Question 1

How does the prefix des- change the meaning of the root word in desflorestação?

Accepted Answer

The prefix des- often indicates reversal, removal, or a contrary action, much like "de-" or "dis-" in English. Here, it attaches to the root related to floresta (forest). Combined with the noun-forming suffix -ção, it literally means the action of removing the forest.

Question 2

Why is the prefix in- used in inaceitável instead of des-?

Accepted Answer

The prefix in- (and its variants im-, i-, ir-) is primarily used to form adjectives that mean "not [adjective]", directly negating the base word (aceitável meaning acceptable). While des- usually shows the reversal of an action or state, in- simply states the opposite quality, similar to the English prefix "un-" or "in-".

Question 3

Does adding in- to a word ever change how it is spelled, like it does in English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Just like in English, the prefix in- changes to im- before words starting with b or p (like impaciente). It also modifies to match words starting with r or l (like irreal or ilegal). Because aceitável starts with a vowel, the base in- remains unchanged here.

Question 4

Why is the adverb formed as completamente and not completomente?

Accepted Answer

When forming adverbs with the suffix -mente (the Portuguese equivalent of "-ly"), you always attach it to the feminine singular form of the adjective. Since the feminine form of completo is completa, the resulting adverb is completamente.

A desflorestação é completamente inaceitável.

Breakdown of A desflorestação é completamente inaceitável.

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