SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 58

Correct Answer

Collectible

Explanation

The question asks you to identify the correctly spelled word from the given options. This is a notorious spelling question in competitive exams because both 'collectible' and 'collectable' are technically accepted variants in modern English dictionaries, but 'collectible' (with an '-ible') is universally treated as the preferred standard spelling for the noun form in official testing keys.

Let's break down the options and suffix rules:

Collectible uses the suffix '-ible'. It is the older, more deeply established spelling and is widely preferred in formal, legal, financial, and academic contexts—especially when referring to an object valued by collectors as a noun (e.g., a rare comic book is a valuable collectible).

'Collectable' uses the suffix '-able'. While common in casual British English as an adjective meaning 'capable of being collected,' it is secondary to the '-ible' spelling on standard multiple-choice grammar exams.

'Colletible' is a flat spelling error that accidentally omits the second 'c' from the base word 'collect.'

'Collectibel' is a phonetic spelling error that scrambles the vowel order at the very end of the word.

Because standard exam keys prioritize the formal, noun-form suffix, Option 1 is designated as the correct choice.

Key Points

When dealing with exam questions where two spellings seem acceptable (like collectible vs. collectable), always default to the '-ible' variant, as examiners heavily favor the traditional, conservative dictionary standard.

A quick way to eliminate half the choices immediately is to check the base word root first; ensuring 'collect' retains its full spelling with both 'c's removes options like 'colletible.'