Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Disorientation
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Spelling questions often test words built from a root plus prefixes and suffixes. The target word here describes a state of confusion or loss of a sense of direction. Learners must choose among four similar spellings. Understanding how the word is formed from "orient" and the standard prefix "dis-" is crucial to identifying the correct spelling: "disorientation."
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The correct spelling uses the prefix "dis-" meaning "not" or "reverse," added to "orientation," which itself comes from "orient." The full noun is "disorientation." There is no extra "e" after "t" as in "disorientetion," and "des-" or "dys-" are different prefixes with other meanings. Therefore, the only correctly spelt form among the options is "Disorientation."
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise the base word "orientation," which refers to determining position or direction.Step 2: Note that the opposite state is "disorientation," formed by adding the prefix "dis-" to "orientation."Step 3: Examine option D "Disorientation," which matches this pattern exactly and follows standard spelling rules.Step 4: Examine option A "Desorientation," which uses the prefix "des-," not "dis-," and is not standard in English.Step 5: Examine option B "Disorientetion," which includes an extra "te" sequence and does not reflect the correct noun form.Step 6: Examine option C "Dysorientation," which uses "dys-" meaning "bad" or "difficult," a prefix sometimes seen in medical terms, but the recognised everyday noun is "disorientation."
Verification / Alternative Check:
You can confirm the correct spelling by thinking of related words. For instance, the verb "to disorient" takes the suffix "-ation" to form "disorientation." The sequence is disorient plus ation, giving disorientation. There is no extra "te" in the middle. Also, compare with similar pairs like "organise" and "organisation," which show a similar pattern. Reading the word aloud, "dis-orien-tation," matches option D's structure.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Desorientation" starts with "des-" which is not the usual prefix used with "orient." English uses "disorient" not "desorient" in this sense. "Disorientetion" inserts an extra "te" before the final "-tion," making the word clumsy and incorrect. "Dysorientation" may look technical, but in standard English dictionaries the everyday word is "disorientation," especially in exam contexts like this. These spellings are included to test your familiarity with common prefix-suffix combinations.
Common Pitfalls:
Because the pronunciation includes a "t" sound before "ation," some learners mistakenly think the spelling must also have an extra "t" or "te." Others confuse "dis-" and "dys-" prefixes. To avoid such mistakes, remember the sequence "disorient" plus "ation" as a building-block pattern. Practising similar constructions helps you recognise the correct spelling quickly in exam conditions without overthinking.
Final Answer:
The correctly spelt word is Disorientation.
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