Spelling – Identify the single misspelled word among options A–D (choose exactly one; ignore “All correct”). A) Dismiss B) Dispel C) Disservice D) Discribe

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Discribe

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item checks familiarity with the Latin root “scrib-/scrip-” (write). Spelling traps often involve swapping “s” and “c” after the “dis-” prefix because the spoken form can mask the underlying root.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Dismiss – correct; from “miss-” (send).
  • Dispel – correct; from “pel-” (drive).
  • Disservice – correct; “dis-” + “service”.
  • Discribe – intended “describe”.


Concept / Approach:
When the base is “scribe/scribe, script-”, the correct spelling keeps “scr-” after prefixes: “describe, inscription, manuscript”. The false form “discribe” emerges from pronouncing /dəˈskraɪb/ and assuming “dis- + cribe”. The real base is “scribe” with “de-” meaning down or completely: “de + scribe → describe”.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Analyze the prefix: “de-” not “dis-” attaches to “scribe”.2) Compare to known family: describe, description, descriptive.3) Validate others: dismiss (dis + miss), dispel (dis + pel), disservice (dis + service) all standard.4) Therefore D is the only misspelling.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check derivative: “description” begins with “des-”, never “diss-”; this back-confirms that the verb must be “describe”.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Dismiss: correct; “dismis” would be wrong.
  • Dispel: correct; not “dispell”.
  • Disservice: correct; the double “s” is standard.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming every negative/away sense takes “dis-”; some words take “de-”. Overgeneralizing pronunciation to spelling invites “Discribe”.


Final Answer:
Discribe

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