Pick the correctly spelt word meaning 'a skilled craftsman or builder'.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Artisan
Explanation
To determine the correct spelling, look at the etymology and phonetic breakdown of the word:
Definition: An artisan is a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand (like a craftsman, builder, or weaver).
Spelling Analysis:
The word originates from the French artisan and the Italian artigiano (derived from arte meaning art).
The correct suffix is spelled with an "i" and an "s" (--isan), which makes "Artisan" the only correct standard English spelling.
Analysis of Misspellings:
Artizan: Incorrect phonetic spelling using a 'z'. While occasionally seen in antiquated text, it is considered an error in modern standard English testing.
Artesan / Artisen: Incorrect variations using the vowels 'e' instead of 'i'.
Key Points
Mnemonic: Remember that an Artisan creates Art and is a person (is + an).
Exam Shortcut: In competitive exams, words ending in the phonetic sound /-zən/ are heavily tested. Memorize that artisan, partisan, and courtesan are all spelled with an "s", not a 'z'.