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What does the suffix lect mean?

The suffix "-lect" typically refers to "a choice" or "a selection." It often appears in words related to language, dialects, and the study of language.

Here are some examples of words with the suffix "-lect":

* Dialect: A variety of a language spoken in a particular region or by a particular group of people.

* Idiolect: The distinctive speech patterns of an individual.

* Sociolect: A variety of language used by a particular social group.

* Electrolect: A variety of language used in electronic communication, like online chat or text messaging.

* Intellect: The ability to think, reason, and understand. (While not directly related to language choice, it shares the same root meaning of "selection" and "choosing" in the context of thought.)

While "-lect" usually relates to language, it can also appear in other contexts with the same meaning of "selection" or "choice," as in:

* Elect: To choose someone for a particular office.

* Select: To choose something from a group.

Therefore, "-lect" usually refers to a selection made from a set of options, be it language variations, specific individuals, or other choices.

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