Terms Quiz One

Question 0

Etymology

Answer 0

The origin and analysis of a word as shown by breaking it down into its constituent historical elements

Question 1

Cognate

Answer 1

Linguistics. descended from the same language or form: such cognate languages as French and Spanish.

Question 2

Definition

Answer 2

The explanation of description of what a thing is; or what a word or phrase means or has meant

Question 3

Root/Base

Answer 3

The central element of a word which is left after the removal of all affixes

Question 4

Affix

Answer 4

A collective term for prefixes, suffixes, and infixes

Question 5

Prefix

Answer 5

One or more letters or syllables placed at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning

Question 6

Assimilation

Answer 6

The process by which adjacent sounds (usually consonants) acquire similar or identical characteristics

Eg in + literate = illiterate

Question 7

Euphony

Answer 7

The tendency toward greater ease of pronunciation resulting in combination changes, largely due to speed and economy of utterance

Eg ad + literation = alliterative

Question 8

Apheresis

Answer 8

The elimination of the first letter or syllable of a word

Eg paper the house = wallpaper

Question 9

Syncope

Answer 9

The loss of a syllable in the middle of a word

Fortnight< fourteenth night

Question 10

Apocope

Answer 10

The loss of a syllable at the end of a word

Good-bye < God-be-with-thee