Introduction / Context:
Spelling discrimination questions check whether you can spot a single orthographic error among otherwise correctly spelled words. The goal is not vocabulary meaning but accurate standard spelling as used in edited English, particularly common exam words that attract frequent mistakes.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Exactly one option is misspelled.
- All other options are correctly spelled in standard English.
- American vs British variants are not at issue for these particular words.
Concept / Approach:
The incorrect form here is "Mentanence." The correct spelling is "Maintenance" (main + ten + ance). The error likely arises from phonetic confusion and misplacement of vowels after the consonant cluster "nt." The other words—"Appraise" (to evaluate), "Commend" (to praise), and "Behavior" (American spelling; British: "Behaviour")—are correctly spelled.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Sound out each candidate and recall common roots/suffixes.2) Recognize "maintain" → "maintenance" (drop the second "in").3) Verify dictionary forms for the others: appraise, commend, behavior (AmE).4) Confirm only one item is defective: "Mentanence."
Verification / Alternative check:
Link to the base verb: maintain → maintenance (not mentainance or mentanence). This morphological check quickly reveals the error.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Appraise: Correct; double "p" and "raise" ending are standard.Commend: Correct; double "m" with "-end" ending.Behavior: Correct in American English; the British variant adds "u."All correct: False because one option is wrong.
Common Pitfalls:
Thinking "Behaviour" is the only correct form; both "behavior" (AmE) and "behaviour" (BrE) are standard within their varieties. The truly wrong form here is "Mentanence."
Final Answer:
Mentanence
Discussion & Comments