added to indicate the superlative degree, meaning it is the most loud out of all possible options.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Loud" forms the core or root of the word "loudest," from which the comparative and superlative degrees are derived.
Option B:
Incorrect. The prefix "de-" is not present in "loudest." This option can be eliminated as it does not relate to the root word concept.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Loude" is not a standard English spelling and does not represent the root of "loudest." It might be a misspelling or variation, but it's not relevant here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Since option A is correct, this choice is also incorrect as there is a valid answer among the options provided.
25.
An instrument used to measure heat/temperature
A) Pedometer.
B) Thermometer.
C) Seismometer.
D) Kilometer.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Thermometer is the correct answer because it measures heat and temperature, which are related to thermal energy. A pedometer counts steps, a seismometer measures earthquakes, and a kilometer is a unit of length. These do not measure heat or temperature.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pedometer - Counts steps; does not measure heat/temperature.
Option B:
Thermometer - Measures heat and temperature accurately.
Option C:
Seismometer - Detects earthquakes and vibrations in the ground.
Option D:
Kilometer - A unit of length measurement; does not measure heat/temperature.
26.
Working by itself
A) A self propelled road vehicle.
B) Automatic.
C) Automobile.
D) Autocorrect.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "auto" means self, and when combined with the suffix -matic (as in automatic), it implies something that works by itself without external assistance. This aligns perfectly with option B) Automatic.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Self-propelled vehicles are not necessarily working by themselves; they require a driver or some form of control.
Option B:
Correct, as it directly relates to something that operates independently.
Option C:
An automobile is a specific type of vehicle and does not inherently imply self-operation.
Option D:
Autocorrect refers to software functionality and is unrelated to the concept of working by itself.
27.
What is the prefix in this word?remarkable
A) Re.
B) Mark.
C) Able.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix in the word "remarkable" is
Re-
. This prefix often means "again" or "back," but in this context, it's used to emphasize the quality of something notable or worthy of remark.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The prefix "Re-" indicates a reiteration or emphasis on the following root word.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Mark" is not a prefix in this word.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Able" is part of the root, but not a prefix.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
28.
It is widely thought that every person's fingerprints are ....., but that is not proven.
A) Unique.
B) Monotone.
C) Solo.
D) Unify.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "unique" means one of a kind, distinct from all others. In the context of fingerprints, it refers to the fact that no two individuals have exactly the same fingerprint pattern, which is why option A is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unique - Correct. No two people share identical fingerprints.
Option B:
Monotone - Refers to uniformity or lack of variety, not applicable here.
Option C:
Solo - Means alone or single, not relevant in this context.
Option D:
Unify - To bring together into one group or whole, unrelated to fingerprint uniqueness.
29.
What does the word malign mean?
A) To desire to cause harm to another person.
B) A person who is always of often unhappy.
C) To fail to function or work properly.
D) To say bad things about someone publicly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "malign" means to say bad things about someone publicly, which directly corresponds to Option D. This term specifically refers to the act of speaking ill of another person in a public manner, often with the intention of damaging their reputation or causing them harm.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Malign" does not refer to desiring to cause harm; it involves actually saying harmful things.
Option B:
Incorrect. This describes a person's general state of being unhappy, which is unrelated to the term "malign."
Option C:
Incorrect. This refers to failure in function or operation, not speaking ill of someone.
Option D:
Correct. This accurately defines what it means to malign someone.
30.
To go incognito is to .....
A) To show what you know.
B) To hide so you are not known.
C) To work hard.
D) Run quickly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To go incognito means to hide so you are not known, which aligns with option B. The term "incognito" comes from the Latin word "in cΕgnotΕ," meaning "unknown." This relates directly to the concept of remaining anonymous or hidden.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To show what you know - Incorrect, as incognito implies hiding rather than revealing knowledge.
Option B:
To hide so you are not known - Correct, this is the definition of going incognito.
Option C:
To work hard - Irrelevant to the concept of being anonymous or hidden.
Option D:
Run quickly - Not related to the meaning of incognito at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are root words, and why are they important in English grammar?
Root words are the basic building blocks of many English words. They provide the core meaning and can be combined with prefixes and suffixes to form new words. Understanding root words helps in deciphering word meanings and constructing vocabulary more effectively.
How do root words relate to etymology?
Root words are fundamental in the study of etymology, which is the history of words and their origins. By understanding root words, one can trace the evolution of language and learn about the cultural and historical contexts that shaped modern English vocabulary.
Can you give an example of how root words are used in biology?
Certainly. In biology, many terms like "photosynthesis" and "respiration" contain the root word "synthesis," which means to put together or combine. This helps in understanding that these processes involve combining elements for life functions.
How do prefixes affect the meaning of root words?
Prefixes can change or modify the basic meaning of a root word. For example, adding "un-" to the root word "happy" creates "unhappy," which means the opposite of happy. This shows how prefixes can significantly alter the meaning while keeping the core concept intact.
What is the significance of learning about root words in English?
Learning about root words enhances comprehension and vocabulary building. It allows students to recognize patterns, understand complex terms more easily, and make connections between related concepts, which is crucial for effective communication and academic success.