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Unit One
Unit Two
Unit Three
Unit Four
Unit Five
Unit Six
Unit Seven
Unit Eight
Unit Nine
Unit Ten
Unit Eleven
Unit Twelve
Unit Thirteen
Unit Fourteen
Unit Fifteen
Unit Sixteen
Unit Seventeen
Unit Eighteen
Unit Nineteen
Unit Twenty
Introduction
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The first slide provides the vocabulary word. Use this to begin thinking about the definition.
INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
The first click will reveal a context in which the word might be used.
Infer the definition of the word by studying its context.
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INTRODUCTION
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UNIT ONE
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PHOT, PHOS
PHOTOTROPIC
Because they are phototropic, daisies always grow towards the sun.
adj. Tending to grow or move towards lightG. photos + tropein, “to turn” = to turn toward the light
Unit One
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Greek PHOS, PHOTOS “light”
PHOT, PHOS
PHOSPHORESCENT
Harvey stuck phosphorescent stars on his ceiling so that it would resemble the nighttime sky.
adj. Giving off light without heatG. phos + phorein, “to bear” = light-bearing
Unit One
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Greek PHOS, PHOTOS “light”
PHOT, PHOS
PHOTOGENIC
Lucy was so photogenic that total strangers often asked to take her picture.
adj. Attractive in pictures or photographsG. photos + genic, “suitable for” = suitable for photographs
Unit One
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Greek PHOS, PHOTOS “light”
LUC
LUCID
Sophie’s explanation of quantum physics was so lucid that I understood everything.
adj. Easy to understand; clearsyn: comprehensible
ant: confusing
Unit One
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Latin LUX, LUCIS “light”
LUC
TRANSLUCENT
Through a translucent blue cloth draped over the window, we could see the sun.
adj. Allowing light to pass throughL. trans, “through,” + lucis = light passing through
syn: semi-transparent
Unit One
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Latin LUX, LUCIS “light”
SPEC, SPECT
CIRCUMSPECT
The marchers in the protest tried to be circumspect and not break any laws.
adj. Careful; mindful of rules and consequencesL. circum, “around,” + spectum = looking around
syn: prudentant: reckless
Unit One
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Latin SPECERE, SPECTUM “to look at”
SPEC, SPECT
PROSPECT
The prospect of a trip to the dentist with my bratty kid brother was hardly thrilling.
n. That which is expectedL. pro, “forward,” + spectum = looked forward to
Unit One
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Latin SPECERE, SPECTUM “to look at”
VID, VIS
PROVIDENTIAL
Through a providential series of events, Nigel found himself manager of the company.
adj. Happening by good fortuneL. pro, “forward,” + videre = to look forward
syn: fortunateant: unlucky
Unit One
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Latin VIDERE, VISUM “to see, to look”
VID, VIS
IMPROVISE
When Carl lost the cards with his speech on them, he was forced to improvise.
v. To create without any forethought or preparationL. in, “not,” + pro, “forward,” + visum = not seen in advance
ant: plan
Unit One
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Latin VIDERE, VISUM “to see, to look”
UNIT TWO
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NUNC, NOUNC
ENUNCIATE
The spelling bee contestant was asked to enunciate so that the judges could understand what she was saying.
v. To pronounce or articulateL. e, “out of,” + nuntiatum = to announce out of
syn: articulateant: mumble
Unit Two
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Latin NUNTIARE, NUNTIATUM “to announce”
NUNC, NOUNC
RENOUNCE
In order to become a member of the fraternity, Jeff had to renounce his membership in other organizations.
v. To reject by declarationL. re, “back,” + nuntiatum = to go back on an announcement
syn: disavowant: reaffirm
Unit Two
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Latin NUNTIARE, NUNTIATUM “to announce”
NUNC, NOUNC
PRONOUNCEMENT
Fred’s pronouncement that the party was a disaster drew agreement from the whole group.
n. A declaration of opinion; judgementL. pro, “forth,” + nuntiatum = to announce forth
syn: declaration
Unit Two
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Latin NUNTIARE, NUNTIATUM “to announce”
VOC, VOK
INVOKE
Amy invoked the First Amendment when Bill tried to silence her.
v. To call on for supportL. in, “on,” + vocare = to call on
syn: appeal to
Unit Two
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Latin VOCARE, VOCATUS “to call”
VOC, VOK
PROVOCATIVE
The film’s provocative ending had people talking for months.
adj. Causing disturbance or excitementL. pro, “forth,” + vocare = to call forth (emotions)
Unit Two
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Latin VOCARE, VOCATUS “to call”
VOC, VOK
REVOKE
If you don’t pay your traffic tickets, the state may revoke your driver’s license.
v. To make invalid; deactivateL. re, “back,” + vocare = to call back
syn: recall, cancelant: activate
The angry cigarette shouted, “REVOKE the NOSMOKING law!”
Unit Two
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Latin VOCARE, VOCATUS “to call”
FA
INFANTILE
Although some people find practical jokes funny, Didi finds them infantile.
adj. Childish; immatureL. in, “not,” + fari = not able to speak
syn: juvenileant: mature
Unit Two
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Latin FOR, FARI “to speak”
DIC, DICT
EDICT
The palace issued an edict for bidding the rebel prince from entering the country.
n. An official orderL. e, “out of,” + dictum = to speak out (officially)
syn: decree
Unit Two
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Latin DICERE, DICTUM “to say, to tell”
DIC, DICT
INDICT
The jury indicted Richard on seven counts of burglary.
v. To charge with a crime; accuseL. in, “against,” + dictum = to speak against
syn: chargeant: excuse
Unit Two
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Latin DICERE, DICTUM “to say, to tell”
UNIT THREE
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HIB, HAB
PROHIBIT
If the law did not prohibit speeding, there would be far more traffic accidents.
v. To stop one from doing something; preventL. pro, “in front of,” + habitum = to hold in front of
ant: allow
Unit Three
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Latin HABERE, HABITUM “to have, hold”
HIB, HAB
INHIBIT
Jenny decided she wouldn’t let nervousness inhibit her success in the swim meet.
v. To get in the way of; hinderL. in, “in,” + habitum = to hold in
ant: aid
Unit Three
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Latin HABERE, HABITUM “to have, hold”
FUS, FOUND
CONFOUND
Although the twins sometimes confound me with their tricks and secret language, we usually get along pretty well.
v. To confuse and frustrateL. con, “together,” + fundere = to pour together
Unit Three
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Latin FUNDERE, FUSUM “to pour out”
FUS, FOUND
INFUSE
After many losses, the basketball team needed someone to infuse it with pride and determination.
v. To inject; to fill something or someone withL. in, “into,” + fusum = to pour into
ant: empty, remove
Unit Three
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Latin FUNDERE, FUSUM “to pour out”
TEN, TAIN, TIN
SUSTAIN
I am amazed that Jeff can sustain his family on the tiny amount of money he makes.
v. To support for an extended period of timeL. sub, “beneath,” + tenere = to hold (from) beneath
Unit Three
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Latin TENERE, TENTUM, “to hold”
TEN, TAIN, TIN
ABSTAIN
When I abstained from watching television, I found I had much more free time.
v. To not do something; refrainL. ab, “away from,” + tenere = to hold away from
ant: indulge
Unit Three
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Latin TENERE, TENTUM, “to hold”
TEN, TAIN, TIN
TENACIOUS
Thanks to a tenacious group of citizens, the dangerous building was finally torn down.
adj. Stubbornly persistent; determinedL. tenax, “holding fast, stubborn”
syn: steadfast
The octopus’ TENACIOUS TENTACLESheld fast to the object of his love.
Unit Three
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Latin TENERE, TENTUM, “to hold”
PLE
IMPLEMENT
It took the company several days to implement the new billing system.
v. To put into action; executeL. in, intensifier, + pletum = to fill
Unit Three
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Latin PLERE, PLETUM, “to fill”
PLE
DEPLETE
The desert travelers were careful not to deplete their precious supply of water.
v. To use up; wasteL. de, “down,” + pletum = to go down from the full
Unit Three
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Latin PLERE, PLETUM, “to fill”
UNIT FOUR
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FORM
MISINFORMATION
The two warring countries constantly circulated misinformation to confuse each other.
n. Untrue or wrong informationL. mis, “wrong,” + in, “in,” + formare = wrongly established
Unit Four
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Latin FORMARE, FORMATUM “to form, to establish”
FORM
REFORM
Many people think we need to reform our political system, but few know where to start.
v. To bring back to rightness, order, or moralityL. re, “again,” + formare = to form again
syn: correctant: ruin
Unit Four
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Latin FORMARE, FORMATUM “to form, to establish”
APT, EPT
INEPT
Try as I might to comfort Alicia, all my words seemed inept or just plain wrong.
adj. Unskilled; clumsyL. in, “not,” + aptum = not suited
syn: awkwardant: graceful
EPPIE the INEPT carpenter realized that shew as APT not to be successful in that line of work.
Unit Four
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Latin APTARE, APTUM “to fit”
APT, EPT
ADEPT
Tanya was adept at dealing with the arguments that often arose on her volleyball team.
adj. Skilled; expert atL. ad, “toward,” + aptum = suited towards
syn: masterfulant: incompetent
Unit Four
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Latin APTARE, APTUM “to fit”
APT, EPT
APTITUDE
Rob did not discover his aptitude for politics until he was in college.
n. Skill or suitability forsyn: ability
Unit Four
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Latin APTARE, APTUM “to fit”
POS, PON
IMPOSE
The new government tried to impose its ideas onto supporters of the old regime.
v. To forcibly place uponL. in, “on, onto” + positum = to put onto
syn: inflict
Unit Four
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Latin PONERE, POSITUM “to put, place”
POS, PON
DISPOSITION
The pirate captain’s impatient disposition led him to throw many lazy sailors to the sharks.
n. Attitude or moodL. dis, “apart,” + positum
syn: character
Unit Four
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Latin PONERE, POSITUM “to put, place”
FIG
FIGMENT
Were the monsters only a figment of a feverish brain, or did they really exist?
n. Something invented or imaginarysyn: phantom
ant: fact
Unit Four
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Latin FINGERE, FICTUM, “to shape”
FIG
EFFIGY
An effigy of the other team’s mascot was burned at the pep rally.
n. A figure constructed in mockeryL. e,“out of,” + fictum = to shape out of
Unit Four
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Latin FINGERE, FICTUM, “to shape”
UNIT FIVE
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LEGA
LEGACY
The crooked judge, retiring today, leaves behind a legacy of dishonesty and corruption.
n. Body of ideas, achievements, and morals; examplesyn: heritage
Unit Five
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Latin LEGARE, LEGATUM, “to appoint, to send on a mission, to charge with”
LEGA
DELEGATE
Our parents delegated the easiest tasks, like collecting firewood, to the younger children.
v. To divide up, especially responsibilitiesL. de, “down” + legare = to hand down an appointment
syn: designate
Unit Five
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Latin LEGARE, LEGATUM, “to appoint, to send on a mission, to charge with”
ACT, AG
AGENDA
Although some critics have wondered whether the author had a political agenda in her last novel, she insists that there was no secret purpose.
n. Plan of action; purposeL. literally, those things which must be done
Unit Five
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Latin AGERE, ACTUM, “to do, act”
ACT, AG
PROACTIVE
Gwen, who was proactive about getting a job, was hired right after she left college.
adj. Seeking to solve a problem before it occursL. pro, “before,” + actum = to act before
Unit Five
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Latin AGERE, ACTUM, “to do, act”
PULS, PEL
REPULSION
After months of eating primarily peanut butter, Izzie began to feel repulsion for it.
n. Desire to avoid; disgustL. re, “back,” + pulsum = to push back
syn: horrorant: attraction
Unit Five
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Latin PELLERE, PULSUM, “to push”
PULS, PEL
DISPEL
Policemen were sent in to dispel the crowd of onlookers that had gathered near the accident.
v. To scatter about, break upL. dis, “apart,” + pellere = to push apart
syn: banishant: gather
Unit Five
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Latin PELLERE, PULSUM, “to push”
PULS, PEL
PROPEL
A strong wind propelled the toy boat across the surface of the lake.
v. To cause to move towards; pushL. pro, “forward,” + pellere = to push forward
syn: push
Unit Five
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Latin PELLERE, PULSUM, “to push”
LAT
RELATIVE
The number of people at the beach on any day is relative to the weather and the season.
adj. Dependent uponL. re, “back,” + latum = brought back
Unit Five
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Latin LATUM, “brought, carried”
LAT
SUPERLATIVE
For superlative performance at work, Holly was awarded a big promotion.
adj. Excellent; above all othersL. super, “above,” + latum = carried above
syn: superiorant: inferior
Unit Five
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Latin LATUM, “brought, carried”
LAT
DILATE
The surgeon dilated the opening of Anthony’s windpipe so he could breathe better.
v. To widenL. dis, “apart,” + latum = carried apart
Unit Five
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Latin LATUM, “brought, carried”
UNIT SIX
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CANT, CHANT
DISENCHANTED
The team’s fans, who had once loved the star pitcher, grew disenchanted with him as he failed to strike the other team out.
adj. Losing fondness for; unhappy withsyn: disappointedant: enthusiastic
Unit Six
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Latin CANERE, CANTUM, “to sing, to call”
AUD
INAUDIBLE
Feedback from the microphone grew from an almost inaudible buzzing to a deafening shriek.
adj. So quiet as to be impossible to hearL. in, “not,” + auditum = not heard
ant: loud
Unit Six
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Latin AUDIRE, AUDITUM, “to hear”
AUD
AUDITORY
Developing auditory skills involves knowing what to listen for and when to listen for it.
adj. Having to do with the sense of hearing
Unit Six
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Latin AUDIRE, AUDITUM, “to hear”
AUD
AUDIT
Once the accounting scandal became public knowledge, an audit of the company’s finances was called for.
n. A thorough review
Unit Six
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Latin AUDIRE, AUDITUM, “to hear”
SON
ASSONANCE
The young poet could produce lines of skillful assonance and great beauty.
n. Similarity of word soundsL. ad, “near to,” + sonatum = sound near to
Unit Six
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Latin SONARE, SONATUM, “to sound”
LOG
ANALOGOUS
Do you think the invention of the printing press is analogous to the invention of the computer in our own time?
adj. Comparable to; likeG. ana, “according to,” + logein = according to reason
syn: equivalentant: unrelated
Unit Six
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Greek LOGEIN, “to speak, to reason”
LOG
DIALOGUE
The countries had been at war for so long that any kind of dialogue seemed impossible.
n. Communication between two or more peopleG. dia, “between,” + logein = to speak between
syn: conversation
Unit Six
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Greek LOGEIN, “to speak, to reason”
LOG
The PRO LOG marched by with the rest of the LOGS following behind.
Unit Six
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Greek LOGEIN, “to speak, to reason”
PROLOGUE
In the prologue to the novel, the author lists the main characters and their histories.
n. A speech, passage, or event coming before the main speech or eventG. pro, “before,” + logein = to speak before
syn: prefaceant: epilogue
UNIT SEVEN
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BELL
ANTEBELLUM
War changed the country in many ways, but some things remained as they were in the antebellum years.
adj. Occurring before a warL. ante, “before,” + bellum = before the war
Unit Seven
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Latin BELLUM, “war”
BELL
BELLIGERENCE
Despite the belligerence of the opposing team, the Hawks won the game by two points.
n. Warlike mood or attitudeL. bellum + gero, “to wage” = waging war
ant: peace
Unit Seven
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Latin BELLUM, “war”
AM
ENAMORED
At first I hated the novel, but after reading it again, I became enamored of it.
adj. Fond of; feeling love towardsL. in, “in,” + amor = in love
syn: charmedant: repulsed
Unit Seven
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Latin AMOR, “love” AMICUS, “friend”
AM
AMICABLE
There were rumors that Diana and Brynn were fighting, but the two girls insisted they had an amicable relationship.
adj. Not bitter or hostile; friendly
AMICABLE AMY’S friendly manner did not impress the alligators.
Unit Seven
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Latin AMOR, “love” AMICUS, “friend”
AGON
ANTAGONIZE
No matter how the bullies antagonize Walter, he never gets angry or upset.
v. To act hostile towards; provokeG. anti, “against,” + agon = to struggle against
syn: opposeant: soothe
Unit Seven
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Greek AGON, “contest, struggle”
AGON
PROTAGONIST
In the first story Jo wrote, the protagonist was a princess who defeated a wicked emperor.
n. The central character in a work of literatureG. proto, “first,” + agon = first contestant
Unit Seven
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Greek AGON, “contest, struggle”
AGON
ANTAGONIST
Ann sometimes felt like her parents were her antagonists, but at other times they seemed like her best friends.
n. One who is hostile towards; one who opposesG. anti, “against,” + agon = contestant who is against
Unit Seven
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Greek AGON, “contest, struggle”
PHIL
PHILOSOPHICAL
Cheryl’s friends thought she would be humiliated after she lost the contest, but she was philosophical about the whole thing.
adj. Calm and wise; reasonableG. phile + sophos “wisdom” = love of wisdom
Unit Seven
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Greek PHILE, “love”
PHIL
PHILANTHROPY
The farmer gave his land to the city to turn into a park and was praised for his act of philanthropy.
n. Charitable donation to public causesG. phile + anthropos, “man” = love of man
ant: stinginess
Unit Seven
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Greek PHILE, “love”
UNIT EIGHT
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PED
IMPEDIMENT
One mistake at work need not be an impediment to your advancement in the company.
n. Something that gets in the way; obstacleL. in, “in the way of,” + pedis = in the way of the foot
syn: barrierant: assistance
Unit Eight
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Latin PES, PEDIS “foot”
PED
EXPEDIENT
Jasper decided it would be most expedient for him to leave town as soon as he could.
adj. Providing results quickly; practical and effectiveL. ex, “by,” + pedis = (to speed along) by foot
syn: profitable
Unit Eight
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Latin PES, PEDIS “foot”
VEST
TRAVESTY
Some of the books being published today are a travesty of the great literature that came before.
n. A bad imitation of; a perversion ofsyn: mockery, farce
ant: glorification
Unit Eight
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Latin VESTIS, “clothing”
VEST
VESTED
Because Joy does not have a vested interest in the company, she doesn’t have to worry if it goes bankrupt.
adj. Significant to one’s own profit or well-being
Unit Eight
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Latin VESTIS, “clothing”
VEST
VESTMENT
The youngest members of the choir did not want to wear their vestments because they felt that the clothes weren’t cool.
n. Clothing worn to symbolize religious or political authority
Unit Eight
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Latin VESTIS, “clothing”
VEST
DIVEST
When his cheating was discovered, Brian was divested of the office of student body president.
v. To strip or remove a title or position of authorityL. dis, “apart,” + vestis = remove clothing
ant: endow
Unit Eight
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Latin VESTIS, “clothing”
CORPOR, CORPU
CORPOREAL
Some religious writers focus on the differences between corporeal form and spiritual essence.
adj. Having to do with the body
Unit Eight
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Latin CORPOR, “body”
CORPOR, CORPU
CORPSE
The corpse was buried in the cemetary.n. A dead body
syn: cadaver
Unit Eight
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Latin CORPOR, “body”
CORPOR, CORPU
INCORPORATE
The most popular recipes in the cookbook manage to incorporate ideas about health and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
v. To bring together features, ideas, or elementsL. in,“into,” + corpor = into a body
syn: include, joinant: separate, remove
Unit Eight
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Latin CORPOR, “body”
UNIT NINE
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UNI
UNIFORM
If you bake the cake properly, it will be of uniform sweetness and moistness.
adj. The same all the way through; consistentL. unus + formis, “form” = one form
syn: unvaryingant: variable, disparate
Unit Nine
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Latin UNUS, “one”
UNI
UNISON
When the speaker asked the people to answer him, they shouted back in unison.
n. In one voiceL. unus + sonus, “sound” = one sound
Unit Nine
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Latin UNUS, “one”
UNI
UNANIMOUS
Many trials are dragged out over a long period of time because the jury cannot come to a unanimous decision.
adj. Showing complete agreementL. unus + animus, “spirit” = one spirit
syn: harmoniousant: divided
Unit Nine
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Latin UNUS, “one”
MONO
MONOLOGUE
A messenger interrupts the hero of the novel in the middle of a monologue.
n. A speech made by a single personG. monos + logein, “to speak” = speech by one
Unit Nine
TWO LOGS speaking is a dialogue; ONE LOG speaking is a MONOLOGUE.Back to Table of Contents
Greek MONOS, “one”
MONO
MONOPOLIZE
Quentin is monopolizing the copy machine, and no one else can use it.
v. To use or take so as to prevent others from using or takingG. monos + polein, “sell,” = one seller
syn: hoardant: share
Unit Nine
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Greek MONOS, “one”
HOMO
HOMONYM
When you come across a homonym, like the word “bear,” you may have difficulty figuring out which meaning to assign to it.
n. A word spelled exactly like another word, but having a different meaningG. homos, + onym, “name”
Unit Nine
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Greek HOMOS, “the same”
EQUI
EQUITABLE
Zachary usually tried to be equitable, but this time he took all the money for himself and left none for his friend.
adj. Fair; justsyn: balanced
ant: unjust
Unit Nine
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Latin AEQUUS, “equal, even”
EQUI
EQUILIBRIUM
Wendy’s hurtful comment upset my mental equilibrium, and I did badly on my final exam.
n. Balance; steadinessL. aequus + libra, “scales, balance” = equal balance
syn: evenness
Unit Nine
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Latin AEQUUS, “equal, even”
EQUI
INIQUITY
The city committed a great iniquity against local children when it permanently closed the school.
n. Injustice; wrong or wicked action or situationL. in, “not,” + aequus = not equal
syn: corruptionant: morality
Unit Nine
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Latin AEQUUS, “equal, even”
UNIT TEN
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BEN
BENEVOLENT
A benevolent neighbor put the runaway boy up for the night.
adj. Kindly; favorable towardsL. bene + volere, “to wish” = to wish well
syn: humaneant: cold-hearted
Unit Ten
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Latin BENE, “well, good”
BEN
BENEFACTOR
When the artist began to paint in a strange, new style, her usual benefactor withdrew all financial support.
n. A person who gives friendly aidL. bene + facere, “to do” = one who does good
Unit Ten
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Latin BENE, “well, good”
BEN
BENIGN
Although police initially thought the substance was a deadly chemical, they soon discovered it was totally benign.
adj. Causing no harmant: deadly
Ben’s NINE BENIGN poodles made poor guard dogs.
Unit Ten
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Latin BENE, “well, good”
CORD
ACCORD
The leaders of the nation were in accord on the necessity of a new budget, but no one could agree on how the money should be spent.
n. Sameness of opinion; agreementL. ad, “near to,” + cordis = heart toward
syn: harmonyant: strife
Unit Ten
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Latin COR, CORDIS, “heart”
CORD
DISCORD
Although they tried to hide their disagreement, the discord between the two teammates was obvious.
n. Lack of agreement; disharmonyL. dis, “apart,” + cordis = heart apart from
syn: disunity
Unit Ten
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Latin COR, CORDIS, “heart”
CORD
CORDIAL
If Leon can’t be cordial towards his ex-girlfriend, he shouldn’t go to her party.
adj. Warmly friendly and politesyn: courteous
ant: hostile
Unit Ten
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Latin COR, CORDIS, “heart”
ANIM
ANIMOSITY
Despite all the insults he had received, Aaron expressed no animosity towards anyone.
n. Anger or hostilitysyn: bitterness
ant: civility
Unit Ten
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Latin ANIMUS, “spirit”
MAL
DISMAL
My first attempt to build a birdhouse was a dismal failure; nails stuck out everywhere, and the paint collected in messy clumps.
adj. Causing great sadness or pessimismL. dies, “day,” + malus = evil day
syn: gloomyant: cheerful
Unit Ten
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Latin MALUS, “bad”
MAL
MALICIOUS
When Laurie forgot to give April an important phone message, April accused her of being malicious.
adj. Intended to hurt or harmsyn: damaging
ant: helpful
Unit Ten
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Latin MALUS, “bad”
UNIT ELEVEN
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JUR
PERJURY
The manager swore at the trial that he had no information about the store robbery; when he was found to be lying, police charged him with perjury.
n. Breaking of a legal oathL. per, “against,” + jurare = to swear against
syn: dishonestyant: honesty
Unit Eleven
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Latin IURARE, “to swear, to vow” IUS, IURIS, “law”
JUR
CONJURE
In the opening of the book, the author conjures up an image of his boyhood farm.
v. To bring forth, especially through words; make (something) appear unexpectedly or seemingly from nowhere as if by magic
L. con, “together,” + jurare = to swear together with magical aidsyn: implore, beg
Unit Eleven
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Latin IURARE, “to swear, to vow” IUS, IURIS, “law”
DOMIN
PREDOMINANT
Although there are flashes of color here and there in the painting, black is the predominant shade.
adj. Being most evident or apparentL. pre, “before,” + dominari = ruling before all others
syn: leadingant: unimportant
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Latin DOMINOR, DOMINARI, “to rule, to dominate”
DOMIN
DOMINEERING
Lucy’s little sister is so domineering that she often orders the whole family, including her parents around.
adj. Forcing others to obeysyn: bossy
ant: submissive
Unit Eleven
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Latin DOMINOR, DOMINARI, “to rule, to dominate”
DOMIN
INDOMITABLE
Rebecca’s indomitable courage helped her survive her illness.
adj. Unbeatable; resilientL. in, “not,” + dominari = unable to be dominated
syn: invincibleant: weak
The snowman’s strength was INDOMITABLE, but villagers thought he was ABOMINABLE.
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Latin DOMINOR, DOMINARI, “to rule, to dominate”
CRAT, CRAC
ARISTOCRACY
Members of the country’s tiny aristocracy had private beaches for sunbathing.
n. Group of the most wealthy and privilegedG. aristos, “best,” + kratein = rule by the best
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Greek KRATEIN, “to rule” KRATOS, “power”
LEG
LEGITIMIZE
The police officer feared that giving the criminals any media attention at all would legitimize their group’s existence.
v. To give credit or recognition tosyn: validate
ant: undermine
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Latin LEX, LEGIS, “law”
LEG
PRIVILEGED
As a member of the most secret intelligence operations, Vergil was entitled to privileged information.
adj. Available only to a special few; entitled to something specialL. privus, “one’s own,” + legis = one’s own law
syn: favoredant: common
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Latin LEX, LEGIS, “law”
LEG
LEGISLATIVE
In one particularly chaotic legislative session, a law was passed, repealed, and passed again.
adj. Having to do with the lawL. lex + latum, “bear, carry” = law-bearing
Synonym: lawmaking
Unit Eleven
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Latin LEX, LEGIS, “law”
UNIT TWELVE
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RAP
RAPACIOUS
A rapacious group of colonists seized all the land for themselves, leaving none for the people who arrived later.
adj. Seizing everything; greedysyn: demanding
ant: giving
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Latin RAPERE, RAPTUM, “to snatch” RAPAX, “greedy, devouring”
RAP
RAPT
As a program on birds played across the screen, the kittens sat rapt in front of the television.
adj. Giving total attention to; captivatedsyn: fascinatedant: inattentive
Unit Twelve
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Latin RAPERE, RAPTUM, “to snatch” RAPAX, “greedy, devouring”
RAP
SURREPTITIOUS
With a surreptitious motion of his hand, the magician hid the coin in the scarf.
adj. Hidden or secret; done without noticeL. sub, “beneath, secretly” + raptum = snatched secretly
syn: stealthyant: open
Unit Twelve
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Latin RAPERE, RAPTUM, “to snatch” RAPAX, “greedy, devouring”
CEP
PERCEPTIBLE
The wink that Kevin gave Laurel was so fast it was barely perceptible.
adj. Able to be noticed or feltL. per, “through,” + captum = taken through (the senses)
Unit Twelve
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Latin CAPERE, CAPTUM, “seize, take”
CEP
SUSCEPTIBLE
Ben felt that if he were too open minded, he would be susceptible to harmful ideas, so he lived in isolation.
adj. Able to be influencedL. sub, “beneath,” + captum = taken from beneath
syn: impressionable
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Latin CAPERE, CAPTUM, “seize, take”
VOR
VORACIOUS
The voracious locusts left a path of ruined crops a mile long.
adj. Devouring everythingsyn: insatiable
The VORACIOUS eater needed a SPACIOUS refrigerator.
Unit Twelve
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Latin VORARE, VORATUM “to eat”
VOR
OMNIVOROUS
My two brothers are strict vegetarians, but I consider myself omnivorous.
adj. Feeding on both animals and plantsL. omnis, “all, everything,” + vorare = eating everything
Unit Twelve
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Latin VORARE, VORATUM “to eat”
VOR
HERBIVOROUS
Early American pioneers found lots of grazing land for their herbivorous animals.
adj. Eating only plantsL. herbis, “grass, plants” + vorare = eating grass
Unit Twelve
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Latin VORARE, VORATUM “to eat”
CAD, CAS
DECADENT
The billionaire’s spoiled children wasted millions of dollars on decadent parties.
adj. Overly luxurious and lacking moral discipline; excessiveL. de, “down from,” + cadere = falling down from (a noble or pure state)
syn: wantonant: restrained
Unit Twelve
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Latin CADERE, CASUM, “to fall”
CAD, CAS
CADENCE
The beautiful cadence of Jeff’s voice as he read lulled us to sleep.
n. rhythmic rise and fall
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Latin CADERE, CASUM, “to fall”
CAD, CAS
CASUALTY
Grandmother sighed that politeness was just one more casualty of a world that couldn’t slow down.
n. Something or someone injured, killed or eliminatedsyn: victim
Unit Twelve
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Latin CADERE, CASUM, “to fall”
UNIT THIRTEEN
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FLU
AFFLUENT
In the more affluent neighborhoods of the city, it is not unusual for people to have three or four luxury cars.
adj. Wealthy and privileged; well-to-doL. ad, “towards,” + fluere = flow towards
syn: prosperousant: impoverished
Unit Thirteen
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Latin FLUERE, FLUCTUM, “to flow”
FLU
SUPERFLUOUS
Ruben told me that the last paragraph in my article was superfluous, since the other paragraphs already covered all the important information.
adj. Additional to what is necessary; extraL. super, “above,” + fluere = overflowing
syn: nonessential, excessiveant: crucial
Unit Thirteen
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Latin FLUERE, FLUCTUM, “to flow”
LEV
ALLEVIATE
Alice has developed a home remedy which will alleviate the symptoms of a bad cold.
v. To make less painful or dangerousL. ad, “towards,” + levis = lighten towards
syn: easeant: aggravate
Unit Thirteen
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Latin LEVIS, “light”
LAPS
ELAPSE
Many years had elapsed, and the farmer was eager to see his homeland again.
v. To slip away; go byL. e,“out of,” + lapsus = slip out of
Unit Thirteen
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Latin LABI, LAPSUS, “slip, slide”
LAPS
COLLAPSE
Some people fear the tax increase will bring about the collapse of the economy.
n. Complete failure and ruinL. con, “together,” + lapsus = slide together
Unit Thirteen
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Latin LABI, LAPSUS, “slip, slide”
LAPS
RELAPSE
Since I decided to give up chocolate, I have not had a single relapse.
n. A falling back into an old illness or bad habitL. re, “back,” + lapsus = slip back
syn: setback
Unit Thirteen
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Latin LABI, LAPSUS, “slip, slide”
CED
RECEDE
As the ocean waves receded, the people on the shore saw a strange object lying on the sand.
v. To move back or away fromL. re, “back,” + cedere = to go back
syn: retreatant: advance
Unit Thirteen
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Latin CEDERE, CESSUM, “to move along, to go”
CED
CONCESSION
Phil’s parents have already made many concessions to their demanding son, so now they are refusing to give him anything else.
n. Something given up or yieldedL. con, “with,” + cessum = to move with
syn: admissionant: refusal
Unit Thirteen
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Latin CEDERE, CESSUM, “to move along, to go”
CED
CEDE
The two nations fought over the land for many years before one finally ceded it to the other.
v. To surrendersyn: yield
ant: withhold
Unit Thirteen
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Latin CEDERE, CESSUM, “to move along, to go”
UNIT FOURTEEN
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SEQUI, SEC
INCONSEQUENTIAL
What once seemed like a major event in my life now seems entirely inconsequential.
adj. Having no effect or importancesyn: trivial
ant: essential
Unit Fourteen
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Latin SEQUI, SECUTUS, “to follow”
SEQUI, SEC
CONSECUTIVE
For fourteen consecutive days, snow fell on the city.
adj. Following in orderL. con, “together with,” + secutus = following with
syn: sequential
Unit Fourteen
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Latin SEQUI, SECUTUS, “to follow”
SEQUI, SEC
EXECUTION
The spectators were astonished at the skater’s perfect execution of a difficult jump.
n. The way something is doneL. ex, “from,” + sequi = follow from
syn: operation, performance
Unit Fourteen
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Latin SEQUI, SECUTUS, “to follow”
CUR, COUR
COURIER
As a courier, Tom delivered packages to many interesting places.
n. One who carries and delivers
Unit Fourteen
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Latin CURRERE, CURSUM, “to run”
CUR, COUR
INCUR
If you don’t want to incur your math teacher’s anger, you should finish your homework.
v. To bring aboutL. in,“on, against” + currere = run against
syn: acquireant: avoid
Unit Fourteen
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Latin CURRERE, CURSUM, “to run”
CUR, COUR
RECURRENT
At the town meeting, some residents complained about the recurrent problem of reckless driving.
adj. Happening repeatedlyL. re, “again,” + currere = running again
syn: habitualant: infrequent
Unit Fourteen
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Latin CURRERE, CURSUM, “to run”
GRAD
GRADUALISM
When asked about how to deal with the nation’s economy, the Vice Presidentre commended a kind of gradualism.
n. A policy which involves taking slow, measured actions
Unit Fourteen
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Latin GRADI, GRESSUM, “to step”
GRAD
REGRESS
Whenever the two adult brothers got together, they seemed to regress to the age of thirteen.
v. To go back to a less mature or less positive stateL. re, “back,” + gressum = to step back
syn: slip backant: improve
Unit Fourteen
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Latin GRADI, GRESSUM, “to step”
GRAD
A hungry TIGRESS will not DIGRESSonce she has spied her prey.
Unit Fourteen
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Latin GRADI, GRESSUM, “to step”
DIGRESS
The speaker started to digress from his intended subject, but he noticed the audience looking bored, and he stopped.
v. To move away from the topic at hand; rambleL. dis, “apart,” + gressum = to step apart, step away
syn: departant: continue, stick to
AMBL, AMBUL
AMBLE
Monique ambled up to the other children on the beach and asked what they were doing.
v. To casually walk; strollant: hurry
Unit Fourteen
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Latin AMBULARE, AMBULATUM, “to walk”
AMBL, AMBUL
AMBULATORY
After months of physical therapy, the patient was ambulatory again.
adj. Able to walk
Unit Fourteen
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Latin AMBULARE, AMBULATUM, “to walk”
AMBL, AMBUL
PREAMBLE
In the preamble to the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Jefferson state the reasons the colonies are rebelling against Britain.
n. A passage or speech which introduces another longer passage or speechL. pre, “before,” + ambulare = to walk before
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Latin AMBULARE, AMBULATUM, “to walk”
UNIT FIFTEEN
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JUNCT
ENJOIN
1. Niqua enjoined her sister not to tell their parent about the car accident.
2. The District Attorney enjoined his client from speaking about the case.
v. 1. To command; to urge; 2. To forbid
Unit Fifteen
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Latin JUNGERE, JUNCTUM, “to join, yoke”
JUNCT
INJUNCTION
The judge issued an injunction to stop the suspect from leaving the country.
n. An order which legally prevents somethingsyn: prohibition
Unit Fifteen
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Latin JUNGERE, JUNCTUM, “to join, yoke”
JUNCT
REJOINDER
The writer of the letter to the newspaper issued a rejoinder to his critics.
n. An answer; a replyL. re, “back,” + jungere = join back
syn: retort
Unit Fifteen
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Latin JUNGERE, JUNCTUM, “to join, yoke”
PART
IMPARTIAL
Though Maggie claims to be impartial towards the two cats, she secretly likes Mittens best.
adj. Having no bias or favorL. in, “not,” + partis = not partial
syn: neutralant: prejudiced
Unit Fifteen
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Latin PARS, PARTIS, “part”
PART
PARTISAN
During a particularly close election, our town was split along partisan lines.
adj. Believing and acting on the ideas of a political party or groupsyn: factional
The PARTISAN ARTISAN carved elephants only for the Republican Party.
Unit Fifteen
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Latin PARS, PARTIS, “part”
PART
IMPART
Before I set out on my own, my mother imparted some helpful advice about life to me.
v. To give away; shareL. in, “in,” + partis = to take part in, to share
syn: pass onant: conceal
Unit Fifteen
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Latin PARS, PARTIS, “part”
CLUS, CLUD
INCLUSIVE
I am looking for a more inclusive atlas because my current one only has a few maps.
adj. Containing all; not keeping any outL. in, “in,” + clusum = to close in
syn: all-embracingant: limiting
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Latin CLAUDERE, CLAUSUM, “to close”
CLUS, CLUD
INCONCLUSIVE
The detectives were sure the DNA test would help them catch the thief, but the results proved inconclusive.
adj. Providing no clear answer or solutionL. in,“not,” + con, “together,” + clusum = not closed together
syn: uncertainant: definite
Unit Fifteen
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Latin CLAUDERE, CLAUSUM, “to close”
CLUS, CLUD
PRECLUDE
Frank’s car crash on Wednesday seemed to preclude his getting to the party on Thursday.
v. Prevent from happeningL. pre, “before,” + cludere = to close before
syn: hinderant: foster
Unit Fifteen
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Latin CLAUDERE, CLAUSUM, “to close”
CIS
PRECISE
Scientists have been trying to perfect their new satellite system in order to make sure that the information it records about the asteroid is precise.
adj. Accurate; definiteL. pre, “before,” + caesum = to cut off before
syn: exactant: indefinite
Unit Fifteen
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Latin CADERE, CAESUM, “to cut”
CIS
INDECISIVE
Doris was so indecisive that it took her hours to pick out her groceries.
adj. Unable to make choicesL. in, “not,” + de, “down,” + caesum = not cut down
syn: doubtful, hesitantant: sure
Unit Fifteen
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Latin CADERE, CAESUM, “to cut”
CIS
INCISION
A careful incision in the false back of the book revealed hidden money.
n. A cut made in order to get inside somethingL. in, “into,” + caesum = cut into
syn: slice
Unit Fifteen
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Latin CADERE, CAESUM, “to cut”
UNIT SIXTEEN
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META
METABOLISM
As Ellen’s diet changed, her metabolism changed too.
n. The process through which an organism changes food into energyG. meta + ballein, “to throw” = to change by throwing
Unit Sixteen
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Greek META, “after, changed, beyond”
META
METAMORPHOSIS
After several weeks, the tadpole’s metamorphosis into a frog was complete.
n. Change in form; transformationG. meta + morphe, “shape” = changed shape
syn: change
Unit Sixteen
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Greek META, “after, changed, beyond”
META
METAPHORICAL
Mr. DeMarco had a hard time explaining to his class that they were not going on a real field trip, but a metaphorical one.
adj. Symbolic rather than literalG. meta + pherein, “to carry” = to carry beyond
syn: figurativeant: actual
Unit Sixteen
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Greek META, “after, changed, beyond”
AL
INALIENABLE
Although Michelle seems to think it’s her inalienable right to interrupt people, few friends agree with her.
adj. Not able to be taken awayL. in, “not,” + alien + able, “able to be” = not able to be made other
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Latin ALIUS, “other, another”
AL
ALIENATE
Alison alienated her party guests by forcing them to discuss subjects they knew nothing about.
v. To make hostilesyn: offendant: attract
Unit Sixteen
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Latin ALIUS, “other, another”
AL
ALIAS
Following his testimony in a high profile murder case, Jason Ryan assumed the alias “Steven Berger.”
n. A name that is not one’s true name
Unit Sixteen
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Latin ALIUS, “other, another”
ALTER
ALTERATION
Any alteration in the plans at this point will force us to design an entirely new schedule.
n. A change or modification
Unit Sixteen
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Latin ALTER, “other”
ALTER
ALTERNATE
Teresa alternates between the two grocery stores because both have products she wants.
v. To go back and forth; change from one thing to another
Unit Sixteen
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Latin ALTER, “other”
ALTER
ALTERCATION
An altercation outside the nightclub led to the arrests of several customers.
n. A fight or dispute
Unit Sixteen
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Latin ALTER, “other”
SIMUL
SIMULATE
The ride at the amusement park claims to simulate the experience of zero gravity.
v. To mimic; imitatesyn: represent
Unit Sixteen
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Latin SIMULARE, SIMULATUM “to imitate, to pretend, to appear to be”
SIMUL
DISSEMBLE
Rather than dissembling when asked if he took the money, Clayton confessed to everything.
v. To conceal the truth; to deceiveL. dis, “not,” + simulare = appear to be what one is not
syn: deceive, counterfeitant: reveal
Unit Sixteen
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Latin SIMULARE, SIMULATUM “to imitate, to pretend, to appear to be”
SIMUL
SEMBLANCE
My mother demanded that I get my room into some semblance of order before our relatives came to visit.
n. Rough likenesssyn: copy
While the police sketch was only a SEMBLANCE of a RESEMBLANCE, it was enough to catch the bad guy.
Unit Sixteen
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Latin SIMULARE, SIMULATUM “to imitate, to pretend, to appear to be”
UNIT SEVENTEEN
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MORT
IMMORTALIZE
The courageous stand taken by the Prime Minister on that day immortalized him in the eyes of his people.
v. To preserve in memory foreverL. in, “not,” + mortis + ize, “to cause” = to cause to live forever
syn: memorializeant: forget
Unit Seventeen
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Latin MORS, MORTIS, “death”
MORT
MORBID
Susan had a morbid imagination, and she drew several hundred pictures of cemeteries.
adj. Taking an unhealthy interest in unpleasant thingssyn: unwholesome
Unit Seventeen
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Latin MORS, MORTIS, “death”
MORT
MORTIFY
A scolding from his mother in front of the other students mortified Charles, and he ran out of the room.
v. To cause extreme embarrassment tosyn: humiliate
ant: delight
Unit Seventeen
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Latin MORS, MORTIS, “death”
MORT
MORIBUND
Bonnie hoped the moribund old car would make it up one last hill so she could finally get home.
adj. In a dying or deathlike statesyn: deteriorating
ant: reviving
Unit Seventeen
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Latin MORS, MORTIS, “death”
NEC, NOX, NIC
NOXIOUS
The noxious fumes of toxic chemicals filled the abandoned warehouse.
adj. Harmful to physical or moral healthsyn: foul
ant: pleasant
Unit Seventeen
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Latin NOCERE, NOXUM, “to hurt, kill” NEC, NEXIS, “death”
NEC, NOX, NIC
PERNICIOUS
Tina found that too much fertilizer was pernicious to her tomato plants.
adj. Causing damage; harmfulL. per, “through and through,” + necis = thoroughly destructive
syn: destructiveant: favorable
Unit Seventeen
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Latin NOCERE, NOXUM, “to hurt, kill” NEC, NEXIS, “death”
BIO
BIODEGRADABLE
In order to help save the environment, many fast food companies are finally using biodegradable packaging material.
adj. Able to be broken down naturallyG. bios + L. de, “down,”+ L. gradus, “going” = going down by means
of living things
Unit Seventeen
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Greek BIOS, “life”
BIO
SYMBIOTIC
Although researchers once believed the two animals had a symbiotic relationship, one scientist now thinks that one creature is simply
scavenging off the other.
adj. Mutually beneficial; supporting one another’s lifeG. syn, “together,” + bios = life together
Unit Seventeen
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Greek BIOS, “life”
BIO
ANTIBIOTIC
The medicine’s strong antibiotic properties make it useful for fighting bacterial infections.
adj. Causing the death of living organisms, especially harmful onesG. anti, “against,” + bios = against life
Unit Seventeen
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Greek BIOS, “life”
VIV
VIVACIOUS
Donna was a vivacious, fun-loving girl who enjoyed going out with her friends.
adj. Cheerful and full of lifesyn: merry, exuberant
ant: lifeless
VIVACIOUS VIVIAN and Sprightly Sue competed to win the prize for “Most Lively.”
Unit Seventeen
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Latin VIVERE, VICTUM “to live”
VIV
VIVID
The dream was so vivid that I still can’t believe it wasn’t real.
adj. Making a strong impression on the senses; clear and sharpsyn: striking
ant: faint
Unit Seventeen
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Latin VIVERE, VICTUM “to live”
VIV
REVIVAL
The revival of a play that had not been produced for decades required much study on the part of the director and cast.
n. The act or process of bringing back to lifeL. re, “back,” + vivere = back to life
syn: reawakeningant: expiration
Unit Seventeen
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Latin VIVERE, VICTUM “to live”
UNIT EIGHTEEN
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COGN
INCOGNITO
Having been mobbed by admirers one too many times, the actor now goes incognito when he has to appear in public.
adj. Disguised as someone other than oneselfL. in, “not,” + cognitum = not known
syn: maskedant: known
Unit Eighteen
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Latin COGNOSCERE, COGNITUM, “to know”
COGN
COGNITIVE
Learning to distinguish shapes and colors is part of a baby’s cognitive development.
adj. Relating to the processes of thought
Unit Eighteen
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Latin COGNOSCERE, COGNITUM, “to know”
COGN
COGNIZANT
When Tasha became cognizant of a problem with the rocket, she notified the engineers.
adj. Awaresyn: consciousant: unaware
The COG isn’t COGNIZANT of its role in the machine.
Unit Eighteen
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Latin COGNOSCERE, COGNITUM, “to know”
SOPH
SOPHISTICATE
Since I am unable to distinguish a salad fork from an ordinary fork, I hardly consider myself a sophisticate.
n. One well-traveled and knowledgeable about culture, etiquette, and/or fashion
Unit Eighteen
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Greek SOPHOS, “wise”
SOPH
SOPHISTRY
At first Brenda was convinced by the argument, but she later decided it was nothing but sophistry.
n. Use of trickery and false logic in argumentssyn: deceptionant: honesty
Unit Eighteen
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Greek SOPHOS, “wise”
SOPH
SOPHOMORIC
I found Greg’s sense of humor sophomoric, but he was funny nonetheless.
adj. Not highly developed; crudeG. sophos + moros, “fool” = wise fool
syn: idiotic, foolishant: mature
Unit Eighteen
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Greek SOPHOS, “wise”
NOMEN
NOMINAL
The nominal purpose of the club was to discuss ancient coins, but the members usually argued about politics.
adj. In name only; not completely truesyn: supposed
ant: real
Unit Eighteen
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Latin NOMEN, NOMINIS “name”
NOMEN
DENOMINATION
Within their groups, the children broke into smaller denominations based on their backgrounds, interests, and personalities.
n. Subcategory or subgroupL. de, “from,” + nominatum = named from
Unit Eighteen
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Latin NOMEN, NOMINIS “name”
NOMEN
NOMENCLATURE
The ancient system of nomenclature was so complicated that no one could remember the official name of anything.
n. Official system of namingL. nomen + calator, “caller” = called by name
Unit Eighteen
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Latin NOMEN, NOMINIS “name”
ONYM
SYNONYMOUS
The pirate’s name became synonymous with crime and violence.
adj. Meaning the same asG. syn, “together with,” + onoma = with the name
syn: interchangeableant: different
Unit Eighteen
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Greek ONOMA, “name”
ONYM
ANONYMOUS
An anonymous donor gave several million dollars to the homeless shelter.
adj. Not revealing one’s identityG. a, “not,” + onoma = no name
syn: unnamedant: known
Unit Eighteen
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Greek ONOMA, “name”
ONYM
ANTONYM
Instead of using the right word in my essay, I accidently used its antonym.
n. A word that means the opposite of another wordG. anti, “against, opposite” + onoma = opposite name
Unit Eighteen
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Greek ONOMA, “name”
UNIT NINETEEN
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MATR
MATRON
A matron in colonial America would have been constantly busy with home and children.
n. A married woman
Unit Nineteen
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Latin MATER, “mother”
MATR
MATERNAL
Even as a child, Bess was maternal towards the other students in her class.
adj. Having the qualities of a mother; motherlysyn: nurturingant: uncaring
Unit Nineteen
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Latin MATER, “mother”
MATR
MATRICULATE
Darnell is going to take a year off before he matriculate sat the business school.
v. To enroll in a degree program, especially at a college
Unit Nineteen
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Latin MATER, “mother”
PATR
PATRONIZE
1. The Sidlowskis no longer patronized the deli.
2. The college professor tried not to patronize the high school students.
v. 1. To regularly visit or give business to; 2. To talk down to; condescend
Unit Nineteen
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Latin PATER, “father”
PATR
PATERNAL
Toby began to feel paternal towards the abandoned young boy.
adj. Having the qualities of a father
Unit Nineteen
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Latin PATER, “father”
PATR
PATRICIDE
The prince was so jealous of his father that he contemplated patricide in order to take over the throne.
n. The murder of a fatherL. pater + cidus, “murder” = murder of a father
Unit Nineteen
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Latin PATER, “father”
PATR
EXPATRIATE
Gertrude was an expatriate who abandoned America for France.
n. A person living outside his or her native countryL. ex, “out of,” + patria, (from pater) “fatherland” = out of the fatherland
syn: emigrantant: native
After the war, the EX-PATRIOT became an EXPATRIATE and never returned to his native land.
Unit Nineteen
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Latin PATER, “father”
FIL
FILIAL
Carl admitted that he felt more filial affection for his stepfather than for his father.
adj. Having to do with a son
Unit Nineteen
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Latin FILIUS, “son, child”
FIL
AFFILIATE
The small business became an affiliate of a much larger corporation in New York.
n. One related to or associated withL. ad, “toward,” + filius = like a child toward
syn: partnerant: rival
Unit Nineteen
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Latin FILIUS, “son, child”
GEN
PROGENITOR
The progenitor of the Louis family in America was a fur merchant named Jacques.
n. The founder of a line or raceL. pro, “forth,” + genus
syn: forefatherant: descendant
Unit Nineteen
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Latin GIGNERE, GENITUS, “give birth to, create”
GEN
PROGENY
At family reunions, the couple always posed for a photograph with their numerous progeny.
n. Children or descendantsL. pro, “forth,” + genus = one who brings offspring forth
syn: offspring
Unit Nineteen
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Latin GIGNERE, GENITUS, “give birth to, create”
GEN
GENEALOGY
After discovering an old picture of his great uncle, Phillip became interested in the genealogy of his family.
n. The study of families and descendants
Unit Nineteen
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Latin GIGNERE, GENITUS, “give birth to, create”
UNIT TWENTY
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MAGN
MAGNITUDE
After the city was rocked by a major earthquake, scientists began to determine the magnitude of both the quake and the destruction.
n. Greatness of size, strength, or importancesyn: significanceant: unimportance
Unit Twenty
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Latin MAGNUS, “large, great”
MAGN
MAGNATE
The nineteenth-century railroad magnates met to decide the future of American transportation.
n. An important, powerful person in businesssyn: baron
ant: employee
Unit Twenty
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Latin MAGNUS, “large, great”
MAXIM
MAXIM
The maxim “Everything in moderation” is especially relevant to undergraduate students.
n. A brief statement that conveys a general truth
Unit Twenty
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Latin MAXIMUS, “largest, greatest”
MIN
DIMINISH
The area’s natural resources will diminish quickly unless something is done to preserve them.
v. To make smaller; lessenL. de, “down,” + minus = down from the smaller
syn: reduceant: add to, build
Unit Twenty
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Latin MINOR, “less” MINUERE, MINUTUM, “to lesson”
MIN
MINISCULE
New electronic devices use only miniscule amounts of power, as compared to their predecessors, which needed much more.
adj. Tinysyn: insignificant
Unit Twenty
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Latin MINOR, “less” MINUERE, MINUTUM, “to lesson”
MIN
MINUTE
Minute particles of dust or pollen in the air can be enough to trigger a serious allergy attack.
adj. Extremely small; insignificantsyn: microscopic
ant: enormous
MY NEWT is MINUTE, even for a salamander.
Unit Twenty
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Latin MINOR, “less” MINUERE, MINUTUM, “to lesson”
MICRO
MICROSCOPIC
After five years of microscopic analysis of the problem, the researchers still had no certain answers.
adj. Done with attention to small detailsG. micros + skopein, “to look” = to look at very small things
syn: painstakingant: careless
Unit Twenty
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Greek MICROS, “small”
MICRO
MICROCOSM
Some people believe that an individual’s actions are merely a microcosm of the actions of society.
n. A small model of a larger pattern or placeG. micros, “small,” + cosmos, “world” = small world
Unit Twenty
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Greek MICROS, “small”
MEGA
MEGALOPOLIS
Lost in the megalopolis, the tourists searched frantically for a cab or a phone.
n. A very large cityG. megalos + polis, “city” = large city
Unit Twenty
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Greek MEGALOS, “large”
MEGA
MEGALOMANIAC
Most historians believe that Adolf Hitler is an excellent example of a megalomaniac.
n. One who believes him or herself all powerful or indestructible
Unit Twenty
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Greek MEGALOS, “large”
