What does the suffix -ism mean in the word capitalism? Private ownership and competition are the foundations of capitalism. system possession connection science Done ? My Progress > Copyright 2021. by Cumculum Associates. Al rights reserved. These materials, or any portion thereaf, may not be repæduced or shared in any manner without express weitten consent of Cumculum Associa
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the image provided, the correct answer is system.
Explanation
The correct answer is system. The suffix “-ism” is a powerful component in the English language used to form nouns that describe a distinct practice, doctrine, theory, or system of belief. When appended to a root word, “-ism” elevates that concept into a structured ideology or framework.
In the word “capitalism,” the root is “capital,” which refers to wealth, money, or assets used for investment and production. By adding the suffix “-ism,” the word is transformed. It no longer just means “wealth” but instead describes a complete economic and political system built around the principle of private ownership of capital. The context sentence provided, “Private ownership and competition are the foundations of capitalism,” reinforces this understanding. It illustrates that capitalism is not a singular object or action but a comprehensive system with foundational rules and principles.
This pattern is consistent with many other words. For example, “socialism” describes a political and economic system based on social ownership of the means of production. “Feudalism” was a dominant social and economic system in medieval Europe. In each case, the “-ism” suffix serves the same function, turning a core idea into a named system.
The other options are incorrect for specific reasons. “Possession” relates more to the root word “capital” than to the suffix. While capitalism involves private possession, the suffix itself does not mean possession. “Connection” is too vague and does not capture the meaning of a structured ideology. Finally, “science” is an incorrect choice because although capitalism is a subject studied by social sciences like economics, the suffix “-ism” does not inherently mean science. Therefore, “system” is the most accurate meaning for the suffix “-ism” in the context of the word capitalism.thumb_upthumb_down
