Which of the following is a true cognate example?

• A. Exito
• B. Rodeo
• C. Pretender
• D. Segmento

Answer: (B)

Cognates are words in two languages that come from the same origin and look or sound similar, often sharing meaning. Rodeo is the best example here because it’s spelled the same in English and Spanish and refers to the same idea—an event featuring riding and rodeo competitions. That direct resemblance in form and meaning shows a true cognate.

The others don’t fit as cleanly. Exito resembles the English word exit but means success in Spanish, so it’s a false cognate. Segmento is very close to English segment but not identical in form, and the usual English cousin is “segment,” making it less of a direct cognate. Pretender shares a root with pretend, but in English the noun form and usage don’t line up as clearly with the Spanish verb sense in this context.