Final answer:
The word 'sultry' does not have distinct prefix or suffix elements and has evolved from the adjective 'sulter'. In combining stems with suffixes like '-es', if the stem ends in 'y', it changes to 'i' (e.g., 'galleries', 'studies'). This 'i' then accounts for the '[ē]' sound in the final word.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word sultry, meaning very hot and humid, does not have a clear prefix or suffix as it originates from the late 16th-century adjective sulter which is also related to sultry or sulken, but over time has gained a 'y' to form the adjective we use today.
Combining Stems and Suffixes
When combining stems and suffixes, particularly with nouns ending in -y, the 'y' often changes to 'i' before adding '-es'. Here are a few examples:
- gallery + i + es = galleries (The 'y' changes to 'i' to form galleries, spelling the 'ee' sound.)
- hurry + i + es = hurries
- marry + i + es = marries
- study + i + es = studies
- vary + i + es = varies
In these examples, the 'y' at the end of the stem is replaced by 'i', and then '-es' is added to form the plural. The 'i' in the final word represents the [ē] sound.