In the following question, four spellings of the same word are given. Out of the four alternatives, select the correctly spelt word. Target word meaning: having a full, shapely, and attractively curved figure.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: curvaceous

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This spelling question focuses on the adjective used to describe a person, usually a woman, with an attractively curved figure. The task is to identify the correct dictionary spelling of the word from four similar looking options. Accurate spelling is essential for professional writing and for scoring full marks in competitive exams.



Given Data / Assumptions:


    • Target word: curvaceous.
    • All four options attempt to represent the same sound pattern.
    • Only one option matches the correct English spelling.
    • The suffix and placement of vowels are the main points of difference.


Concept / Approach:
The correct spelling of the word is curvaceous, with the sequence c-u-r-v-a-c-e-o-u-s. It uses the common adjective ending -eous, as seen in words like courageous and outrageous. The incorrect options tamper with this pattern by altering or misplacing the vowels. Knowing typical English suffixes like -eous makes it easier to recognise the correct form.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the key parts of the word are curve and the ending -aceous / -eous sound. Step 2: Remember that in standard English, the accepted spelling is curvaceous, where the letters -aceous are arranged as a-c-e-o-u-s. Step 3: Check option b, curvaceous, which matches this known spelling pattern exactly. Step 4: Examine option a, curvacias, which ends in -cias and does not form a valid English adjective here. Step 5: Examine option c, curvaceuse, which uses -euse, a French influenced spelling not used for this English word. Step 6: Examine option d, curveaceous, which incorrectly inserts an extra e after v and breaks the standard structure. Step 7: Conclude that curvaceous is the only correctly spelt form.


Verification / Alternative check:
Think of related words: spacious, gracious, and audacious all have regular, recognisable endings. Curvaceous follows a similar pattern. If you recall how this word appears in magazines, novels, or dictionaries, you will recognise curvaceous with the letters v-a-c-e-o-u-s in sequence. The other variants look unusual and do not match typical English spelling rules.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Curvacias is wrong because it lacks the -eous or -acious structure and appears incomplete. Curvaceuse is wrong because it uses a foreign-looking ending and does not match standard English morphology. Curveaceous is wrong because the extra e after v disrupts the root curve and makes the word unnecessarily complicated. None of these forms appears in standard English dictionaries for this meaning.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners often overcomplicate spellings when they hear complex sounds, adding extra vowels or mixing up common suffixes. A practical approach is to familiarise yourself with frequent adjective endings such as -ous, -ious, -eous, and -acious. When faced with multiple options, choose the one that matches these known patterns and looks most familiar from your reading experience.


Final Answer:
The correctly spelt word is curvaceous.

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion