MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Which of the following meanings is associated with the noun suffix -tude?

1. Method, style, or manner

2. Quality, state, result

3. Function, purpose, or goal

4. Condition, state, or activity

The correct answer is: Quality, state, result

The suffix -tude is often used in English to denote a quality, state, or result related to the root word it is attached to. For instance, in words like "attitude," "latitude," and "magnitude," the suffix conveys a sense of a specific state or condition derived from the root. This characteristic aligns with the essence of the suffix, making the association with quality, state, or result particularly fitting. In contrast, the other options reflect different meanings. The first option pertains to approaches or methods, which does not align with the general meaning of -tude. The third choice suggests functions or purposes—ideas that do not capture the essence of the suffix either, as -tude more closely relates to states or conditions rather than goals. Finally, while the last option mentions condition, it broadens the context to include activity, which strays from the more specific interpretations signified by -tude. Thus, the choice that defines the suffix accurately is the one related to quality, state, or result.