Spelling – Identify the single misspelled word among options A–D (choose exactly one; ignore “All correct”). A) Conserve B) Reserve C) Diserve D) Preserve

Introduction / Context:Several verbs ending “-serve” are built from Latin roots: conserve, preserve, reserve. The word many learners intend when writing “diserve” is usually “deserve” (to merit), which has a different root and spelling. “Disserve” does exist (to do a disservice), but spelled with double “s”.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A: Conserve – correct.
• B: Reserve – correct.
• C: Diserve – nonstandard as written.
• D: Preserve – correct.

Concept / Approach:The contrast is between “de-serve” (deserve) and “dis-serve” (disserve). “Diserve” with a single “s” matches neither: it is not “deserve”, and the valid verb “disserve” requires “dis-” + “serve” → “disserve”.

Step-by-Step Solution:1) Check if “diserve” is a standard lemma – it is not.2) Distinguish meanings: deserve = merit; disserve = do harm or a disservice.3) Validate A, B, D as correct “-serve” verbs.4) Hence C is the only misspelling.

Verification / Alternative check:Look at noun forms: service, disservice; the latter shows the doubled “ss” after “dis-”, reinforcing “disserve” not “diserve”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Conserve: correct; “conserb/conservee” wrong.
• Reserve: correct.
• Preserve: correct.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing deserve with disserve because both sound similar; forgetting that “dis-” as a negative prefix often doubles the “s” in derived nouns (disservice).

Final Answer:Diserve