Roots
1. Root word: liter = letter
literate – able to read and write
illiterate – can‟t read or write
literal – real or actual
obliterate – to erase; to destroy
alliteration – repeating a letter (consonant)
1. Prefix: Ante, anti = against
Antiwar – against war
Antisocial – against socializing
Antiseptic – free of germs and other contaminants
Antithesis – direct opposite
Antibody – working for immune system against infection
Antichrist – against Christ
1. Suffix: Hood = state or quality
Childhood – state of being a child
Neighborhood – state of being with neighbors
Falsehood – quality of being false
Brotherhood – sharing a state of being with brothers
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix anti helps the
reader understand that the word ”antifungal” means
a. fungi wars
b. a girl who is not fun
c. the aunt who is a fun gal
d. destroying or inhibiting growth of fungi
2. Root word: greg = group
congregation – a group of people
gregarious – out going, social, friendly
egregious – out of a group, anti-social
segregate – split into groups
integrate – mixed groups
desegregate – stop splitting into groups
2. Prefix: bene = good, well
benefactor – a sponsor (usually a good thing)
benediction – a blessing, prayer
benign- harmless
benevolent – kind
beneficial - good
2. Suffix: ology = study of
theology – study of religion
philology – study of language
geology – study of rocks
pathology – study of diseases
psychology – study of the mind
meteorology – study of weather
graphology – study of hand writing
paleontology – study of fossils
Question: Knowing the meaning of the suffix ology helps the
reader understand that the word “dermatology ” means
a. skin disease
b. study of skin
c. the doctor who studies skin
d. study of the earth‟s crust
3. Root word cred = believe
credible – can be believed
incredible – can‟t be believed
creed – a set of beliefs
discredit – show something as false
accredited – certified, worthwhile
3. Prefix: mor = death
mortal – can die
immortal – can not die
morgue – a room for the dead
mortuary – funeral home
mortician – one who prepares the dead
morbid – diseased; perverse, sick, gross
mortify – killed ego; humiliate
moribund – dying out, approaching death
3. Suffix: port = carry
export – to ship out of a country (product)
deport – to ship out of a country (person)
comport – to agree, coordinate
import – to bring into a country (product)
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word cred helps
the reader understand that the word “credo ” means
A set of beliefs
A new men‟s swimsuit
A promise
The study of the earth‟s crust
4. Root Word: theo = god
theology – study of religion(s)
theocracy – government centered around religion
monotheism – belief in one god
atheism – belief in no god
4. Prefix: trans = across
transact – to carry out business
transaction – a deal
transgression – breaking a law
transcendental – supernatural, not limited
transient – nomadic, always on the move
- person who always moves, hobo
transcript – official student record
4. Suffix: ling = small
duckling – small duck
sapling – small tree
inkling – small idea, hint
princeling – small country‟s ruler (crowned)
nestling – small bird still in nest
fledgling – small bird learning to fly
underling – a subordinate, one who is below
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word theo helps
the reader understand that the word “polytheism” means
a. a god called polly
b. belief in many gods
c. many religions
d. an exotic bird
5. Root word: phil = to love
Philadelphia – city of brotherly love
philander – to flirt
philatelist – stamp collector
philologist – loves languages and literature
philanthropist – loves his fellow man
bibliophile – loves books
hemophiliac – a bleeder
pedophile – loves children (inappropriately)
necrophilia – loves dead people
5. Prefix: omni = all
omnipotent – all powerful
omniscient – all knowing
omnivorous – eats all (meats and vegetables)
omnipresent – all places; everywhere
5. Suffix: ist = one who does
alarmist – one who worries or panics easily
terrorist – one who uses fear as a weapon
pacifist – one who won‟t fight, favors peace
pessimist – one who thinks negatively
optimist – one who thinks positively
protagonist – one who is on the side you favor
antagonist – one who is on the side you don‟t favor
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix omni helps the
reader understand that the word “omnifarious” means
a. All forms, variety or kinds
b. A way fairs are alike
c. Very mean and not to be trusted
d. An all knowing farious
6. Root word: soph = wise
sophic – wise, intellectual
sophistry – clever but illogical reasoning
philosopher – one who loves to think
sophomore – a 2nd year person; a wise moron
sophomoric – immature; foolish
6. Prefix: counter = against, opposite
counterargument – contrasting or opposing an
argument
counteract - to act in opposition to; frustrate by
contrary action.
counterbalance - to act against or oppose with an
equal weight, force, or influence; offset.
counterproductive - tending to get in the way of the
achievement of a goal
6. Suffix: tain, tent, tin, = hold, keep, have
retain – to keep possession of.
continue – to keep on, as in some course or action
content – something that is contained
contain - to hold or include within its volume or area
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word –soph helps
the reader understand that the word “sophomoric” means
a. behavior that is immature or foolish
b. acting in a manner that is irritating and annoying
c. something that could be considered natural and
appropriate in grade school or middle school – but not
high school
d. all of the above
7. Root word: ante = before
ante – chip in money
anterior – front
antedate – to assign a later date
anteroom – a room at the front
antebellum – before the Civil war
antenna – feeler on a bug
7. Prefix: mono = one
monotheism – a belief in one god
monologue – a speech made by one
monotone – a voice with only one pitch
monotonous – boring, repetitious
monogamy – having one spouse
7. Suffix: phobia = fear of, not logical
acrophobia – fear of heights
claustrophobia – fear of small areas
agoraphobia – fear of wide open spaces
monophobia – fear of being alone
gephyrophobia – fear of bridges
pyrophobia – fear of fire
gymnophobia – fear of being naked
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix mono helps the
reader understand that the word “monocle” means
a. One oracle
b. An eye glass for one eye
c. One path
d. Made of only one type
8. Root word: lic = to permit
license – a permit
licit – legal and moral
illicit – illegal and immoral
licentious – allow everything, loose morals
solicit – to ask or to beg
8. Prefix: graph = to write
graphology – study of handwriting
orthography – correct handwriting
calligraphy – beautiful handwriting
agraphia – can not write (legibly)
graphite – lead in a pencil
graffiti – writing on a wall, bathroom stall and the like
8. Suffix: ure = an act or result, result of the act of
composure – a calm or tranquil state of mind
legislature – a body of persons with the power to
enact laws
literature – writing as in poetry, novels, history,
biography, and essays.
rupture – the process or act of breaking open
structure – the result of building, a building
Question: Knowing the meaning of the suffix –ure helps the
reader understand that the word “legislature” means
a. legislates before
b. incorrectly legislates
c. a body that legislates
d. legislates from a distance
9. Root word: astro = star
astronomy – scientific study of stars
astrology – study of stars and their effect on us
asterisk – small star in note taking
astronomical – stellar experience
disaster – a terrible event, a bad star
9. Prefix: eu = pleasant
eulogy – a speech made at one‟s funeral
euphoria – very pleasant state or feeling
euphony – a pleasant sound
eureka – shout of surprise!
euphemism – pleasant way of saying something
euthanasia – mercy killing
9. Suffix: ic = relating to
historic – relating to history
poetic – relating to poetry
artistic – relating to art
hysteric – relating to hysteria
Question: Knowing the meaning of the suffix –ic helps the
reader understand that the word “philosophic” means
a. against philosophy
b. relating to philosophy
c. lacking in philosophy
d. beyond philosophy
10. Root Word: poly = many
polytheism – many gods
polygamy – has many wives, husbands or mates at a
time
polyglot – speaks many languages
polymorphic – has many forms
polydactyl – a number with many digits
polysyllabic – many syllables
10. Prefix: hyper = excessive, beyond
hyperactive – fidgety, very active
hyperkinetic - excessive activity, extreme restlessness
hypercritical – very picky or critical
hyperventilate – excessive breathing, breathing rapidly
10. Suffix: able, ible = capable of
portable- able to be carried,
legible - able to be read
reliable – able to be relied upon
edible – able to be eaten
washable – able to be washed
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix –hyper helps the
reader understand that the word “hyperbole” means
a. a really strong bole
b. obvious and intentional exaggeration
c. throwing a bole away - strongly
d. bowling really, really well
11. Root Word: post= after
posterior – the back of something
postnatal – after birth
postmortem – operation after death
posthumous – after one‟s death and burial
p.m. – post meridian; after noon
post script – after letter is done, afterthought
11. Prefix: anni or enni = year
per annum – annual salary
perennial – year after year
annual – once a year
biannual – twice a year
biennial – every two years
annuity – a yearly allowance
A.D. – anni domini – year of our Lord
11. Suffix: ify = to make
terrify - to fill with terror or alarm; make greatly afraid
falsify - to make false or incorrect
intensify - to make more acute; strengthen or sharpen
purify- to become pure
simplify -make plainer or easier
clarify- to make (an idea, statement, etc.) clear
Question: Knowing the meaning of the suffix –ify helps the
reader understand that the word “petrify” means
a. to put something in a Petri dish
b. to make rigid or inert; harden; deaden
c. when a home receives a new pet
d. substance that fills a car at a gas station
12. Root Word: ambi = both
ambiguous - not clear; has at least two meanings
ambivalent – neutral feeling, both attracted and
repelled
ambidextrous – uses both left and right hands
amphibian – lives on both land and water
amphora – two handled jar
12 .Prefix: para = along side of
parallel – along side of
paramount – supreme, excellent
parasite – one who lives off of another
paramour – one who is involved in adultery
paradox – a statement that contradicts itself, but is true
paragon, a model of excellence
parable – a story that teaches a lesson
12. Suffix: sect = to cut
dissect - to cut apart (an animal body, plant, etc.)
transect - to cut across
intersect - to cut or divide by passing through or across
section - a part that is cut off or separated.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix –para helps the
reader understand that the word “paraphrase” means
a. to write next to the actual paragraph
b. to summarize
c. to annotate
d. a couple (pair) of phrases
13. Root Word: syn = same as
synonym – words with the same meaning
synopsis – a paraphrase, summary
synchronize – coordination in time
syndactyl – web-footed
13. Prefix: trans = across
transport – to carry across or away
transpose – to change the order of things
transform – to change in form
transverse – to cross; to lay across
13. Suffix: cede, ceed, = to go, to yield
succeed – to have the desired result
proceed - to carry on, go or continue any action or
process.
precede - to go before, as in place, order, rank,
importance, or time
recede -to go or move away
secede - to withdraw formally from membership in an
organization, association, or alliance
exceed - to go beyond
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word –syn helps
the reader understand that the word “synthetic” means
a. plastic
b. same as the tic
c. fake or artificial
d. to find or lose
14. Root word: voc = to call
vocal – spoken; out spoken
vociferous – talkative; gabby
vocation – career; “a calling”
avocation – hobby
invocation – prayer at the beginning
provocative – stimulating, interesting
14. Prefix: dys – bad, abnormal, difficult
dysfunctional – abnormal or impaired function
dyslexia – difficulty in processing written language
dysgraphia – inability to write correctly because of
brain dysfunction
dysentery: an intestinal disorder
14. Suffix: scrib, script, = to write
inscription - a historical, religious, or other record cut,
impressed, painted, or written on stone, brick, metal,
or other hard surface.
prescribe - to lay down, in writing or otherwise,
proscribe - to denounce or condemn (a thing) in
writing as dangerous or harmful
Manuscript - writing, as distinguished from print
Question: Knowing the meaning of the suffix word –script helps
the reader understand that the word “scribble” means
a. a word game
b. graffiti
c. to color out of the lines
d. to write hastily or carelessly
15. Root word: leg = law
legal- lawful
legitimate – recognized by law
illegitimate – not recognized by law
legacy – an inheritance
relegate – to assign a job (task)-
delegate – to assign a job (responsibility)
15. Prefix: bi = two
biannual – twice in a year (every 6 months)
biennial – every 2nd year
bicycle – cycle with two wheels
bipartisan – made up of both parties
bilingual – speaks two languages
15. Suffix: vert = to turn
invert – turn upside down
divert – to turn away
convert – to change (beliefs)
pervert – corrupt or distorted
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix –bi helps the
reader understand that the word “bifocals” means
a. focusing on two things at once
b. glasses with two prescriptions
c. two voices singing
d. every 2nd year
16. Root word: soph = wise
sophic – wise, intellectual
sophistry – clever but illogical reasoning
philosopher – one who loves to think
sophomore – a 2nd year person; a wise moron
sophomoric – immature; foolish
16. Prefix: counter = against, opposite
counterargument – contrasting or opposing an
argument
counteract - to act in opposition to; frustrate by
contrary action.
Counterbalance - to act against or oppose with an
equal weight, force, or influence; offset.
Counterproductive - tending to get in the way of the
achievement of a goal
16. Suffix: tain, tent, tin, = hold, keep, have
retain – to keep possession of.
continue – to keep on, as in some course or action
content – something that is contained
contain - to hold or include within its volume or area
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word –soph helps
the reader understand that the word “sophomoric” means
a. behavior that is immature or foolish
b. acting in a manner that is irritating and annoying
c. something that could be considered natural and
appropriate in grade school or middle school – but not
high school
d. all of the above
17. Root word: nat = birth
postnatal – after birth
prenatal – before birth
natal – related to birth
innate – natural, in-born
neonate – new born
17. Prefix: micro = small
microphone – a small instrument that aids sounds to be
amplified
microscope - makes smaller objects appear larger
microburst - a localized downburst. (small tornado)
micromanage - to manage or control with too much
attention to minor details
17. Suffix: cide = to kill
infanticide – to kill one‟s child
regicide – to kill a king
homicide – to kill a person
suicide - to kill oneself
matricide – to kill one‟s mother
patricide – to kill one‟s father
genocide – to kill a race
insecticide – to kill bugs
pesticide – to kill rats or rodents
herbicide – to kill weeds
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word –cide helps
the reader understand that the word “fratricide” means
a. to kill a person
b. to kill one‟s brother
c. to kill bugs
d. to kill one‟s sister
18. Root word: pend – hang
pendant – jewelry that hangs from the neck
pending – not yet decided
impending – about to happen
appendage – an addition (limb, tail)
appendix – an addition in a book
18. Prefix: circum = around
circumnavigate - to sail or fly around
circumstance - a determining or modifying factor; conditions
surrounding
circumference - the outer boundary, esp. of a circular area
circumvent - to go around or bypass
circumscribe - to draw a line around; encircle
18. Suffix: duct/duce = to lead
induct – to enroll; enlist
induce – to lead or move by persuasion
deduct – subtract
deduce – figure out by logic or reason
abduct – seize; kidnap
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix word –circum
helps the reader understand that the word “circulatory” means
a. generally occurs in a circus
b. bending or winding upward
c. to move in a circle or circuit
d. blood and veins in a body
19. Root word: uni = one
unison – as one, together
unique – one of a kind
unidextral – either left or right handed
unilateral - one sided
unanimous – agreed by all
unicorn – horse with one horn extending from its
forehead
19. Prefix: acro = high, tip, top
acrobat- tightrope walker
acrophobia - a fear of heights.
acronym - a word formed from the initial letters, as WAC for
Women's Army Corps, WOD for Word of the Day, Ticket Out
the Door
acrostic –a series of lines in which the first in each line form a
name, motto or message read in sequence
R – ravishing I – intelligent V – vivacious E – energetic R – real S-superb
19. Suffix: cede; ceed = to go
concede – to admit; acknowledge
recede – to go backwards
precede – go or come first
proceed – to go forward
secede – to leave; break off
exceed – to go beyond
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word –uni helps
the reader understand that the word “unicycle” means
a. one bicycle
b. one-wheeled cycle
c. one-eyed monster
d. one time around
20. Root word: gnos = to know
agnostic – a person who denies or doubts in some area of
study.
prognosticate – to know ahead of time; predict
prognosis – a prediction
diagnosis – to know through symptoms
cognition – knowledge, learning
recognize – to know again
20. Prefix: pseudo = pretended; false; sham.
pseudonym - a fictitious name used by an author to
conceal his or her identity; pen name..
pseudomorph - A false, deceptive, or irregular form
pseudoscience - A theory, methodology, or practice that
is considered to be without scientific foundation
pseudosuit - A suit wannabee; a hacker who has decided
that he wants to be in management or administration and
begins wearing ties, sport coats, and (shudder!) suits
voluntarily
20. Suffix: cian = one who does
patrician – an aristocrat; upperclass
statistician – one who does statistics
pediatrician – one who doctors children
obstetrician – one who delivers babies
Question: Knowing the meaning of the suffix –cian helps the
reader understand that the word “mortician” means
a. to kill a person
b. one who dies
c. one whose business is the management of funerals
d. one who is a mortified person
21.Root word: hab = to live
habit – constant continual behavior
habitual – constant
cohabitate – to live together
habitable – can be lived in
inhabitable – can be lived in
uninhabitable – can not be lived in.
21. Prefix: inter = between
interstate – between states
intermittent – off and on
intervene – to come between two parties (to butt in)
intercede – to come between two parties (invited in)
interlude – time between two periods (half time)
21. Suffix: clud; clus = to shut; close
recluse – solitary, shut off from society
inclusive – doesn‟t discriminate; includes all
exclusive – limited to some; discriminate
occlude – to shut or to block vision
preclude – to prevent
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – hab helps
the reader understand that the word “habitat” means
a. environment
b. type of habit
c. where the habit is
d. house
22. Root word: sub = under
subdue – conquer; under new rule
subdued – quiet; defeated
subvert – to overthrow in underhanded manner
(government)
subversive – revolutionary (under the radar)
subsidize – to pay – with government or public money
22. Prefix: intra, intro = within
intrastate – within the state
intramural – within the walls of a building
intravenous – within the veins
introvert – one who is withdrawn, shy, lonely
introspect – one who meditates or ponders on things within
oneself
22. Suffix: put = to think
compute – to figure out
dispute – to quarrel
repute – (n.) opinion (v.) considered
reputable – well thought of
disreputable – poorly thought of
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – sub helps
the reader understand that the word “subpoena” means:
a. under peonies
b. an order to appear in court (under penalty)
c. under all
d. under handed
23. Root word: ana = backwards
analogy – an extended comparison
anadipsia – excessive thirst
anagram – a word made by scrambling letters
anachronism – something is in the wrong time period
23. Prefix: mat = to mother
matricide – to kill one‟s mother
maternity – motherhood
matriarch – a woman who heads a family/country
matron – a woman who is in charge (school)
alma mater – “other mother” ; school graduated
from
23. Suffix: flict = strike
affliction - a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery
conflict - to fight or contest; do battle
inflict - to deal or deliver, as a blow
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix –mat helps the
reader understand that the word “maternal” means
a. to kill a mother
b. motherly
c. mattress
d. matching material
24. Root word: path = feeling
sympathy – sharing someone‟s sorrow
empathy – sharing all of ones feelings
apathy – lack of care or feeling
pathetic – creates pity or sorrow
psychopath – one who is mentally or emotionally ill
24. Prefix: mal = bad
malpractice – professional wrong doing; error
malady – illness; sickness
malign – to slander
malicious – intended to harm
malignant – harmful
malapropism – humorous miss use of a word
malediction – a curse
24. Suffix: ism = doctrine, belief, action or conduct
Judaism – a person of Jewish belief
Racism – the belief that one race is superior than another
Sexism - the belief that one sex is superior to another
Communism - a belief based on the holding of all
property in common
Cynicism - cynical disposition, character, or belief
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – path helps
the reader understand that the word “pathos” means
a. the way to go
b. great suffering
c. mentally ill
d. very tired
25. Root word: pre = before
prelude – music or chapter before the song or story begins
precursor – a forerunner; an original model before
production
precedent – something similar that happened before
prerequisite – something needed before
prevent – action taken before
25. Prefix: ali = other
alien – an outsider
alias – assumed name
alter – to change
altercation = a quarrel
alter ego – other self; a best friend
25. Prefix: super = above; beyond
supernatural – mysterious, beyond natural
supervisor – over seer, boss
superlative – the most, “est”
superfluous – not necessary, not vital
Question: Knowing the meaning of the prefix – ali– helps the
reader understand that the word “alibi” means
a. other story
b. to stand by Ali
c. an excuse for being in another place
d. other wise known as
26. Root word: mis = wrong, hatred of
miscarriage – a failure
misconstrue – to interpret wrong
misnomer – a wrong name for something
misdemeanor – a petty crime (still wrong)
mischievous – causing trouble
misanthrope – hates people
misogyny – hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
26. Prefix: chron = time
chronic – constant, time after time
chronicle – a history; a record of past times
chronological – according to time or age
chronometer – an accurate clock
(especially used in navigation)
***New Section***
Idioms - an idiom is a phrase or group of words that make our language
more colorful
Read each pair of sentences. Put an “x” in front of the idiom.
26. ___ a. Mrs. Barber is a very kind person.
___ b. Mrs. Barber has a heart of gold.
___ a. Michael tells stories that are not true.
___ b. Michael is full of baloney.
___ a. Those girls are like two peas in a pod.
___ b. Those girls are alike in many ways.
___ a. Tina is a bad egg.
___ b. Tina is not a good person to be around.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – mis helps
the reader understand that the word “misconception” means:
a. taking a wrong turn
b. a failed pregnancy
c. the wrong idea of something
d. mistake
27. Root word: temp = to heat
tempered – to harden by heat
tempest – a storm
tempestuous – stormy; violent
temperament – mood (usually)
27. Prefix: dict = to speak
diction – ability to speak clearly
dictum – a law you don‟t question
indict – to formally charge with a crime
indicative – point out, reflects
***New Section***
Idioms - an idiom is a phrase or group of words that make our
language more colorful
27. a. Angel was jealous of Tay‟s new dress.
b. Angel was green with envy over Tay‟s new dress
a. I am nuts about you.
b. I really like you a lot.
a. Jeremy really likes to show off.
b. Jeremy is a real ham.
a. Brad has a frog in his throat.
b. Brad‟s voice sounds really strange.
a. The news got around really quickly.
b. The news spread like wildfire.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – temp helps the
reader understand that the word “temperature” means:
a. heating of the atmosphere
b. a measure of the warmth or coldness of an object
c. a stormy violent storm
d. cooling of the atmosphere
28. Root word: pro = for; before
prodigy – one who shows great talent early
prodigal – wasteful
profane – vulgar; irreverent
profound – deep; significant
protrusion – sticks out in front
promiscuous – casual, indiscriminate
(usually in regards to sex)
procrastinate – postpone; delay
28. Root word: vis = to see
vista – a distant, far–off view
visa – a permit to see or visit a country
vis-à-vis – eye to eye
***New Section***
Idioms - an idiom is a phrase or group of words that make our language
more colorful
28. a. Alex was up to his ears in homework.
b. Alex has a lot of homework to do.
a. Mr. Wenciker greeted us with open arms.
b. Mr. Wenciker greets us in a friendly way.
a. Cole thinks his teacher seems to know what‟s going on behind
her.
b. Cole thinks his teacher has eyes in the back of her head.
a. Once you turn on Hardy, just follow your nose to my house.
b. Once you turn on Hardy, just go straight up the road to my
house.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – vis helps
the reader understand that the word “visage” means:
a. to see far away
b. the look on your face most of the time
c. to be able to tell another‟s age
d. to be able to see into the future
29. Root word: fac = to make
manufacture – to make by hand
facilitate – to make easier
faculties – ability; powers
29. Prefix: corp = body
corpse – a dead body
corps – a team; a group
corporal – physical
Idioms - an idiom is a phrase or group of words that make our
language more colorful
29. a. Mrs. Coulter asked Blair to keep an eye on the stove
b. Mrs. Coulter asked Blair if she would watch something
that was cooking on the stove.
a. Sally Sue is very thin because she doesn‟t eat very
much.
b. Sally Sue is very thin because she eats like a bird.
a. Michael would do much better if he would use his
head.
b. Michael would do much better if he would think more
carefully.
a. At the pep rally, we were packed in like sardines
b. At the pep rally, we were all very crowded.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – fac helps
the reader understand that the word “facsimile” means
a. a copy, fake; a reproduction
b. a fake smile
c. a similar class to family and consumer science
d. a fake simile – a comparison
30. Root word: epi = upon
epitaph – inscription on a tombstone
epigram – a short witty statement
epoch – a time period; era
epic – a long poem, story (once upon a time)
30. Prefix: pat = father
paternity – fatherhood
paternal – fatherly
patriarch – a man who heads a family
expatriate – one who leaves his country
Idioms
30. a. Joey is a real card shark.
b. Joey is a very good card player.
a. Emily is a very nice person.
b. Emily is a real peach.
a. When Jesse tells a story, it doesn‟t sound very true
b. When Jesse tells a story, it sounds very fishy.
a. Friday it was raining cats and dogs.
b. Friday it was raining really hard.
30. Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – epi
helps the reader understand that the word “epithet ” means:
a. a name on a gravestone
b. a really bad word that will get you in trouble
c. a descriptive nickname or title put upon (or given) to a
person
d. Once upon a time
31. Root word: vest - to clothe
vestibule – a hat or coat room
vestry – a dressing room
vestments – official clothes
travesty – a parody/ a take-off; a ridiculous costume
vestige – a trace
31. Prefix: grat = thanks
gratify – to please
gratitude – thanks
gratuity – a tip
ingrate – one who doesn‟t appreciate
gratis – for free
gratuitous – not deserved; uncalled for
Idioms
31. a. MacKenzie wants to thumb a ride to Amy‟s house.
b. Mackenzie wants to have someone give her a ride to
Amy‟s house.
a. Everything Ms. Rivers tells Joe goes in one ear and
out the other.
b. Everything Ms. Rivers tells Joe he ignores.
a. All Ashton wants to do is monkey around.
b. All Ashton wants to do is to play.
a. Kara accidentally let the cat out of the bag.
b. Kara accidentally told the secret.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – vest helps
the reader understand that the word “divest” means:
a. throw away or strip off clothing
b. to strip of office or throw out of office
c. aspiring actress or singer
d. a dress that looks like a vest
32. Root word: ir = not
irreparable – can‟t be fixed
irrelevant - not important
irrefutable – can not be questioned
irreverent – disrespectful
32. Prefix: temp = time
tempo – the beat; rhythm
temporal – limited by time
temporary – for the time being
pro tem – substitute
contemporary – (n.) people alive at the same time
(adj.) new or modern
Idioms
a. Krystal was so scared, she was shaking in her boots.
b. Krystal was so scared, she was trembling.
a. Rose knew that if she was late again, she would be in hot
water
b. Rose knew that if she was late again, she would be in
trouble.
a. Rizzloe lost his temper and flew off the handle.
b. Rizzloe lost his temper and yelled.
a. When Romeo received an „A‟ for his report, he was walking
on air.
b. When Romeo received an „A‟ for his report, he was very,
very happy.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – ir helps the
reader understand that the word “irreconcilable ” means:
a. of no regard
b. cannot be worked out
c. not important
d. cannot be questioned
33. Root words: im = not
impeccable – perfect, flawless
impediment – a handicap, an obstacle
impregnable – can‟t be conquered or entered
impartial – fair, unbiased
33. Root word: il, al = not
ill-fated – poorly designed
ill-bred – rude, impolite
illegible – sloppy, unable to be read
illusion – mirage (not reality)
illusive – distorted; deceptive
allusion – reference to someone/thing we should know
(not the whole story)
Idioms
a. Brock looked pained, so Ms. Rivers asked if he had a hitch in his
giddy-up.
b. Brock looked pained, so Ms. Rivers asked if he was not feeling well.
a. Michael was considered a bad apple, so Hope could not hang out
with him.
b. Michael was considered a bad influence, so Hope could not hang
out with him.
a. When Alex talked about his favorite candy, it opened a can of
worms because everyone was hungry.
b. When Alex talked about his favorite candy, it created serious
problems because everyone was hungry.
a. Raven found out that boyfriends are a dime a dozen.
b. Raven found out that boyfriends are extremely common.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – im helps the reader
understand that the word “impotent” means:
a. perfect, flawless
b. fair, unbiased
c. powerless, cannot perform
d. in a pot for a while (soup)
34. Root word: dia = through
diagonal - extending from one edge of a solid figure to an
opposite edge, as a plane.
diameter-the width of a circular or cylindrical object
diacritical – distinguishing pronunciation
dialect – a variation of a language
diatribe – a harsh verbal attack
dialogue – a conversation between at least two people
34. Root word: in= not
indefatigable – doesn‟t tire; energetic
indispensable – vital; can‟t be spared
inexplicable – can‟t be explained
infamous – famous for a bad reason
incessant – never stops
inadvertent – accidental
inclement – unpleasant
inanimate – lifeless
Idioms
a. You can lead a horse to water, but you can‟t make him drink.
b. You can show someone the right answer, but you can‟t make them
do the right thing.
a. William, don‟t take any wooden nickels.
b. William, don‟t let anyone one trick you
a. Carley is more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of
rocking chairs.
b. Carley is very anxious.
a. Gatsby‟s desire to be accepted by the “old money” society was a
pipe dream.
b. Gatsby‟s desire to be accepted by the “old money” society was an
impossible dream.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – in helps the reader
understand that the word “incapacitated” means:
a. restricted
b. capable
c. taking someone‟s head off
d. in a capacity
35.Root word: ab = away from
abhor – to hate
abstain – to avoid, to do without
absolve – forgive, pardon (I give)
absolution – pardon, forgiveness ( I receive)
35. Root word: ad = to; toward
adept – (adj.) skilled, proficient
adapt – to change, to adjust
adopt – to take in as your own
adherent – sticking to (idea, advice)
adjacent – next to
adversity – luck; fate
admonish – to warn
ad infinitum – forever
Idioms
a. Autumn had a leg up on the other applicants.
b. Autumn had a better chance/more experience than the other
applicants
a. Autumn was head over heels in love.
b. Autumn had fallen deeply in love.
a. The abortion issue is a political hot potato, Autumn said
b. The abortion issue is a dangerous political topic, Autumn said
a. Autumn has a cast-iron stomach.
b. Autumn can eat just about anything.
Question: Knowing the meaning of the root word – ad - helps
the reader understand that the word “advocate” means:
a. an advertisement for a vocation
b. to support; favor
c. go toward your future
d. a forward looking person