Understanding how suffixes combine with root words is a fundamental aspect of English vocabulary and word formation. Suffixes are letters or groups of letters added to the end of a word to form a new word, often changing the word's part of speech or its meaning. Root words are the basic words to which prefixes and suffixes are added.

Suffix Matching Challenge Explained

To correctly match the suffixes with their respective root words, we need to consider how these additions change the meaning or grammatical function of the original word. Let's analyze each pair to find the most appropriate suffix for each root word.

Understanding Suffixes and Root Word Combinations

A root word is the primary part of a word that carries the main meaning. A suffix is an affix that is added after the root word. When a suffix is added, it often creates a new word with a different meaning or changes the word's grammatical class (e.g., from an adjective to a verb or a noun). Here's a brief look at the suffixes provided:

• -ize: This suffix often forms verbs, meaning "to make" or "to cause to be." For example, "standard" > "standardize."
• -ity: This suffix forms nouns, often indicating a state, quality, or condition. For example, "able" > "ability."
• -let: This suffix typically forms nouns, often indicating something small or a diminutive form. For example, "pig" > "piglet."
• -ling: This suffix also forms nouns, often referring to a young one or a diminutive. For example, "sap" > "sapling."

Matching Root Words with Correct Suffixes

Let's systematically match each root word provided with the most suitable suffix from the given list.

Popular: Finding the Right Suffix

• The root word is "popular," which is an adjective meaning well-liked or common.
• If we add the suffix "-ize" to "popular," we get "popularize."
• "Popularize" is a verb meaning "to make something popular" or "to cause something to become widely known or liked."
• This combination forms a grammatically correct and meaningful word.
• Therefore, (a) popular matches with 4. ize.

Sensible: Attaching the Correct Suffix

• The root word is "sensible," which is an adjective meaning practical or reasonable.
• If we add the suffix "-ity" to "sensible," we get "sensibility."
• "Sensibility" is a noun referring to the quality of being sensible, or the capacity to feel and appreciate fine emotions.
• This is a common and correct word formation in English.
• Therefore, (b) sensible matches with 3. ity.

Book: Forming New Words

• The root word is "book," which is a noun.
• If we add the suffix "-let" to "book," we get "booklet."
• "Booklet" is a noun meaning "a small book," typically with a paper cover. The suffix "-let" denotes a diminutive form.
• This is a standard and widely used English word.
• Therefore, (c) book matches with 1. let.

Duck: Identifying the Proper Suffix

• The root word is "duck," which is a noun referring to the common waterfowl.
• If we add the suffix "-ling" to "duck," we get "duckling."
• "Duckling" is a noun meaning "a young duck." The suffix "-ling" typically denotes a young creature.
• This is a well-known term for a baby duck.
• Therefore, (d) duck matches with 2. ling.

Summary of Correct Suffix Matches

Here is a table summarizing the correct matches between the root words and their corresponding suffixes, along with the new words formed:

Final Correct Combination for Suffix Matching

Based on our detailed analysis of each root word and its appropriate suffix, the correct matching combination is:

• (a) - 4
• (b) - 3
• (c) - 1
• (d) - 2

This combination accurately forms meaningful and grammatically correct words in English, demonstrating a clear understanding of suffix usage and word formation.