WORD FORMATION - WITH ROOTS
How
Good Is Your Vocabulary?
To see how your vocabulary measures up to that of other people,
take the following tests.
As you go through each test, put a check mark next to any word you
don't know.
After you complete each test, go back and see which of your
choices proved correct. Then take a minute to study the words you missed.
The first test consists of twenty-five phrases, each containing an
italicized word. Circle the correct response. This test has no time limit.
1. a lenient supervisor
a. short b. not strict c. inflexible d. shrewd
2. an audacious endeavor
a. foolish b. serious c. expensive d. bold
3. a latent talent
a. apparent b. valuable c. present but not apparent d.
useless
4. a gaudy dress
a. expensive b. deep green c. flattering d. showy
5. a disheveled person
a. useless b. untidy c. miserable d. vicious
6. feign illness
a. suffer b. pretend c. die from d. enjoy
7. an agile child
a. intelligent b. nimble c. neglected d.
annoying
8. a somber night
a. dismal b. expensive c. lively d. disastrous
9. a prosaic event
a. extraordinary b. irregular c. commonplace d.
pretty
10. a vivacious person
a. annoying b. dismal c. vicious d. spirited
11. a baffling situation
a. puzzling b. obvious c. easy d. old
12. a hiatus in the schedule
a. continuation b. uniformity c. gap d.
beginning
13. a lackluster report
a. enthusiastic b. praiseworthy c. dull d. wordy
14. a prevalent condition
a. adult b. widespread c. previous d. fatal
15. a loquacious person
a. talkative b. cutthroat c. laconic d. enthusiastic
16. an anonymous victim
a. willing b. known c. not known or named d. foreign
17. a vicarious thrill
a. incomplete b. triumphant c. spoiled d. indirect
18. a languid feeling
a. nervous b. energetic c. fatigued d. robust
19. vernacular language
a. ordinary b. elevated c. formal d. informal
20. a religious icon
a. gesture b. picture c. ritual d. structure
21. inclement weather
a. fair b. unexpected c. foul d. disturbing
22. a cavalier attitude
a. pleasant b. dramatic c. considerate d. arrogant
23. a caustic remark
a. wise b. biting c. prudent d. complimentary
24. a timely caveat
a. bargain b. purchase c. warning d. movement
25. an ominous situation
a. pleasant b. rigid c. obvious d. threatening
Write your answer in the
space provided.
1. imminent [ ] a.
cleanse _____
2. fluster [ ] b.
flashy _____
3. rigid [ ] c.
confuse _____
4. purge [ ] d.
restore _____
5. rehabilitate [ ] e.
hinder _____
6. latent [ ] f.
pretend _____
7. gaudy [ ] g.
stiff _____
8. feign [ ] h.
coax _____
9. cajole [ ] i.
hidden _____
10. impede [ ] j.
at hand _____
Test for a Good Vocabulary
Only half the adults
tested got all of the following words correct.
See how well you can
do! Write S if the word in the second column is similar in meaning to the word
in the first column or O if it is opposite.
S
or O [S= Similar’ O=opposite]
1. myriad few _____
2. panacea cure-all _____
3. opulent spare _____
4. eschew shun _____
5. nefarious wicked _____
6. incarcerate imprison _____
7. ameliorate make worse _____
8. candor hypocrisy _____
9. taciturn talkative _____
10. verbose wordy _____
Test
for an Excellent Vocabulary
Fewer than one quarter of
the adults tested got all of the following words correct. In the space provided,
write T if the definition is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. Obsequiousness is a sign of
pride. _____
2. Parsimonious people are
extravagant. _____
3. Recycling is an exigency of the
moment. _____
4. The hawk is a predatory bird.
_____
5. An aquiline nose is straight.
_____
6. A covert plan is out in the
open. _____
7. It is hard to explain things to an obtuse
person. _____
8. Someone with catholic views is
narrow-minded. _____
9. A large debt obviates financial
worries. _____
10. Erudite people are well-read.
_____
"Other
Places, Other Faces": al, all, alter
An "alibi" is a defense by an accused
person who claims to have been elsewhere at the time the offense was committed.
The word comes from the Latin root "al," meaning other. Outside of law, an alibi often means
an excuse, especially to avoid blame.
The Latin roots "al" and "alter," as well as the related
Greek root "all" or
"allo,"
all mean other or another, and form the basis of a number of
English words.
After you study the
definitions and practice the pronunciations, complete the quizzes.
1. alien (al"y*n, a"le *n) a person born in and owing allegiance to a country other than
the one in which he or she lives; a nonterrestrial being; foreign or strange.
Although my neighbor is
not an American citizen, he has lived in this country so long he no longer thinks
of himself as an alien.
2. allegory (al"* gôr'e) a representation of an abstract
meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject
under the guise of another.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's
short story "Young Goodman Brown" can be read as an allegory of an average
person's encounter with sin and temptation.
3. alias (a"le *s) a false or assumed
name, especially as used by a criminal. From the Latin word meaning otherwise.
Many criminals use an
alias with the same initials as their real name; Clyde Griffith, for example, took
as his alias "Chester Gillett."
4. alienate (al"y* nat', a"le *-) to make indifferent or
hostile. From Latin "alienare," to make another.
Unkempt yards alienate
prospective home buyers.
5. altruism (al"tr» iz'*m)
unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
Devotion to the poor,
sick, and unfortunate of the world shows a person's altruism.
6. altercation (ôl't*r ka"sh*n) a heated or angry dispute; noisy argument or controversy. From Latin
"altercari," to quarrel with another.
The collision resulted in
an altercation between the two drivers.
7. inalienable (in al"y* n* b*l, -a"le *-) not transferable to
another; incapable of being repudiated.
Freedom of speech is the
inalienable right of every American citizen.
8. allograft (al"* graft') tissue grafted or transplanted
to another member of the same species.
Allografts of vital organs
have saved many lives.
9. allogamy (* log"* me) cross-fertilization in plants. From "allo-," other +
"-gamy," pollination.
To ensure allogamy, the
farmer set out many different plants close together.
10. alter ego (ôl"t*r e"go) another self; an inseparable friend.
Superman's alter ego, the
mild-mannered Clark Kent, is a reporter for the Daily Planet.
Matching
Synonyms
Match each of the numbered
words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. alien a. absolute _____
2. alias b. cross-fertilization
_____
3. alter ego c. selflessness, kindness _____
4. allogamy d. best friend _____
5. allegory e. another name _____
6. inalienable f. transplant _____
7. altruism g. contention, quarrel _____
8. alienate h. symbolic narrative _____
9. allograft i. stranger, outcast _____
10. altercation j. turn away, estrange _____
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. alien foreign _____
2. alias excuse _____
3. alter ego egotist _____
4. allogamy multiple marriage _____
5. allegory moral story _____
6. inalienable without basis in fact _____
7. altruism unselfishness _____
8. alienate estrange _____
9. allograft illegal money _____
10. altercation dispute _____
"The Breath of Life": anima
Ancient peoples connected
the soul with the breath. They saw that when people died they stopped
breathing, and they believed that the soul left the body at the same time. They
also believed that when people sneezed, the soul left the body for a moment, so
they muttered a hasty blessing to ensure that the soul would return quickly to
its rightful place. The Latin root for air or breath, "anima," also
means soul, spirit, or mind, reflecting this belief in a
connection between life and breathing. Many English words come from this root.
Below are ten words linked
to "anima." After you study the definitions and practice the pronunciations,
complete the quizzes.
1. animation (an'* ma"sh*n) liveliness or vivacity; the act or an instance of animating or enlivening.
From Latin "animare," to give life to.
In speech class we learned
how to talk with animation to make our presentations more interesting.
2. animadversion (an'* mad vûr"zh*n, -sh*n) criticism; censure. From Latin
"animus," mind, spirit + "adversio," attention,
warning.
The critic's animadversion
on the subject of TV shows revealed his bias against popular culture.
3. animus (an"* m*s) hostile feeling or attitude.
The jury's animus toward
the defendant was obvious from the jurors' stony faces and stiff posture.
4. pusillanimous (py»'s* lan"* m*s) lacking courage or resolution; cowardly. From Latin "pusillus,"
very small + "animus," spirit.
He was so pusillanimous
that he wouldn't even run away from a bully.
5. unanimity (y»'n* nim"i te) the state or quality of being in complete agreement; undivided opinion
or a consensus. From Latin "unus," one + "animus," mind,
spirit.
The school board's
unanimity on the controversial issue of sex education was all the more surprising
in light of their well-known individual differences.
6. animate (an"* mat') to give
life or liveliness to; alive.
Her presence animated the
otherwise dull party.
7. animalcule (an'* mal"ky»l) a minute or microscopic organism. From Latin "animalis,"
living, animal + "-culum," tiny thing.
The animalcule could not
be seen with the naked eye.
8. magnanimous (mag
nan"* m*s)
generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness. From
Latin "magnus," large, great + "animus," soul.
The governor's magnanimous
pardon of the offender showed his liberal nature.
9. inanimate (in an"* mit) not alive or lively; lifeless.
Pinocchio was inanimate, a
puppet carved from a block of wood.
10. animism (an"* miz'*m) the belief that natural
objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or
consciousness.
Their belief in animism
drew them to the woods, where they felt more in touch with nature's spirit.
Matching
Synonyms
Match each of the numbered
words with the closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. animadversion a. enliven _____
2. animus b. harmony _____
3. pusillanimous c. generous _____
4. unanimity d. cowardly _____
5. animate e. hostility _____
6. animalcule f. spirit, zest _____
7. magnanimous g. a censorious remark
_____
8. inanimate h. a belief in spirits _____
9. animation i. a minute organism _____
10. animism j. inert _____
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. animadversion praise _____
2. animus hostility _____
3. pusillanimous cowardly _____
4. unanimity total agreement _____
5. animate deaden _____
6. animalcule small soul _____
7. magnanimous generous _____
8. inanimate living _____
9. animation liveliness _____
10. animism love of animals
_____
"The
Year of Wonders": ann, enn
While certain years are
celebrated for great wonders, the first year that was actually designated "The
Year of Wonders," Annus Mirabilis, was 1666. The English poet,
dramatist, and critic John Dryden (1631–1700) enshrined that year as
"Annus Mirabilis" in his poem of the same name, which commemorated
the English victory over the Dutch and the Great Fire of London.
"Annus," meaning year, comes from the Latin root
"ann," a source of many useful English words. The same root is also
written "enn" in the middle of a word.
Below are ten words drawn
from this root. After you look over the definitions and practice the pronunciations,
complete the quizzes that follow.
1. per annum (p*r an"*m) by the year; yearly.
The firm promised to bill
the additional interest charges per annum, the invoice to arrive every January.
2. annual (an" y» *l) of, for, or pertaining
to a year; yearly.
The annual enrollment in
the high school has increased sharply since the new housing was built.
3. anniversary (an'* vûr"s* re) the yearly recurrence of the
date of a past event, especially the date of a wedding. From Latin "ann(i),"
year + "vers(us)," turned + adjectival suffix
"-ary."
For their twenty-fifth
wedding anniversary, the happy couple decided to have dinner at the restaurant
where they first met.
4. biennial (bi en"e *l)
happening every two years; lasting for two years. From Latin "bi-," two
+ root "enn" + adjectival suffix "-ial."
My flowering fig tree has
a biennial cycle; it blooms every two years.
5. triennial (tri en"e *l)
occurring every three years; lasting three years. From Latin "tri-," three
+ root "enn" + adjectival suffix "-ial."
The university has set up
a triennial cycle of promotions to review candidates for advancement.
6. decennial (di
sen"e *l) of or for ten years; occurring every ten
years. From Latin "dec(em)," ten + root "enn" +
adjectival suffix "-ial."
Every ten years, the PTA
holds its decennial meeting in the state capital.
7. centennial (sen
ten"e *l) of or pertaining to a period of one
hundred years; recurring once every hundred years. From Latin
"cent(um)," hundred + root "enn" + adjectival suffix
"-ial."
To celebrate the
railroad's centennial anniversary, the town's historical society restored the
rundown station so it looked exactly as it did when it was built a hundred
years ago.
8. bicentennial (bi'sen ten"e *l)
pertaining to or in honor of a two-hundredth anniversary; consisting of or
lasting two hundred years.
To advertise its
bicentennial festivities next year, the town has adopted the slogan
"Celebrating Two Hundred Years of Progress."
9. millennium (mi
len"e *m) a period of one thousand years. From Latin
"mille," thousand + root "enn" + noun suffix
"-ium."
Technology advances so
rapidly now that we can scarcely imagine what life will be like in the next millennium.
10. annuity (* n»" i te, * ny»"-) a
specified income payable each year or at stated intervals in consideration of a
premium paid. From Latin "ann(uus)," yearly + noun suffix
"-ity."
The annuity from her late
husband's life-insurance policy was barely adequate for the poor widow's needs.
Matching
Synonyms
Select the best definition
for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. bicentennial a. every ten years _____
2. anniversary b. every two years
_____
3. decennial c. every two hundred
years _____
4. millennium d. every three years
_____
5. per annum e. one thousand years
_____
6. centennial f. fixed payment
_____
7. annuity g. yearly
recurrence of a date _____
8. triennial h. every hundred
years _____
9. biennial i. by the year
_____
10. annual j. yearly _____
True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered
word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. annuity every two hundred
years _____
2. bicentennial every other year _____
3. millennium one thousand years
_____
4. annual fixed amount of
money _____
5. centennial every hundred years
_____
6. triennial every three years
_____
7. per annum by order _____
8. biennial every third year
_____
9. decennial every thousand years
_____
10. anniversary yearly event _____
"Man of the
World": anthropo
In the early twentieth
century, Rudolph Steiner developed an esoteric system of knowledge he called
"anthroposophy." Steiner developed the word from the Greek roots
"anthropo," meaning man or human, and "soph,"
meaning wisdom. He defined his philosophy as "the knowledge of the spiritual
human being . . . and of everything which the spirit man can perceive in the
spiritual world."
We've taken several more
words from "anthropo"; below are six of them. After you look over the
definitions and practice the pronunciations, complete the quizzes that follow.
1. anthropoid (an"thr* poid') resembling humans.
The child was fascinated
by the anthropoid ape on display in the natural history museum.
2. anthropomorphism (an'thr* p* môr"fiz*m) the ascription of human form
or attributes to a being or thing not human, such as a deity.
To speak of the
"cruel, crawling foam" is an example of anthropomorphism, for the sea
is not cruel.
3. misanthrope (mis"*n throp', miz"-) a hater of humankind. From Greek "mis(o)," hate +
"anthropos," man.
In Gulliver's Travels, the
great misanthrope Jonathan Swift depicts human beings as monstrous savages.
4. philanthropy (fi
lan"thr* pe) good works; affection for humankind, especially as manifested in
donations, as of money, to needy persons or to socially useful purposes. From
Greek "phil(o)," loving + "anthropos," man.
Thanks to the philanthropy
of a wealthy patron, the new hospital wing was fully stocked with the latest
equipment.
5. anthropology (an'thr* pol"* je) the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development,
racial characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.
After the student
completed the anthropology course, she visited some of the exotic cultures she had
read about.
6. anthropocentric (an'thr* po sen"trik) regarding humans as the central fact of the universe.
Philosophy that views and
interprets the universe in terms of human experience and values is anthropocentric.
Matching Synonyms
Select the best definition
for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. anthropology a. believing that humans are the
center of the universe _____
2. philanthropy b. one who dislikes people _____
3. anthropocentric c. science of humankind's origins,
beliefs, and customs
4. anthropoid d. personification of inanimate
things _____
5. anthropomorphism e. doing good for people _____
6. misanthrope f. humanlike _____
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. misanthrope cynic _____
2. philanthropy goodwill to humankind _____
3. anthropomorphism insecurity _____
4. anthropocentric unselfish _____
5. anthropology science of flowers _____
6. anthropoid resembling humans _____
"Know Thyself": gno
One of the fascinating
things about the study of words is the discovery of close relationships between
seemingly unrelated words. Because English draws its vocabulary from many
sources, it often appropriates foreign words that ultimately derive from the
same source as a native English word. A good example is our word
"know," which has its exact equivalent in the Latin and Greek root
"gno." Here are eight words from this root. First read through the
pronunciations, definitions, and examples. Then complete the quizzes that
follow.
1. cognizant (kog"n* z*nt, kon"*-) aware. From Latin "cognoscere," to come to know ("co-,"
together + "gnoscere," to know).
He was fully cognizant of
the difficulty of the mission.
2. incognito (in'kog ne"to, in kog"ni to') with one's identity concealed, as under an assumed name. From
Latin "incognitus," not known ("in-," not +
"cognitus," known).
The officer from naval
intelligence always traveled incognito to avoid any problems with security.
3. prognosticate (prog
nos"ti kat') to forecast from present indications. From Greek "prognostikos,"
knowing beforehand ("pro-," before +
"(gi)gno(skein)," to know).
The fortuneteller was able
to prognosticate with the help of her tea leaves, crystal ball, and a good deal
of inside information about her client.
4. diagnostician (di'*g no stish"*n) an expert in
determining the nature of diseases. From Greek "diagnosis," determination
(of a disease) ("dia-," through + "(gi)gno(skein),"
to know).
The diagnostician was able
to allay her patient's fears after the x-ray showed that he had suffered only a
sprain, not a break.
5. cognoscenti (kon'y* shen"te, kog'n*-) well-informed persons,
especially in a particular field, as in the arts. From Italian, ultimately
derived from Latin "co-," together + "gnoscere," to
know.
Although the exhibit had
only been open one week, the cognoscenti were already proclaiming it the show
of the decade.
6. gnostic (nos"tik) pertaining to knowledge, especially to the esoteric knowledge
taught by an early Christian mystical sect. From Greek "gnostikos," knowing,
from the root of "(gi) gno(skein)," to know.
The gnostic view that
everything is knowable is opposed by the agnostic view.
7. ignoramus (ig'n* ra"m*s, -ram"*s) an extremely uninformed
person. From the Latin word meaning we don't know, derived from
"ignorare," to not know ("i(-n-)," not + the
root of "gno(scere)," to come to know).
Only an ignoramus would
insist that the earth is flat.
8. cognition (kog
nish"*n) the act or process of knowing; perception.
From Latin "cognitio," derived from "cognoscere," to
come to know ("co-," together + "gnoscere," to
know).
Cognition is impaired by
narcotic drugs.
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. gnostic knowing _____
2. incognito disguised _____
3. prognosticate curse _____
4. ignoramus ignorant person _____
5. cognoscenti aromatic herb _____
6. cognition perception _____
7. diagnostician expert mechanic _____
8. cognizant conscious _____
Defining Words
Define each of the
following words.
1.
ignoramus
2.
cognoscenti
3.
cognition
4.
incognito
5.
gnostic
6.
prognosticate
7.
diagnostician
8. cognizant
Lesson 8. "Rulers and Leaders": arch
In Christian theology,
Michael is given the title of "archangel," principal angel and
primary opponent of Satan and his horde. The Greek root "arch,"
meaning chief, first; rule or ruler, is the basis of a number of
important and useful words.
Below are ten words drawn
from this root. Read the definitions and practice the pronunciations.
Then study the sample
sentences and see if you can use the words in sentences of your own.
1. archenemy (ärch"en"* me) a chief enemy; Satan.
In Christian theology,
Satan is the archenemy.
2. patriarch (pa"tre ärk') the
male head of a family or tribe. From Greek "patria," family +
"- arches," head, chief.
When we gathered for
Thanksgiving dinner, our great-grandfather, the family patriarch, always sat at
the head of the table.
3. anarchy (an"*r ke) society without rule or
government; lawlessness; disorder; confusion; chaos. From Greek
"an-," not + "arch(os)," rule, ruler.
The king's assassination
led to anarchy throughout the country.
4. hierarchy (hi"* rär'ke, hi"rär-) any system of persons or things ranked one above another; formerly,
rule by church leaders, especially a high priest. From Greek
"hieros," sacred + "arch(os)," rule, ruler.
The new office hierarchy
ranks assistant vice presidents over directors.
5. monarchy (mon"*r ke) rule or government by a king,
queen, emperor, or empress. From Greek "mon(o)-," one +
"arch(os)," rule, ruler.
The French Revolution
ended with the overthrow of the monarchy.
6. oligarchy (ol"i gär'ke) rule or
government by a few persons. From Greek "oligos," few + "arch
(os)," rule, ruler.
After the revolution, an
oligarchy of army officers ruled the newly liberated country.
7. archbishop (ärch"bish"*p) a bishop of the highest
rank; chief bishop.
The archbishop meets with
the bishops from his area once a month to discuss their concerns.
8. matriarch (ma"tre ärk') the
female head of a family or tribe. From Greek "matri-," mother +
"- arches," head, chief.
The younger members of the
clan usually seek out Grandma Josie, the family matriarch, for advice.
9. archetype (är"ki tip') the
original pattern or model after which a thing is made; prototype. From Greek
"arch(e)-," first, original + "typos," mold,
type.
Odysseus is the archetype
for James Joyce's Leopold Bloom in his novel Ulysses.
10. archaic (är ka"ik) marked by the characteristics of an earlier period;
antiquated. From Greek "arch(aios)," old, early, first.
With the advent of the
pocket calculator, the slide rule has become archaic.
Matching Synonyms
Select the best synonym
for each of the italicized words. Circle your response.
1. the archbishop of
Canterbury
a. oldest bishop b. youngest bishop c. highest-ranking
bishop d. recently appointed bishop
2. a strong monarchy
a. government by a president b. government by a consortium
c. government by the proletariat d. government by a king or queen
3. an archaic device
a. old-fashioned b.
complicated c. expensive d.
useful
4. a wise patriarch
a. old woman b.
general c.
revolutionary d. male family
head
5. the literary and social
archetype
a. concern b. exhibition c. prototype d. major problem
6. a state of anarchy
a. hopefulness b. lawlessness c. strict order d. female
control
7. a brutal archenemy
a. less powerful enemy b. chief enemy c. strict enemy d.
Gabriel
8. the iron-handed oligarchy
a. government by few b. communist state c. democracy d.
unstable government
9. a highly respected matriarch
a. confidant b. duke c. male leader d. female family head
10. the strict
governmental hierarchy
a. leadership b. promotions c. system of ranking d.
discipline
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the synonym or definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is
false.
T or F
1. patriarch male family head _____
2. archetype model _____
3. archenemy chief enemy _____
4. monarchy royal government _____
5. oligarchy chaos _____
6. archbishop church deacon _____
7. matriarch wife and mother _____
8. anarchy political lawlessness
_____
9. hierarchy higher orders _____
10. archaic old-fashioned _____
Lesson 9. "To Life!": bio
In 1763, the Scottish
writer James Boswell was first introduced to the acclaimed English poet, playwright,
and dictionary-maker Samuel Johnson, setting the stage for the birth of modern biography.
From 1772 until Johnson's death in 1784, the two men were closely associated,
and
Boswell devoted much of
his time to compiling detailed records of Johnson's activities and conversations.
Seven years after Johnson's death, Boswell published his masterpiece, the Life
of
Samuel
Johnson. The word "biography," a written account of another
person's life, comes from the Greek root "bio," meaning life, and
"graphy," meaning writing. Besides life, "bio"
can also mean living, living thing, or biological.
A number of other
important words come from "bio." Here's a list of eight of them. Read
through the definitions and practice the
pronunciations, then go on to the quizzes.
1. biodegradable (bi'o di gra"d* b*l) capable of being decomposed by
living organisms, as paper and kitchen scraps are, as opposed to metals, glass,
and plastics, which do not decay.
After a long campaign, the
local residents persuaded the supermarkets to use biodegradable paper bags
rather than nondegradable plastic.
2. biofeedback (bi'o fed"bak') a method of learning to modify one's own bodily or physiological
functions with the aid of a visual or auditory display of one's brain waves,
blood pressure, or muscle tension.
Desperate to quit smoking,
she made an appointment to try biofeedback.
3. bioengineering (bi'o en'j* ner"ing) the application of
engineering principles and techniques to problems in medicine and biology.
In the last few decades,
bioengineering has made important progress in the design of artificial limbs.
4. biological clock (bi'* loj"i k*l klok") an innate system in
people, animals, and organisms that causes regular cycles of function or
behavior.
Recently the term
"biological clock" has been used in reference to women in their late
thirties and early forties who are concerned about having children before they
are no longer able to reproduce.
5. bionic (bi on"ik) utilizing electronic
devices and mechanical parts to assist humans in performing tasks, as by
supplementing or duplicating parts of the body. Formed from "bio-" + "(electr)onic."
The scientist used a
bionic arm to examine the radioactive material.
6. biopsy (bi"op se) the excision for diagnostic
study of a piece of tissue from a living body. From "bio-" + Greek
"opsis," sight, view.
The doctor took a biopsy
from the patient's lung to determine the nature of the infection.
7. biota (bi o"t*) the plant and animal life of a
region or period. From Greek "biote," life, from the root
"bio."
The biota from the
cliffside proved more useful for conservation than the biologists had initially
suspected.
8. biohazard (bi"o haz'*rd) a disease-causing agent or
organism, especially one produced by biological research; the health risk
caused by such an agent or organism.
Will new technology like
gene splicing produce heretofore unknown biohazards to threaten the world's
population?
Definitions
Select the word that best
fits the definition. Write your answer in the space provided.
_____ 1. the excision for diagnostic study
of a piece of tissue from a living body.
a. biopsy b.
bioengineering c.
incision
_____ 2. utilizing electronic devices and
mechanical parts to assist humans in performing tasks.
a. biota b.
bioengineering c.
bionic
_____ 3. capable of decaying and being
absorbed by the environment.
a. biogenic b. biodegradable c. bionic
_____ 4. a method of learning to modify
one's own bodily or physiological functions.
a. autobiography b. biofeedback c.
biota
_____ 5. the application of engineering principles
and techniques to problems in medicine and biology.
a. bioengineering b. autobiography c.
biometry
_____ 6. an innate system in people,
animals, and organisms that causes regular cycles of
function.
a. biota b.
bionic c.
biological clock
_____ 7. the plant and animal life of a
region.
a. biota b.
autobiography c.
biometry
_____ 8. an agent or organism that causes
a health risk.
a. biopsy b.
biohazard c.
biota
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. biopsy tissue sample _____
2. biota plants and animals
_____
3. biological clock perpetual clock
_____
4. biohazard health risk _____
5. biodegradable capable of decomposing _____
6. bionic superhero _____
7. biofeedback culinary expertise _____
8. bioengineering railroad supervision _____
Lesson 10. "Speak!": dict, dic
The earliest known
dictionaries were found in the library of the Assyrian king at Nineveh. These clay
tablets, inscribed with cuneiform writing dating from the seventh century B.C.,
provide important clues to our understanding of Mesopotamian culture. The first
English dictionary did not appear until 1440. Compiled by the Dominican monk
Galfridus Grammaticus, the Storehouse for Children or Clerics, as the
title translates, consists of Latin definitions of 10,000 English words.
The word
"dictionary" was first used in English in 1526, in reference to a
Latin dictionary by Peter Berchorius.
This was followed by a
Latin-English dictionary published by Sir Thomas Elyot in 1538.
All these early efforts
confined themselves to uncommon words and phrases not generally known or
understood, because the daily language was not supposed to require explanation.
Today we understand the
word "dictionary" to mean a book containing a selection of the
words of a language, usually arranged alphabetically, giving information about
their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, etc.; a lexicon.
The word comes from the Latin
root "dictio," taken from "dicere," meaning to say,
state, declare, speak.
This root has given us
scores of important English words. Below are eight for you to examine. After
you read through their pronunciations and definitions, complete the self-tests.
1. malediction (mal'i dik"sh*n) a curse or the utterance of a curse. From Latin
"male-," evil + "dictio," speech, word.
After the witch delivered
her malediction, the princess fell into a swoon.
2. abdication (ab'di ka"sh*n) the renunciation or relinquishment of something such as a throne,
right, power, or claim, especially when formal.
Following the abdication
of Edward VIII for the woman he loved, his brother George VI assumed the throne
of England.
3. benediction (ben'i dik"sh*n) the invocation of a blessing. From Latin "bene-," well,
good + "dictio," speech, word.
The chaplain delivered a
benediction at the end of the service.
4. edict (e"dikt) a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority; an
authoritative proclamation or command
Herod's edict ordered the
massacre of male infants throughout his realm.
5. predicate (pred"i kat') to
proclaim, declare, or affirm; base or found.
Your acceptance into the
training program is predicated upon a successful personal interview.
6. jurisdiction (j»r'is dik"sh*n) the right, power, or authority
to administer justice.
The mayor's jurisdiction
extends only to the area of the village itself; outside its limits, the jurisdiction
passes to the town board.
7. dictum (dik"t*m) an authoritative
pronouncement; saying or maxim.
The firm issued a dictum
stating that smoking was forbidden on the premises.
8. predictive (pri
dik"tiv) indicating the future or future
conditions; predicting.
Although the day was clear
and balmy, the brisk wind was predictive of the approaching cold snap.
Matching Synonyms
Match each of the
following numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space
provided.
1. predictive a. assert _____
2. edict b. maxim _____
3. predicate c. indicating the future _____
4. benediction d. authority _____
5. abdication e. decree _____
6. malediction f. imprecation, curse _____
7. dictum g. blessing _____
8. jurisdiction h. renunciation _____
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. predictive indicative of the future
_____
2. predicate declare _____
3. edict decree _____
4. jurisdiction authority _____
5. dictum blessing _____
6. abdication assumption _____
7. malediction machismo _____
8. benediction opening services _____
Lesson 11. "Lead On,
Macduff!": duc, duct
Aqueducts, artificial
channels built to transport water, were used in ancient Mesopotamia, but the ones
used to supply water to ancient Rome are the most famous.
Nine aqueducts were built
in all; eventually they provided Rome with about thirty-eight million gallons
of water daily.
Parts of several are still
in use, supplying water to fountains in Rome. The word "aqueduct"
comes from the Latin "aqua," meaning water, and
"ductus," meaning a leading or drawing off.
A great number of powerful
words are derived from the "duc, duct" root. Here are nine such words.
Read through the definitions and practice the pronunciations. Try to use each
word in a sentence of your own. Finally, work through the two self-tests at the
end of the lesson to help fix the words in your memory.
1. induce (in d»s", -dy»s") to influence or
persuade, as to some action.
Try to induce her to stay
at least a few hours longer.
2. misconduct (mis
kon"dukt) improper conduct or behavior.
Such repeated misconduct
will result in a reprimand, if not an outright dismissal.
3. abduct (ab dukt") to carry (a person) off or lead (a person) away illegally;
kidnap.
Jason's mother was so
fearful that he might be abducted by a stranger that she refused even to let
him walk to school alone.
4. deduce (di d»s", -dy»s") to derive as a
conclusion from something known or assumed. The detective was able to deduce
from the facts gathered thus far that the murder took place in the early hours
of the morning.
5. viaduct (vi"* dukt') a bridge for carrying a road or
railroad over a valley, gorge, or the like, consisting of a number of short
spans; overpass.
The city government commissioned
a firm of civil engineers to explore the possibility of building a viaduct over
the river.
6. reductive (ri
duk"tiv) pertaining to or producing a smaller
size. From Latin "reduct-, reducere," to lead back.
The new electronic copier
had reductive and enlargement capabilities.
7. seduce (si d»s", -dy»s") to lead astray, as from
duty or rectitude.
He was seduced by the
prospect of gain.
8. traduce (tr* d»s", -dy»s") to speak maliciously and
falsely of; slander. From Latin "traducere," to transfer, lead
across.
To traduce someone's
character can do permanent harm to his or her reputation.
9. ductile (duk"til) pliable or yielding.
The new plastic is very
ductile and can be molded into many forms.
Matching Synonyms
Match each of the numbered
words with the closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. seduce a. overpass _____
2. viaduct b. shrinking _____
3. induce c. kidnap _____
4. reductive d. bad behavior _____
5. traduce e. infer _____
6. abduct f. entice _____
7. misconduct g. pliable _____
8. deduce h. defame _____
9. ductile i. persuade _____
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. deduce infer _____
2. ductile pliable _____
3. seduce lead astray _____
4. reductive magnifying _____
5. traduce malign _____
6. viaduct overpass _____
7. abduct restore _____
8. misconduct improper behavior _____
9. induce persuade _____
Lesson 12. "Just the
Facts, Ma'am": fac, fact, fect
We have formed a great
many important and useful words from the Latin "facere," to make or
do.
A "facsimile,"
for example, derives from the Latin phrase "fac simile," meaning to
make similar, and has come to mean an exact copy.
Since facsimile copiers
and transmitters have become very common, "facsimile" is now
generally shortened and changed in spelling to "fax."
Many potent words are
derived from the "fac, fact, fect" root. Eight such words follow.
Learn them by completing this lesson; then try to use the root to help you
figure out other "fac, fact" words you encounter.
1. factious (fak"sh*s) given to or marked by discord;
dissenting. From Latin "factio," act of doing or of making
connections; group or clique, derived from "facere," to
do or make.
Factious groups threatened
to break up the alliance.
2. factotum (fak to"t*m) a person employed to do all
kinds of work, as a personal secretary or the chief servant of a household.
Jeeves was the model of a
gentleman's gentleman—the indispensable factotum of the frivolous Bertie
Wooster.
3. factitious (fak
tish"*s) made artificially; contrived.
The report was merely a
factitious account, not factual at all.
4. facile (fas"il) moving or acting with ease; fluent. From Latin
"facilis," easy to do, derived from "facere," to
do.
With his facile mind, he
often thought of startlingly original solutions to old problems.
5. artifact (är"t* fakt') any object made by human skill or art. From the Latin phrase
"arte factum," (something) made with skill.
The archaeologists dug up
many artifacts from the ancient Indian culture.
6. facsimile (fak
sim"* le) an
exact copy, as of a book, painting, or manuscript; a method of transmitting typed
or printed material by means of radio or telegraph.
If they could not obtain a
facsimile of the document by noon, the deal would fall through.
7. putrefaction (py»'tr* fak"sh*n) the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi. From
Latin "putrere," to rot + "factio," act of doing.
Once the putrefaction of
the compost pile was complete, the gardener used the rotted material to enrich
the soil.
8. prefect (pre"fekt) a person appointed to any of various positions of command, authority,
or superintendence. From Latin "praefectus," formed from
"prae," ahead, surpassing + "fectus," doing (from
"facere," to do).
The prefect was appointed
to a term of three years.
Definitions
Select the word that best fits the definition. Write your answer
in the space provided.
_____ 1. the decomposition of
organic matter by bacteria and fungi
a. chemical analysis b. hypothermia c. putrefaction
_____ 2. not natural;
artificial
a. factious b. facile c. factitious
_____ 3. an exact copy, as of
a book, painting, or manuscript
a. factoid b. facsimile c. putrefaction
_____ 4. given to dissension
or strife
a. facile b. factious c. obsequious
_____ 5. an object made by
humans
a. artifact b. factotum c. factious
_____ 6. a person employed to
do all kinds of work
a. facile b. factotum c. faculty
_____ 7. moving or acting
easily
a. putrefaction b. prefect c. facile
_____ 8. someone appointed to
any of various positions of command, authority, or
superintendence
a. prefect b. facile c. factotum
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. factitious contrived _____
2. factotum carrier _____
3. putrefaction rotting _____
4. artifact machinery _____
5. facsimile instant transmission _____
6. prefect administrator _____
7. factious dissenting _____
8. facile fluent _____
Lesson 13. "Always
Faithful": feder, fid, fide
"Semper fidelis"
is Latin for always faithful. The phrase is the motto of the United
States Marine Corps and the title of an 1888 march by John Philip Sousa. This
phrase, as with a number of useful words, comes from the Latin root "fid,
fide," meaning trust, faith.
Below are seven words
derived from this root. Read through the meanings, practice the pronunciations,
and complete the self-tests that follow to help fix the words in your memory.
1. fidelity (fi del"i te) faithfulness; loyalty.
Dogs are legendary for
their fidelity to their masters.
2. fiduciary (fi d»"she er'e, -dy»"-) a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit
of another; trustee. From Latin "fiducia," trust, related to
"fidere," to trust.
The bank's fiduciary
administers the children's trust funds.
3. infidel (in"fi dl, -del') a person who does not accept a
particular religious faith. From Latin "in," not +
"fidelis," faithful (from "fide," faith).
The ayatollah condemned
Salman Rushdie as an infidel.
4. perfidious (p*r fid"e *s)
deliberately faithless; treacherous. From Latin "perfidia"
("per-," through + "fide," faith).
The perfidious lover
missed no opportunity to be unfaithful.
5. confide (k*n fid") to
entrust one's secrets to another. From Latin "confidere"
("con-," with + "fidere," to trust).
The two sisters confided
in each other.
6. bona fide (bo"n* fid', bon"*) genuine; real; in good
faith.
To their great
astonishment, the offer of a free vacation was bona fide.
7. affidavit (af'i da"vit) a written declaration
upon oath made before an authorized official. From a Medieval Latin word
meaning (he) has declared on oath, from Latin "affidare," to
pledge on faith.
In the affidavit, they
swore they had not been involved in the accident.
Matching Synonyms
Match each of the
following numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space
provided.
1. confide a. faithfulness _____
2. fidelity b. heathen _____
3. bona fide c. declaration _____
4. infidel d. entrust _____
5. affidavit e. trustee _____
6. perfidious f. genuine _____
7. fiduciary g. faithless _____
Matching Synonyms
Select the best synonym
for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.
_____ 1. bona fide
a. unauthorized b. deboned c. real d.
well-trained
_____ 2. perfidious
a. irreligious b. content c. loyal d. treacherous
_____ 3. fidelity
a. loyalty b. alliance c. great affection d. random motion
_____ 4. fiduciary
a. bank teller b. trustee c. insurance d. default
_____ 5. infidel
a. warrior b. intransigent c. heathen d. outsider
_____ 6. affidavit
a. affright b. declaration c. loyalty d. betrothal
_____ 7. confide
a. combine b. recline c. entrust d. convert
Lesson 14. "Flow
Gently, Sweet Afton": flu
In 1991, the upper fifth
of working Americans took home more money than the other four-fifths put together—the
highest proportion of wealthy people since the end of World War II.
One word to describe such
wealthy people is "affluent," prosperous. The word comes from
the Latin root "fluere," meaning to flow. As a river would
flow freely, so the money of the affluent flows easily.
Seven of the most useful
and important words formed from the "flu" root follow. Study the definitions
and read through the pronunciations. Then do the self-tests.
1. flume (fl»m) a deep, narrow channel containing a mountain stream or torrent;
an amusement park ride through a water-filled chute or slide.
The adults steadfastly
refused to try the log flume ride, but the children enjoyed it thoroughly.
2. confluence (kon"fl» *ns) a flowing together of
two or more streams; their place of junction.
The confluence of the
rivers is marked by a strong current.
3. fluent (fl»"*nt) spoken or written effortlessly; easy; graceful; flowing.
Jennifer was such a fluent
speaker that she was in great demand as a lecturer.
4. fluctuation (fluk'ch» a"sh*n) continual change from one course, condition, etc., to another.
The fluctuation in
temperature was astonishing, considering it was still only February.
5. fluvial (fl»"ve *l) of or pertaining to a
river; produced by or found in a river.
The contours of the
riverbank were altered over the years by fluvial deposits.
6. influx (in"fluks') a flowing in.
The unexpected influx of
refugees severely strained the community's resources.
7. flux (fluks) a
flowing or flow; continuous change.
His political views are in
constant flux.
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. fluctuation change _____
2. fluvial deep crevasse _____
3. fluent flowing _____
4. flux flow _____
5. influx egress _____
6. confluence diversion _____
7. flume feather _____
Matching Synonyms
Select the best definition
for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. flux a. gorge _____
2. confluence b. flowing easily _____
3. flume c. continual shift
_____
4. fluctuation d. an inflow _____
5. fluent e. a flow _____
6. influx f. riverine _____
7. fluvial g. convergence _____
Lesson 15. "In the
Beginning": gen
Genesis, the first book of
the Old Testament, tells of the beginning of the world. The English word "genesis"
is taken from the Greek word for origin or source.
From the root
"gen," meaning beget, bear, kind, or race, a number of
powerful vocabulary builders has evolved.
Here are ten
"gen" words. Study the definitions and practice the pronunciations to
help you learn the words.
To accustom yourself to
using these new terms in your daily speech and writing, work through the two
self-tests at the end of the lesson.
1. gene (jen) the unit of heredity in the chromosomes that controls the
development of inherited traits. From Greek "-genes," born,
begotten.
The gene for color
blindness is linked to the Y chromosome.
2. engender (en jen"d*r) to produce, cause, or give
rise to.
Hatred engenders violence.
3. gentility (jen
til"i te) good
breeding or refinement.
Her obvious gentility
marked her as a member of polite society.
4. gentry (jen"tre) wellborn and well-bred people;
in England, the class under the nobility.
In former times, the
gentry lived on large estates with grand houses, lush grounds, and many servants.
5. genus (je"n*s) the major subdivision of a
family or subfamily in the classification of plants and animals, usually
consisting of more than one species.
The biologist assigned the
newly discovered plant to the appropriate genus.
6. genial (jen"y*l, je"ne *l) cordial; favorable for life, growth, or comfort.
Under the genial
conditions in the greenhouse, the plants grew and flourished.
7. congenital (k*n jen"i tl) existing at or from
one's birth.
The child's congenital defect
was easily corrected by surgery.
8. eugenics (y» jen"iks) the science of
improving the qualities of a breed or species, especially the human race, by
the careful selection of parents.
Through eugenics,
scientists hope to engineer a superior race of human beings.
9. genealogy (je'ne ol"* je) a record or account of the ancestry and descent of a person, family,
group, etc.; the study of family ancestries.
Genealogy shows that
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a cousin of Winston Churchill.
10. congenial (k*n jen"y*l) agreeable or pleasant; suited or adapted in disposition;
compatible.
The student enjoyed the
congenial atmosphere of the library.
Definitions
Select
the word that best fits the definition. Write your answer in the space
provided.
_____ 1. the major subdivision of a family
or subfamily in the classification of plants and
animals.
a. gene b.
genus c. genial d. gentry
_____ 2. suited or adapted in disposition;
agreeable.
a. genial b.
congenital c. genealogy d. congenial
_____ 3. wellborn and well-bred people.
a. gene b.
gentry c. nobility d. gentility
_____ 4. the science of improving the
qualities of a breed or species.
a. genetics b. gentry c.
genealogy d. eugenics
_____ 5. the unit of heredity transmitted
in the chromosome.
a. ancestry b. DNA c.
gene d. genus
_____ 6. cordial; favorable for life,
growth, or comfort.
a. genial b.
gentry c. eugenics d. hospitality
_____ 7. to produce, cause, or give rise
to.
a. gentility b. engender c.
genealogy d. genial
_____ 8. a record or account of the
ancestry of a person, family, group, etc.
a. gene b.
genealogy c. glibness d. gentry
_____ 9. good breeding or refinement.
a. reductive b. genus c.
gentility d. eugenics
_____ 10. existing at or from one's birth.
a. congenital b. genus c.
congenial d. gene
True/False
In the space provided,
write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.
T or F
1. gentry peasants _____
2. congenital incurable _____
3. genial debased _____
4. gene genetic material _____
5. eugenics matricide _____
6. gentility viciousness _____
7. genealogy family history _____
8. congenial pleasant _____
9. genus subdivision _____
10. engender cease _____
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