JAMIA 2026 — English PYQ

To identify the correct spelling of the word meaning "characteristic of a country other than one's own," let us examine the phonetic structure and linguistic exceptions.

Step 1: Understand the core word structure

The correct configuration of the word is Foreign.

Step 2: Apply the English spelling rule exception

A classic English spelling rule states:

$$\text{"I before E, except after C"}$$

However, the word "Foreign" is one of the most famous exceptions to this rule. Instead of following an $\text{"ie"}$ pattern, it utilizes the $\text{"ei"}$ combination right before the silent $\text{"g"}$:

$$\text{Correct Arrangement}=\text{F}+\text{o}+\text{r}+\text{e}+\text{i}+\text{g}+\text{n}$$

Step 3: Analyze the options

• (a) Fariegn: Incorrect vowel placement ($\text{"a"}$ instead of $\text{"o"}$, and inverted $\text{"ie"}$).

• (b) Foreign: Correctly spelt.

• (c) Foreign: Correctly spelt.

• (d) Forein: Incorrect because it omits the silent letter $\text{"g"}$.

Final Answer

The correctly spelt English word is Foreign.

Correct Options: (b) Foreign or (c) Foreign