Vocabulary & Word Formation Flashcards

Which suffix turns the verb 'simplify' into a noun meaning the act of making simple?

Answer: simplification

Adding '-ation' to the verb stem 'simplif(y)' creates the noun 'simplification.'

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The scientist made a _______ discovery that changed medicine forever.'

Answer: groundbreaking

'Groundbreaking' is the adjective form meaning innovative or pioneering.

What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'miscommunicate'?

Answer: wrongly

The prefix 'mis-' means incorrectly or wrongly, so 'miscommunicate' means to communicate incorrectly.

Which word is a synonym for 'eloquent'?

Answer: articulate

'Articulate' means expressing ideas clearly and effectively, just like 'eloquent.'

The word 'unhappy' uses the prefix 'un-' to show negation. Which of the following uses the same prefix structure?

Answer: unlikely

'Unlikely' uses 'un-' as a negating prefix, meaning 'not likely,' just as 'unhappy' means 'not happy.'

What part of speech is the word 'rapidly' in the sentence 'She spoke rapidly'?

Answer: adverb

'Rapidly' ends in '-ly' and modifies the verb 'spoke,' making it an adverb.

Which word means the state of being uncertain or having two possible meanings?

Answer: ambiguity

'Ambiguity' refers to the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.