A word is spelled in four different ways. You are to identify the one which is correct. Choose the alternative bearing the correct spelling from (a), (b), (c) and (d).
Aggressive
The question asks us to find the correct spelling among the four given alternatives for the word "aggressive". Spelling is a fundamental part of English language proficiency, and many words can be tricky. Let's examine the options provided:
To determine the correct spelling, we need to know the standard English spelling of the word "aggressive". The word "aggressive" means ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression. It is also used to describe a determined and forceful approach.
Let's break down the common standard spelling and compare it to the given options:
The correct spelling of the word is Aggressive.
Now let's look at the other options and see where they differ from the correct spelling:
A table can help visualize the differences:
| Option | Spelling | Analysis | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aggressive | Double 'g', Double 's' | Yes |
| 2 | Agresive | Single 'g', Single 's' | No (Missing one 'g', one 's') |
| 3 | Agressive | Single 'g', Double 's' | No (Missing one 'g') |
| 4 | Aggresive | Double 'g', Single 's' | No (Missing one 's') |
Based on this analysis, only Option 1 provides the correct spelling, which is Aggressive.
Many English words have tricky spellings with double letters. Here are a few examples similar to "aggressive" that require attention to double consonants:
| Word | Correct Spelling | Common Error |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodate | Accommodate | Acommodate / Accomodate |
| Apparent | Apparent | Aparent |
| Committee | Committee | Comittee / Commitee |
| Possess | Possess | Posess / Posses |
| Success | Success | Sucses / Succes |
Understanding the origin of words can sometimes help with spelling. The word "aggressive" comes from the Latin word "aggressivus", which itself comes from "aggressus", the past participle of "aggredi". "Aggredi" is formed from "ad-" (meaning "to, toward") and "gradi" (meaning "to step, to walk"). The original sense was to step towards or approach, often in a hostile manner. The double 'g' comes from the combination of 'd' from 'ad-' changing to 'g' before 'gradi', and the double 's' comes from the past participle ending '-ssus'. While not always a direct rule, knowing the Latin root "aggredi" with its double 'g' and the participle form "aggressus" with its double 's' can reinforce the correct spelling of "aggressive".