Understanding Word Formation with Suffixes

The question asks us to identify which of the given words can become a noun by adding the suffix '-ment'. A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or function. The suffix '-ment' is often used to form nouns from verbs, indicating the action itself, the result of the action, or the means of performing the action.

Analyzing the Suffix '-ment'

The suffix '-ment' comes from Latin and is commonly used in English to create nouns. For example, the word 'agree' is a verb, and adding '-ment' forms the noun 'agreement', which means the act of agreeing or a formal arrangement.

Evaluating Each Option

Let's examine each word provided in the options and see if adding the suffix '-ment' results in a standard English noun:

• amuse: 'Amuse' is a verb meaning to make someone laugh or smile. Adding '-ment' gives us 'amusement'. 'Amusement' is a widely recognized noun meaning the state or experience of being amused, or something that amuses. This fits the pattern of forming a noun from a verb using '-ment'.
• extort: 'Extort' is a verb meaning to obtain something by force or threats. Adding '-ment' would give 'extortment'. While this form might occasionally be used, the standard and common noun form related to 'extort' is 'extortion'. Therefore, 'extortment' is not the typical or primary noun derived using a common suffix pattern.
• correct: 'Correct' can be a verb (to put right), an adjective (free from error), or a noun (a correct answer). Adding '-ment' would result in 'correctment'. This is not a standard English word. The common nouns derived from 'correct' are 'correction' or 'correctness'.
• colour: 'Colour' can be a noun or a verb (to add colour). Adding '-ment' would result in 'colourment'. This is not a standard English word in common usage. Nouns related to the verb 'colour' include 'colouring' or 'colouration'.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, adding the suffix '-ment' to the word 'amuse' creates the standard English noun 'amusement'. For the other options, adding '-ment' does not create a standard, commonly used noun form. Therefore, 'amuse' is the word that becomes a noun with the addition of the suffix '-ment', similar to how 'agree' becomes 'agreement'.