Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Profecient
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests spelling accuracy, a crucial skill for error-spotting and vocabulary sections of competitive exams. You are given four commonly used English words, and you must identify the one that is incorrectly spelt. Spelling questions often focus on frequently confused vowels or consonant patterns, so recognising standard forms is very important.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Options:
- Ecstasy.
- Profecient.
- Sacrifice.
- Temporary.
- Only one word is misspelt, and the others represent correct standard spellings used in formal English.
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the correct spelling of the adjective "proficient", which means skilled or competent in doing something. The misspelt version "Profecient" replaces the vowel "i" with "e" in the second syllable. The other words—Ecstasy, Sacrifice, and Temporary—are correctly spelt. Therefore, the answer is the wrongly written form "Profecient".
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine "Ecstasy". The correct spelling of this noun meaning intense joy or delight is E-c-s-t-a-s-y. The given form "Ecstasy" matches this pattern.Step 2: Examine "Profecient". The correct English word is "proficient" with the sequence p-r-o-f-i-c-i-e-n-t. The option uses "e" instead of "i" after "f", which is wrong.Step 3: Examine "Sacrifice". This word, meaning an act of giving up something, is correctly spelt S-a-c-r-i-f-i-c-e. The option matches the standard form.Step 4: Examine "Temporary". This adjective meaning not permanent is correctly spelt T-e-m-p-o-r-a-r-y. The given option is correct.Step 5: Since only "Profecient" differs from the correct dictionary form, it is the incorrectly spelt word.
Verification / Alternative check:
Check with pronunciation and word families. "Proficient" is related to "proficiency", which has the sequence f-i-c-i-e-n-c-y. The repeated "i" pattern is a strong clue that "Profecient" is wrong. Ecstasy, sacrifice, and temporary regularly appear in books, newspapers, and exam materials in the exact forms presented. If you mentally picture a dictionary entry or recall typical printed usage, you will recognise that only the second word looks odd.
Why Other Options Are Wrong (that is, correctly spelt):
- Ecstasy: Commonly used in phrases like "in a state of ecstasy"; the spelling with s-t-a-s-y is standard.- Sacrifice: Often seen in contexts such as "make a sacrifice"; the spelling is correct.- Temporary: As in "temporary job" or "temporary relief"; the given spelling is standard and correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often confuse vowel positions in multi-syllable words ending with "-cient" or "-iency". Words like "efficient", "sufficient", and "proficient" all follow the pattern "-ficient". When in doubt, remembering one correct model word and comparing others against it can help. Avoid relying purely on how the word sounds; English spelling often reflects historical patterns rather than simple phonetics. Practising word lists of commonly misspelt words is an effective way to improve performance on such questions.
Final Answer:
The incorrectly spelt word is "Profecient"; the correct spelling should be "Proficient".
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