In the space below, type the spelling word derived from the root word, describe. Notice how the b changes to a p. Root word: describe

The derived word is: description.

Explanation:

A root word is one that originates other words. A derived word is one that comes from a root word. One way to derive words is by adding affixes to the root word. Affixes can be divided into prefixes and suffixes, which are added, respectively, to the beginning and the ending of the root word.

When it comes to the word "describe", a derived word can be formed by adding the suffix "-tion" to it. The root word drops the final -e and the -b becomes -p:

describe --> description

The change in the consonant may happen in order to make pronunciation easier. The phonemes represented by letters "t" and "p" do not require the use of vocal cords, while the phoneme represented by "b" does. Thus, it is easier to pronounce "p" with "t" than it is to pronounce "b" with "t".