This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Vocabulary
>
Root Words Roots And Affixes – Quiz 1
Root Words Roots And Affixes Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of root words and affixes, including their meanings, usage in word formation, and identification in various contexts such as medical terminology, Latin roots, and numerical values. Students will demonstrate their ability to recognize common prefixes and suffixes, form nouns from verbs, and identify root words related to emotions and perceptions.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Prefix oct-means
A) Two.
B) Eight.
C) Four.
D) Three.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "oct-" means eight. This is derived from the Greek word "okto," which also means eight. Common examples include octagon (eight-sided figure) and octopus (eight-armed sea creature).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Two - Incorrect, as two is represented by the prefix "bi-" or "di-".
Option B:
Eight - Correct, as "oct-" means eight.
Option C:
Four - Incorrect, as four is represented by the prefix "tetra-".
Option D:
Three - Incorrect, as three is represented by the prefix "tri-".
2.
The word agree is a verb (to agree). What ending would you add to make the root an adjective?
A) -able.
B) -ly.
C) -ion.
D) -s.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To convert the verb "agree" into an adjective, we use the suffix "-able". This suffix is commonly used to form adjectives from verbs that describe a quality or ability related to the action of the verb. For example, "agreement" (noun), "agreeing" (verb), and "agreeable" (adjective).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The suffix "-able" turns "agree" into an adjective like "agreeable".
Option B:
Incorrect. The suffix "-ly" is used to form adverbs from adjectives or verbs, e.g., "quick" becomes "quickly".
Option C:
Incorrect. The suffix "-ion" turns "agree" into a noun like "agreement".
Option D:
Incorrect. The suffix "-s" is typically used for third-person singular present tense verbs, e.g., "he agrees".
3.
The teacher ran to the printer to make a ..... of the worksheet.
A) Telephoto.
B) Photocopy.
C) Photograph.
D) Photon.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Photocopy.
A photocopy is a duplicate of an original document produced by a photocopier, which fits the context of making a copy of a worksheet. The term "telephoto" refers to a type of lens for cameras; "photograph" means a picture taken with a camera; and "photon" is a particle of light.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Telephoto relates to lenses, not copying.
Option B:
Photocopy correctly describes the action of making a duplicate using a photocopier.
Option C:
Photograph is an image taken with a camera, not a copy made on a printer.
Option D:
Photon refers to a particle of light and has no relation to printing or copying documents.
4.
What do the suffixes '-al', '-ical', & '-ic' mean?
A) Study of.
B) A person who is a specialist.
C) Relating to.
D) Around.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffixes '-al', '-ical', and '-ic' are used to form adjectives that indicate a relationship between the root word and some other noun, verb, or adjective. For example:
- 'Educational' relates to education,
- 'Historical' relates to history,
- 'Optical' relates to optics.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Study of - Incorrect. This is typically represented by the suffix '-ology'.
Option B:
A person who is a specialist - Incorrect. This is usually denoted by the suffix '-ist'.
Option C:
Relating to - Correct. These suffixes are used to indicate that something pertains or relates to another concept.
Option D:
Around - Incorrect. This is represented by the suffix '-al' in words like 'circular', but not for these specific meanings.
5.
Which root word means fire?
A) Haste.
B) Lumin.
C) Rupt.
D) Ignis.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "ignis" means fire. This Latin term is the origin of many English words related to fire, such as ignite and ignition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Haste - No relation to fire.
Option B:
Lumin - Related to light, not fire specifically.
Option C:
Rupt - Means break or tear, unrelated to fire.
Option D:
Ignis - Correct; means fire in Latin.
6.
Which root means large; long; or inclusive?
A) Macro.
B) Arch.
C) Micro.
D) Astro.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "macro" means large, extensive, or inclusive. It is derived from the Greek word "makros," meaning long or great.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The term "macro" indeed refers to something broad in scope or scale.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Arch" means chief, principal, or highest in rank; it does not denote largeness or inclusiveness.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Micro" means small, minute, or microscopic; the opposite of large or inclusive.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Astro" relates to stars or astronomy; it is unrelated to the concept of largeness or inclusiveness.
7.
Which word contains a Latin root that means "to see" ?
A) Prepare.
B) Televise.
C) Inspect.
D) Transform.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "inspect" contains the Latin root "spec," which means "to see." The prefix "in-" intensifies the meaning, making it "to look into" or "to examine closely."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Prepare does not contain a root related to seeing.
Option B:
Televise contains the Latin root "tele," which means "far" or "distant," not "to see."
Option C:
Inspect is correct as it has the root "spec," meaning "to see."
Option D:
Transform does not contain a root related to seeing.
8.
What root word means "time" ?
A) Chron.
B) Dis.
C) Dict.
D) Auto.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "chron" means "time." This is why option A) Chron. is the correct answer. Words like chronology, chronic, and synchronize all derive from this root, indicating a connection to time or duration.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The root word "chron" means "time."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Dis" typically means "apart" or "not."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Dict" often relates to "saying" or "commanding."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Auto" generally means "self."
9.
A doctor who specializes in taking care of feet is a .....
A) Pediatrician.
B) Orthopediatrist.
C) Podiatrist.
D) Pediatrist.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A doctor who specializes in taking care of feet is a
Podiatrist.
The term "podiatry" comes from the Greek words "pod," meaning foot, and "iatros," meaning physician or healer. This directly indicates that podiatrists focus on foot health.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pediatrician - specializes in children's healthcare.
Option B:
Orthopediatrist - focuses on musculoskeletal system, including bones and joints but not specifically feet.
Option C:
Podiatrist - specializes in foot health.
Option D:
Pediatrist - specializes in children's healthcare.
10.
In the word automotive, the prefix means:
A) Self.
B) Car.
C) Auto.
D) Before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "auto-" in the word "automotive" means "self." This is derived from the Greek word "autos," meaning self, and it indicates that the vehicle can operate by itself without external power or propulsion assistance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The prefix "auto-" signifies "self."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Car" is not the meaning of this prefix.
Option C:
Incorrect. While "auto" can be used as a root, it does not mean "car."
Option D:
Incorrect. The prefix does not indicate "before."
11.
REVIEW:Which root word means million?
A) Mega.
B) Dyna.
C) Deca.
D) Hos.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "mega" means million in the context of metric prefixes and is used to denote a factor of one million (10
6
). This term is derived from the Greek word "megas," meaning great or large.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Mega indeed means million.
Option B:
Incorrect. Dyna does not relate to millions; it can mean force or power in some contexts but is not a prefix for one million.
Option C:
Incorrect. Deca means ten, not million.
Option D:
Incorrect. Hos is not a recognized root word and does not have any specific meaning related to millions or other numerical values in English grammar or metric systems.
12.
Write, draw, describe
A) Ject.
B) Graph/gram.
C) Port.
D) Meter.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Graph/gram.
This option refers to the root word "graph" which means a drawing, diagram, or chart. The suffix "-gram" can mean a written or recorded form of something. Both are common in English and often appear as roots in words related to writing, recording, or visual representation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Ject does not relate directly to the concept of root words or affixes.
Option B:
Graph/gram is correct as it relates to roots and suffixes in English vocabulary.
Option C:
Port means to carry, which is unrelated to the given options.
Option D:
Meter refers to measurement or rhythm but does not fit here.
13.
The suffix-ment means; payment
A) Action or result of.
B) To infer.
C) A giraffe.
D) Playful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix "-ment" typically denotes the action or result of an action, such as in "payment," which is the act of giving money or the result of paying something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The suffix "-ment" often indicates the action or result of a verb.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option relates to inference, which is not associated with the suffix "-ment."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Giraffe" has no relation to the meaning conveyed by the suffix "-ment."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Playful" describes a quality or state and does not relate to the action or result denoted by "-ment."
14.
Sarah can't go to the movies this weekend. Which word is a contraction?
A) This.
B) Can't.
C) Weekend.
D) Sarah.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "can't" is a contraction of "cannot," which combines the root word "can" with the negation suffix "-not." Contractions are formed by combining two words, typically a verb and its negative form or auxiliary verb, using an apostrophe to indicate omitted letters.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a determiner and does not involve any root word or affixes.
Option B:
Correct. "Can't" is formed by combining the root word "can" with "-not," illustrating the use of contractions in English grammar.
Option C:
This is a noun and does not involve any root word or affixes.
Option D:
This is a proper noun and does not involve any root word or affixes.
15.
This root means "feel/feeling."
A) Mania.
B) Levi.
C) Cosm.
D) Sent/sens.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Sent/sens.
This root refers to the concepts of "feel" and "feeling." Words like "sensitive," "sentiment," and "sense" often derive from this root, indicating a connection to emotions or perceptions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Mania does not relate to feelings but rather refers to an abnormal excitement or excessive enthusiasm.
Option B:
Levi is a name and has no direct relation to the concept of feeling.
Option C:
Cosm relates to the universe, not specifically to feelings.
Option D:
Sent/sens correctly refers to "feel" or "feeling."
16.
Which suffix creates a new, real word when added to the word "entertain" ?
A) -ness.
B) -less.
C) -ate.
D) -ment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix "-ment" creates a new, real word when added to "entertain," forming the word "entertainment." This is because "-ment" typically denotes an action or state resulting from the root verb, making it a common suffix for creating nouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
-ness does not form a real word with "entertain," as in "entertainness."
Option B:
-less forms the word "entertainless," which is not commonly used.
Option C:
-ate can be seen in words like "entertain" (as a verb), but does not form a new noun when added to itself.
Option D:
-ment correctly forms the word "entertainment," which is a common noun.
17.
Instead of following a consistent schedule, the bell rang at ..... intervals.
A) Irrational.
B) Irregular.
C) Irrelevant.
D) Nonexistent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "irregular" correctly describes the bell ringing at inconsistent intervals, as it implies a lack of regularity or predictability in timing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrational - This term refers to something that is not logical or reasonable and does not describe the pattern of the bell's ringing.
Option B:
Irregular - Correct. It means not regular, which fits the description of the bell ringing at inconsistent intervals.
Option C:
Irrelevant - This term means having no connection or bearing on something and does not describe the pattern of the bell's ringing.
Option D:
Nonexistent - This term means not existing, which is incorrect as the bell clearly exists and rings at intervals, just irregular ones.
18.
Which of the following is NOT a numerical root word?
A) Bi.
B) Quad.
C) Cent.
D) Mar/i.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Bi, quad, and cent are numerical root words indicating "two," "four," and "hundred" respectively. Mar/i is not a numerical root word but rather a Latin prefix meaning "to be bitter" or "bitter."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Bi - Numerical root for two.
Option B:
Quad - Numerical root for four.
Option C:
Cent - Numerical root for one hundred.
Option D:
Mar/i - Not a numerical root word; it means "bitter."
19.
The word root in the word 'dictate" means:
A) Say, tell.
B) Hear, receive.
C) Strike, hit.
D) All of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word root "dict" in the word "dictate" means "say, tell." This is derived from Latin where the verb "dicere" means to say or tell. The suffix "-ate" turns it into a verb meaning to state or order someone to speak.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It accurately reflects the meaning of the root "dict."
Option B:
Incorrect. The root does not relate to hearing or receiving.
Option C:
Incorrect. The root is unrelated to striking or hitting.
Option D:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
20.
Which root means out or beyond?
A) Ex.
B) Anti.
C) Calor.
D) Dorm.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "ex" means out or beyond in Latin and Greek, which is why it is the correct answer. Examples include "exit," meaning to go out, and "explode," indicating something bursts out.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The root "ex" signifies out or beyond.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Anti" means against.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Calor" relates to heat, not movement or position.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Dorm" is not a root but part of the word "dormant," meaning inactive or sleeping.
21.
Which of the following is an example of what happens when two people are in a dysfunctional relationship?
A) Laughing.
B) Doing everything together.
C) Motivating each other.
D) Putting each other down constantly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D, "Putting each other down constantly," is correct because it exemplifies a dysfunctional relationship where one person consistently belittles the other, leading to negative emotional and psychological effects.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Laughing. This indicates mutual enjoyment and positive interaction, not a dysfunctional dynamic.
Option B:
Doing everything together. While this can be healthy, it does not necessarily indicate dysfunction; people in functional relationships also do things together.
Option C:
Motivating each other. This is a sign of a positive and supportive relationship, not dysfunctional behavior.
Option D:
Putting each other down constantly. This behavior is characteristic of a dysfunctional relationship as it involves persistent negative interactions that can harm both individuals involved.
22.
Prefix quad-means
A) Two.
B) Three.
C) Four.
D) One.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning. The term "quad-" is a prefix that means "four." Therefore, the claimed correct answer C) Four is accurate because it correctly identifies how many in "quad" refers to.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as two does not apply to quad-.
Option B:
Incorrect as three does not apply to quad-.
Option C:
Correct as quad- means four.
Option D:
Incorrect as one does not apply to quad-.
23.
The prefix de-means; deforest
A) To attach.
B) To party.
C) To remove.
D) To lie.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "de-" in English often means "to remove" or "away from." In the word "deforest," it indicates the removal of forests, trees, or woodland.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To attach. Incorrect; attaching implies adding something rather than removing.
Option B:
To party. Irrelevant to the meaning of "deforest"; this option has no connection to the prefix's function in English words.
Option C:
To remove. Correct; it accurately describes the meaning of "de-" in "deforest," indicating the removal of forests or trees.
Option D:
To lie. Incorrect; lying means to tell an untruth, which is unrelated to the prefix's function here.
24.
Which of the following root words means "heart" ?
A) Crat.
B) Corp.
C) Cord.
D) Crypt.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word
cord
means "heart." This is derived from the Latin word
cor
, which also means "heart."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Crat does not relate to heart.
Option B:
Corp does not directly mean heart but can be part of words like corporation, which relates more to body or organization rather than heart.
Option C:
Cord is correct as it means "heart."
Option D:
Crypt does not relate to heart; it refers to a hidden place or tomb.
25.
How many cents are in a dollar?
A) 100.
B) 50.
C) 1000.
D) 10.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Each dollar is divided into 100 smaller units called cents. This division is a standard in the United States and many other countries, forming part of their monetary systems.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. There are 100 cents in a dollar.
Option B:
Incorrect. 50 cents is half of a dollar.
Option C:
Incorrect. 1000 cents would be equivalent to 10 dollars, not one.
Option D:
Incorrect. 10 cents is only a tenth of a dollar.
26.
After their victory, the team took a ..... with the tropy to celebrate.
A) Photon.
B) Telephoto.
C) Photocopy.
D) Photograph.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Photograph is the correct answer because it means to take a picture, which fits the context of capturing a moment after winning a victory with a trophy. The other options do not make sense in this context: Photon refers to a particle of light; Telephoto relates to a type of lens for photography but does not mean taking a photo; Photocopy is about making copies of documents.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Photon - a particle of light, unrelated to taking pictures.
Option B:
Telephoto - a type of lens for photography, not an action of taking a picture.
Option C:
Photocopy - making copies of documents, not relevant here.
Option D:
Photograph - to take a picture, fits the context perfectly.
27.
If something is not present or real it is .....
A) Vacant.
B) Empty.
C) Nonexistent.
D) Actual.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nonexistent means something that does not exist or is not present, which fits the description in the question perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Vacant typically refers to a space being unoccupied but doesn't necessarily imply non-existence.
Option B:
Empty usually means something is devoid of contents or occupants, not necessarily that it does not exist at all.
Option C:
Nonexistent accurately describes something that is not present or real.
Option D:
Actual refers to something that is true or real but doesn't specifically denote the absence of something.
28.
Which of the following words contains a root meaning "heart" ?
A) Accord.
B) Affection.
C) Carpe.
D) Crass.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "cord" in the word "accord" means "heart." This is derived from the Latin word "cor," which means heart. The word "accord" originally referred to agreement of hearts or minds, hence its current meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Accord" contains the root "cord," meaning heart.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Affection" comes from the Latin "afficere," which means to affect or act upon, not related to heart.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Carpe" is a Latin imperative form of "to seize" or "to pluck," not related to heart.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Crass" means thick or dense, unrelated to heart.
29.
The word enclose meansThe entire estate was enclosed with walls.
A) Opposite.
B) Cause to.
C) Remove.
D) Cut off.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "enclose" means to surround completely, typically with a barrier such as walls. In the given sentence, "The entire estate was enclosed with walls," it indicates that the estate is surrounded by walls, which aligns with the meaning of enclose.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Opposite - Incorrect; there's no direct opposite for enclose in this context.
Option B:
Cause to - Incorrect; it does not imply causing something, just surrounding with a barrier.
Option C:
Remove - Incorrect; it doesn't involve removing anything but rather enclosing or surrounding.
Option D:
Cut off - Correct; enclose can imply cutting off access from the outside by surrounding an area with walls, making this option accurate in context.
30.
Inactive means .....
A) Still.
B) Busy.
C) Pretending.
D) Tired.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the context of English grammar and vocabulary, "inactive" means not active or engaged. This term is derived from the root word "active," which relates to movement or action. The prefix "in-" in "inactive" negates the meaning of "active."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Still - Correct. Inactive can imply a state of not moving or being active.
Option B:
Busy - Incorrect. This implies activity, which contradicts the definition of inactive.
Option C:
Pretending - Incorrect. This suggests an act of feigning, unrelated to the concept of inactivity.
Option D:
Tired - Incorrect. While tiredness can lead to inactivity, it is not a direct definition of inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are root words and affixes?
Root words are the core part of a word that carries its primary meaning, while affixes are added to these roots to modify their meanings or grammatical functions. For example, in the word 'unhappy', 'happy' is the root word and 'un-' is an affix indicating negation.
How do prefixes and suffixes affect words?
Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root word, changing its meaning or grammatical function. Suffixes are added to the end, often altering the part of speech or adding additional meanings. For instance, 'un-' as a prefix changes 'happy' to 'unhappy', while '-ed' as a suffix turns 'walk' into 'walked'.
Why are root words and affixes important in vocabulary building?
Understanding root words and affixes helps students recognize patterns, derive meanings of unfamiliar words, and expand their vocabulary more efficiently. It aids in recognizing how smaller parts of a word can significantly change its meaning or function.
Can you give an example of irregular intervals in root words?
Irregular intervals refer to the inconsistent placement of affixes within a word. For instance, 'television' and 'telegraphy' both have the prefix 'tele-' but are placed differently due to historical language evolution, making their structure irregular compared to regular patterns.
How do metric prefixes relate to root words?
Metric prefixes like 'kilo-', 'centi-', and 'milli-' are affixes used in the metric system. They modify the meaning of a root word by indicating specific numerical values, such as 'kilometer' (thousand meters) or 'centimeter' (hundredth of a meter), directly linking to their meanings.