Four spellings of a word are given. Only one is correct. Choose the correctly spelt word.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Clandestine

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This spelling question focuses on the word "clandestine", which is often used in formal English to describe secret or hidden activities. You are given four similar looking spellings and must identify which one is the standard, correct form used in dictionaries and formal writing.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Option A: Clandistine.
  • Option B: Clandestine.
  • Option C: Clandistene.
  • Option D: Clandestene.
  • We assume standard modern English spelling.


Concept / Approach:
The correct spelling is "clandestine", with the sequence c l a n d e s t i n e. It means secret, often because the activity is illegal or not approved of, as in "clandestine meetings". The other options introduce incorrect letter sequences at the end, either "istine", "istene" or "estene", which do not match the recognised form of the word.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning and typical use of the word: "clandestine operations", "clandestine love affair", and so on.Step 2: Visualise the correct ending. The word ends with "tine", not "tine" preceded by extra i or e letters.Step 3: Examine option B, "Clandestine". It follows the correct pattern and is exactly the form used in dictionaries.Step 4: Examine option A, "Clandistine". The sequence "distine" is wrong; an extra i has been inserted after the d.Step 5: Examine options C and D, which end with "istene" and "estene". These endings are not standard for this word and represent misspellings.


Verification / Alternative check:
Think of other words with similar endings such as "pristine" or "destine". The "-stine" ending is common, and in "clandestine" it is preceded by "de", not "di" or "de" plus extra e. Checking any reliable dictionary would confirm that "clandestine" is the correct and only accepted spelling among the options.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Clandistine", "Clandistene" and "Clandestene" are all non standard forms. They may result from mishearing the word or trying to spell it phonetically. In formal exams and professional writing, such spellings would be marked wrong and could confuse readers.



Common Pitfalls:
Because the word is not very common in everyday conversation, many learners know its approximate sound but not the exact spelling. A helpful strategy is to link "clandestine" with "destine", which shares the "destine" core. Once you remember c l a n plus destine, writing "clandestine" becomes easier and more automatic.



Final Answer:
The correctly spelt word is Clandestine, so option B is correct.


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