MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What characteristic does the suffix -ic imply about a noun?

1. Indicating a feminine form

2. Making something happen

3. Related to or characterized by

4. Lacking in quality

The correct answer is: Related to or characterized by

The suffix -ic is commonly used in English to form adjectives that describe a relationship to a certain noun or characteristic attributed to it. When you see a word ending in -ic, it often signifies that the word conveys something about the nature, quality, or relation to the root noun from which it derives. For example, in words like "historic," it implies a connection to history. This characteristic of indicating a relation or description makes -ic a useful suffix in various contexts, particularly in academic and descriptive language. In contrast, the other options reference meanings that the suffix -ic does not convey. The suffix does not denote femininity, nor does it imply causation or lack of quality. Instead, it specifically suggests that the noun is related to or characterized by the concept expressed by the root.