In the following question, select the word that is similar in meaning to the given word: Suffix.

Introduction / Context:

Questions about prefixes and suffixes test your understanding of how English words are formed. A suffix is a meaningful element that is added to the end of a base word to create a new form, such as adding ness to happy to form happiness. Recognising what a suffix does helps you decode unfamiliar words and understand grammatical changes such as verb to noun or adjective to adverb.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The keyword is Suffix.

- The options are Addition, Basic, Root, and Focal.

- We must identify the option whose meaning is closest to the function or idea behind suffix.

- We assume the standard linguistic meaning of suffix as used in English grammar and word formation.

Concept / Approach:

A suffix is a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical role. Therefore the idea of adding something at the end is central. The word Addition captures this sense of something extra that is attached. Root refers to the base part of a word without prefixes or suffixes. Basic refers to something fundamental and does not imply attachment at the end. Focal refers to something that is central or of main importance. Among the options, only Addition clearly reflects the idea of something that is added on.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Consider an example word like kindness. The base word is kind and the suffix is ness. The suffix is clearly an addition that changes the adjective kind into the noun kindness. If we tried to describe ness as a root, it would be incorrect because the root is kind. Thinking about several examples like helpful, carefully, and movement makes it clear that what these endings share is the fact that they are added, not basic or focal in isolation. This process reinforces Addition as the best match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Basic is wrong because it refers to something fundamental rather than an attached component. Root is wrong because it is the original core part of a word, not the extra letters placed at the end. Focal is wrong because it refers to the main center of attention, which has no direct connection to the technical meaning of suffix in grammar. None of these alternatives expresses the notion of something that is added on to a base word.

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners confuse root and suffix because both are discussed in word formation. It is important to remember that the root is the starting point and suffixes and prefixes are added parts. Another pitfall is selecting familiar words without analysing the key concept. To avoid such mistakes, always restate the given term in your own words and then test each option against that restatement.

Final Answer:

The word that is closest in meaning to suffix is Addition, since a suffix is an added element at the end of a word.