Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

What does the suffix '-ite' commonly indicate?

1. Action of

2. A person who is

3. A resident of

4. A collection of

The correct answer is: A resident of

The suffix '-ite' is commonly used in the English language to denote a resident of a place or someone associated with a particular group or region. This is evident in terms like "Brooklynite," which refers to a resident of Brooklyn, or "Israelite," which indicates someone from Israel. This conjunction of the suffix with place names or groups emphasizes a connection or membership, making it clear that the term refers to the identity or residence of an individual. While the other suffixes refer to different relationships—'action of' signifies a verb-related state, 'a person who is' indicates affiliation, and 'a collection of' implies grouping—the specific use of '-ite' focuses particularly on residency or association with a designated locality or group. Thus, the application of the suffix aligns directly with identifying individuals in relation to geographic or social affiliations.