Finding the Correct Spelling of Mountainous

This question asks us to identify the correctly spelt word among the given options. The word describes an area with many mountains or something resembling a mountain.

Let's look at the options provided:

1. Mountaneous
2. Mountenous
3. Mountaineous
4. Mountainous

The word is derived from the noun "mountain". When we add the suffix "-ous" to form an adjective, the spelling typically follows the pattern of the root word. Let's examine how the suffix is applied to similar words or how the base word "mountain" is usually treated when forming adjectives.

Considering the base word "mountain", the common adjective form is created by adding the suffix "-ous". We need to make sure the base word spelling is maintained or correctly modified before adding the suffix.

Let's analyze the options based on the root word "mountain":

• Mountaneous: This spelling is incorrect. It alters the end of "mountain" before adding "-ous".
• Mountenous: This spelling is incorrect. It replaces "ain" with "en" and misses the "i" from the base word "mountain".
• Mountaineous: This spelling includes "aine" before "-ous", which is not the standard way to form the adjective from "mountain".
• Mountainous: This spelling takes the word "mountain" and correctly adds the suffix "-ous" without altering the core spelling of the base word. This follows the standard pattern for forming this adjective.

Therefore, the correct spelling is "Mountainous".

Revision Table: Spelling Mountainous

Additional Information on Spelling and Suffixes

Understanding how suffixes are added to root words can help improve spelling. The suffix "-ous" is commonly used to form adjectives meaning "full of", "having", or "characterized by". For example:

• Danger + -ous = Dangerous (full of danger)
• Marvel + -ous = Marvelous (full of marvel)
• Poison + -ous = Poisonous (having poison)

While the addition is often straightforward, sometimes the base word needs slight modification (like dropping a silent 'e' or changing 'y' to 'i'), but in the case of "mountain", the addition of "-ous" is direct.

Regular practice with spelling rules and common word formations is key to mastering English vocabulary and spelling.