Question

The root is the word element that is:

A. the ending of some words.

B. used to determine if the word is a noun or adjective.

C. always followed by a combining vowel.

D. the foundation of the word that provides its meaning.

E. the beginning of some words.

Answer 1

The root of a word is D. the foundational element that provides its primary meaning, as seen in words like 'inscription' for writing and 'hypertension' for high pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The root is the word element that is D. the foundation of the word that provides its meaning. Roots are central to the construction of words and often indicate the primary meaning or subject matter of the word. For example, the root 'scribe' found in the word 'inscription' refers to writing, while 'script' is the free base in the word 'scripture' denoting something written.

An anatomical position, for instance, uses roots that denote specific body parts or functions. In the medical word 'hypertension', the root word 'tension' signifies pressure, thus 'hypertension' involves abnormally high pressure.

Compounds like 'earthquake' are formed by two free stems 'earth' and 'quake' where the root 'quake' suggests shaking or trembling. In compound words, individual stems like 'black' in 'blackbird' or 'dog' in 'dogcatcher' maintain their meanings but together create a new, more specific word.