Which of the following suffixes indicates a quality or state of being?

Prepare for the JLAB Academic Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions that include hints and explanations. Get ready and excel in your exam!

The suffix "ity" signifies a quality or state of being, making it the correct choice. When added to a root word, it transforms the word to describe a particular characteristic or condition. For example, adding "ity" to "activity" creates "activity," indicating the state of being active. This suffix is commonly used in the English language to form nouns that refer to various states, such as "clarity" (the quality of being clear) or "diversity" (the state of being diverse).

In contrast, the suffixes "ful," "ment," and "bearing" serve different functions. The suffix "ful" generally conveys the meaning of being full of something, as seen in words like "joyful," which means full of joy. The suffix "ment" denotes the action or result of a verb, such as in "enjoyment," meaning the state of enjoying something. Lastly, "bearing" is not a standard suffix that indicates a quality but rather can often refer to the act of carrying or supporting, as in "bearing weight." Thus, "ity" is the only suffix among the options that specifically indicates a quality or state of being.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy