Explanation: Understanding the origins of words is an important aspect of language study, particularly in the context of Indian General Knowledge (GK). Many words in the English language have roots in Greek, reflecting the significant influence of Greek culture and language on modern English.
The word "mathematics" comes from the Greek word "mathēmatikē" (μαθηματική), which means "that which is learned." This term was used to describe the study of subjects that were taught, including arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy. The word "telephone" is a compound of two Greek words: "tele" (τῆλε), meaning "far," and "phone" (φωνή), meaning "voice." Together, they form a word that literally means "far voice," which aptly describes the function of a telephone.
In contrast, the words "selfie," "book," "cat," "dog," "house," and "apartment" do not have Greek origins. "Selfie" is a modern term that originated in the 21st century, while "book" has Old English roots. "Cat" and "dog" are common English words with origins in Old English, and "house" and "apartment" have roots in Old English and Latin, respectively.
It is important to recognize that many scientific and technical terms in English have Greek origins, reflecting the historical influence of Greek language and culture on these fields. This understanding can help in comprehending the meanings of complex terms and in appreciating the linguistic diversity that enriches the English language.
In summary, the correct answer is (A) Mathematics, and Telephone, as these words have clear Greek etymologies, while the other options do not. This knowledge is valuable for students preparing for competitive examinations that include questions on language and word origins.