Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
Irradicate
Finding the Incorrectly Spelt Word
This question asks us to identify the word that is spelt incorrectly among the given options. Let's examine each word closely to determine its correct spelling and meaning.
Analysing Each Word's Spelling
- Irradicate: This word looks suspicious. The prefix 'ir-' is often used before words starting with 'r' to mean 'not' or 'without'. The root word seems related to 'eradicate'. Let's check the correct spelling.
- Irreverent: This word uses the prefix 'ir-' before 'reverent'. 'Reverent' means showing deep respect. 'Irreverent' means showing a lack of respect. This spelling is correct.
- Irrational: This word uses the prefix 'ir-' before 'rational'. 'Rational' means based on reason or logic. 'Irrational' means not based on reason or logic. This spelling is correct.
- Irregular: This word uses the prefix 'ir-' before 'regular'. 'Regular' means happening or doing something at fixed intervals. 'Irregular' means not regular or not in a straight line. This spelling is correct.
Identifying the Spelling Mistake
Upon reviewing common English spellings, we find that the correct spelling of the word meaning to destroy completely is "eradicate". The prefix 'ir-' is not typically used with this word. Therefore, "Irradicate" is the incorrectly spelt word.
Correct Spellings and Meanings
| Word | Spelling Status | Correct Spelling | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irradicate | Incorrect | Eradicate | Destroy completely; put an end to. |
| Irreverent | Correct | Irreverent | Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously. |
| Irrational | Correct | Irrational | Not based on or acting according to reason or logic. |
| Irregular | Correct | Irregular | Not regular or consistent in shape, time, or arrangement. |
The word "Irradicate" is a common spelling error for the word "eradicate". The prefix 'ir-' is assimilated (changed) from 'in-' when it comes before a root word starting with 'r'. For example, 'in' + 'rational' becomes 'irrational', 'in' + 'regular' becomes 'irregular', and 'in' + 'reverent' becomes 'irreverent'. However, 'eradicate' does not start with 'r', and it uses the prefix 'e-', which means 'out' or 'from'.
Therefore, the incorrectly spelt word among the options is "Irradicate".
Revision Table: Common Spelling Errors
| Common Error | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| Irradicate | Eradicate |
| A lot (as one word) | A lot (as two words) |
| Alot | A lot |
| Definately | Definitely |
| Seperate | Separate |
Additional Information on Prefixes and Spelling
Understanding prefixes can help with spelling. The prefix 'in-' has several forms depending on the first letter of the root word:
- 'in-' before vowels (except 'i'), 'h', 'n', 's', 't': e.g., inactive, inhumane
- 'il-' before 'l': e.g., illegal, illogical
- 'im-' before 'b', 'm', 'p': e.g., imbalance, immature, impossible
- 'ir-' before 'r': e.g., irregular, irrational, irreverent
However, not all words follow these patterns, and some words like "eradicate" use different prefixes entirely ('e-'). Always double-check spellings if unsure, especially for words that sound similar but are spelt differently or use different prefixes.
Important Questions from Error Spotting
Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A honest mistake (a) / is no more than that; (b) / just an honest mistake. (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A company of five thousand soldiers , (a) / having marched tirelessly for over five days , (b) / have just moved into their cantonment . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
Every person who believes in principles (a) / must stand up to fight (b) / for their convictions . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The Olympic Games reflects(a) / the highest spirit of (b) / human endeavour and achievement . (c) / No error (d)Direction: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c) Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The principal of the school (a) / stressed the need for discipline (b) / amongst the students. (c) / No error (d)
