RULE VI. In forming derivatives from words ending in c, the letter k is inserted before suffixes beginning with e, i, or y, to prevent the c from being sounded like s. The final consonant of a monosyllable (h and x excepted), or of any word accented on the last syllable, if preceded by a single vowel, is doubled before a suffix beginning with a vowel. pref er ence ref er ee' prefer a bly in fer a ble from infer'. prefer a ble from prefer' in' fer ence * The u in quit being equal to w consonant (kwit), forms no exception to the Rule. Notice that, in this word, the accent has been thrown back from the place it occupied in the primitive (confer). When this change takes place, the rule seldom applies, and so arise exceptions such as most of those above. When, however, in forming derivatives, the accent is thrown forward, as in equal, equal' ity, for mal, for mal' ity, an' gel, an gel' ic, etc., the final letter is not generally doubled. The final consonant of any word, if not immediately preceded by a single vowel, or not under the accent, remains single upon the addition of a suffix. * Derivatives formed from primitives ending in l, or p, are by some written with the final letter double; thus, traveller instead of traveler, worshipper instead of worshiper, etc. This, however, is against the rule followed by Dr. Webster, which is founded on analogy, and ought to be observed. |