Lesson 1. "This Way to the Egress": grad, gres, gress
P. T. Barnum was a nineteenth-century American showman whose greatest undertaking was the circus he called "The Greatest Show on Earth." The circus, which included a menagerie that exhibited Jumbo the elephant and a museum of freaks, was famous all over the country. After its merger in 1881 with James Anthony Bailey's circus, the enterprise gained international renown. When Barnum's customers took too long to leave his famous exhibits, he posted a sign: "This way to the egress." Following the arrow in eager anticipation of a new oddity, the visitors were ushered through the egress—the exit.
Knowing that the root "grad, gres, gress" means step, degree, or walk might have given these suckers a few more minutes to enjoy the exhibits, and it can certainly help you figure out a number of powerful words. Here are nine words that use this Latin root. Study the definitions, practice the pronunciations, and work through the two self-tests.
1. digress (di gres", di-) to wander away from the main topic. From Latin "digressus, digredi," to walk away ("di-," away, apart + "gressus, gredi," to walk, step).
The manager cautioned her salespeople that they would fare better if they did not digress from their prepared sales talks.
2. transgress (trans gres", tranz-) to break or violate a law, command, moral code, etc. From Latin "transgressus, transgredi," to step across.
Those who transgress the laws of their ancestors often feel guilty.
3. retrograde (re" tr* grad') moving backward; having backward motion.
Most of the townspeople regarded the new ordinance as a prime example of retrograde legislation.
4. regression (ri gresh"*n) the act of going or fact of having gone back to an earlier place or state.
The child's regression could be seen in his thumbsucking.
5. degrade (di grad") to reduce the dignity of (someone); deprive (someone) of office, rank, or title; lower (someone or something) in quality or character.
He felt they were degrading him by making him wash the dishes.
6. Congress (kong"gris) the national legislative body of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives; (lower case) encounter; meeting.
Congress held a special session to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
7. gradation (gra da"sh*n) any process or change taking place through a series of stages, by degrees, or gradually. From Latin "gradatio," series of steps, derived from "gradus," step, degree.
He decided to change his hair color by gradation rather than all at once.
8. gradient (gra"de *nt) the degree of inclination, or the rate of ascent or descent, in a highway, railroad, etc.
Although they liked the house very much, they were afraid that the driveway's steep gradient would make it hard to park a car there in the winter.
9. progressive (pr* gres"iv) characterized by progress or reform; innovative; going forward; gradually increasing.
The progressive legislation wiped out years of social inequity.
Lesson 2. "Splish, Splash, I Was Taking a Bath": hydro, hydr
According to mythology, the ancient Greeks were menaced by a monstrous nine-headed serpent with fatally poisonous breath. Killing it was no easy matter: When you lopped off one head, it grew two in its place, and the central head was immortal. Hercules, sent to destroy the serpent as the second of his twelve labors, was triumphant when he burned off the eight peripheral heads and buried the ninth under a huge rock. From its residence, the watery marsh, came the monster's name, "Hydra," from the Greek root "hydr(o)," meaning water.
Quite a few words are formed from the "hydro" or "hydr" root. Here are ten of them. Read through the definitions, practice the pronunciations, and then work through the two self-tests that follow.
1. hydrostat (hi"dr* stat') an electrical device for detecting the presence of water, as from an overflow or a leak.
The plumber used a hydrostat to locate the source of the leak in the bathroom.
2. dehydrate (de hi"drat) to deprive of water; dry out.
Aside from being tasty and nutritious, dehydrated fruits and vegetables are easy to store and carry.
3. hydrophobia (hi'dr* fo"be *) rabies; fear of water.
Sufferers from hydrophobia are unable to swallow water.
4. hydroplane (hi"dr* plan') a light, high-powered boat, especially one with hydrofoils or a stepped bottom, designed to travel at very high speeds.
The shore police acquired a new hydroplane to help them apprehend boaters who misuse the waterways.
5. hydroponics (hi'dr* pon"iks) the cultivation of plants by placing the roots in liquid nutrients rather than soil.
Some scientists predict that in the future, as arable land becomes increasingly more scarce, most of our vegetables will be grown through hydroponics.
6. hydropower (hi"dr* pou'*r) electricity generated by falling water or another hydraulic source.
Hydropower is efficient, clean, and economical.
7. hydrate (hi"drat) to combine with water.
Lime is hydrated for use in plaster, mortar, and cement.
8. hydrangea (hi dran"j*) a showy shrub cultivated for its large white, pink, or blue flower clusters. From Greek "hydr-," water + "angeion," vessel.
Hydrangeas require a great deal of water to flourish.
9. hydrotherapy (hi'dr* ther"*pe) the treatment of disease by the scientific application of water both internally and externally.
To alleviate strained muscles, physical therapists often prescribe hydrotherapy.
10. hydrosphere (hi"dr* sfer') the water on or surrounding the surface of the planet Earth, including the water of the oceans and the water in the atmosphere.
Scientists are investigating whether the greenhouse effect is influencing the hydrosphere.
Lesson 3. "After Me, the Deluge": lav, lu
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The failure of Louis XV (1710–74) to provide strong leadership and badly needed reforms contributed to the crisis that brought about the French Revolution. Louis took only nominal interest in ruling his country and was frequently influenced by his mistresses. In the last years of his reign, he did cooperate with his chancellor to try to reform the government's unequal and inefficient system of taxation, but it was too late. His reported deathbed prophecy, "After me, the deluge," was fulfilled in the overthrow of the monarchy less than twenty years later. The word "deluge," meaning flood, comes from the Latin root "lu," to wash. As a flood, a deluge would indeed wash things clean.
A number of words were formed from the "lav, lu" root. Here are several examples. Study the definitions and practice the pronunciations. To help you remember the words, complete the two self-tests at the end of the lesson.
1. dilute (di l»t", di-) to make thinner or weaker by adding water; to reduce the strength or effectiveness of (something). From Latin "dilutus, diluere," to wash away.
The wine was too strong and had to be diluted.
2. lavabo (l* va"bo, -vä"-) the ritual washing of the celebrant's hands after the offertory in the Mass; the passage recited with the ritual. From the Latin word meaning I shall wash, with which the passage begins.
The priest intoned the Latin words of the lavabo.
3. lavage (l* väzh") a washing, especially the cleansing of an organ, as the stomach, by irrigation.
Lavage is a preferred method of preventing infection.
4. diluvial (di l»"ve *l) pertaining to or caused by a flood or deluge.
The diluvial aftermath was a bitter harvest of smashed gardens, stained siding, and missing yard furniture.
5. alluvium (* l»"ve *m) a deposit of sand, mud, etc., formed by flowing water.
Geologists study alluvium for clues to the earth's history.
6. ablution (* bl»"sh*n) a cleansing with water or other liquid, especially as a religious ritual; a washing of the hands, body, etc.
He performed his morning ablutions with vigor.
Lesson 4. "silver tongue": loqui, loqu, locu
for many years, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen amused audiences as he tried to outwit his monocled wooden dummy, Charlie McCarthy. Among the most popular entertainers of his age, Bergen astonished audiences with his mastery of ventriloquism, the art of speaking so that projected sound seems to originate elsewhere, as from a hand-manipulated dummy. This ancient skill sounds easier than it is, since it requires modifying the voice through slow exhalation, minimizing movement of the tongue and lips, and maintaining an impassive expression to help shift viewers' attention to the illusory source of the voice.
The word "ventriloquism" comes from Latin "ventri-," abdomen, stomach, and the root "loqui," to speak (because it was believed that the ventriloquist produced sounds from his stomach). Many useful and important words were formed from the "loqui, loqu" root. Below are seven you should find especially helpful. Study the definitions and practice the pronunciations. To reinforce your learning, work through the two self-tests.
1. obloquy (ob"l* kwe) blame, censure, or abusive language.
The vicious obloquy surprised even those who knew of the enmity between the political rivals.
2. colloquial (k* lo"kwe *l) characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing.
In standard American English, "He hasn't got any" is colloquial, while "He has none" is formal.
3. soliloquy (s* lil"* kwe) the act of talking while or as if alone.
A soliloquy is often used as a device in a drama to disclose a character's innermost thoughts.
4. eloquent (el"* kw*nt) having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech; movingly expressive.
William Jennings Bryan was an eloquent orator famous for his "Cross of Gold" speech.
5. interlocution (in't*r lo ky»"sh*n) conversation; dialogue.
The interlocutions disclosed at the Watergate hearings riveted the American public to their TV sets.
6. loquacious (lo kwa"sh*s) talking much or freely; talkative; wordy.
After the sherry, the dinner guests became loquacious.
7. elocution (el'* ky»"sh*n) a person's manner of speaking or reading aloud; the study and practice of public speaking.
After completing the course in public speaking, the pupils were skilled at elocution.
Lesson 5. "Star Light, Star Bright": luc, lux, lum
before he was driven out of heaven because of his pride, Satan was called "Lucifer," which translates as bringer of light. In his epic retelling of the Bible, Paradise Lost, John Milton used the name "Lucifer" for the demon of sinful pride, and we call the planet Venus "Lucifer" when it appears as the morning star. "Lucifer" comes from the root "luc, lux" meaning light.
A number of powerful words derive from "luc" and its variations. We trust that you'll find the following seven light words "enlightening"! Study the definitions and practice the pronunciations. Then complete the two self-tests at the end of the lesson.
1. pellucid (p* l»" sid) allowing the maximum passage of light; clear.
The pellucid waters of the Caribbean allowed us to see the tropical fish clearly.
2. lucid (l»"sid) shining or bright; clearly understood.
Stephen Hawking's lucid explanation of astrophysics became a bestseller.
3. translucent (trans l»" s*nt, tranz-) permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible.
Frosted window glass is translucent.
4. elucidate (i l»"si dat') to make light or clear; explain.
Once my math teacher elucidated the mysteries of geometry, I had no further difficulty solving the problems.
5. lucubrate (l»"ky» brat') to work, write, or study laboriously, especially at night. From Latin "lucubrare," to work by artificial light.
The scholar lucubrated for many long nights in an attempt to complete his thesis.
6. luminary (l»"m* ner'e) an eminent person; an object that gives light.
Certain that the elegant woman emerging from the limousine had to be a theatrical luminary, the crowd surged forward to get a closer look.
7. luminous (l»" m* n*s) radiating or emitting light; brilliant.
The luminous paint emitted an eerie glow, not at all what the designer had envisioned.
Lesson 6. "Evil Be to Him Who Does Evil": male.mal"Malnutrition" is defined as a lack of the proper
type and amount of nutrients required for good health. It is estimated that more than ten million American children suffer from malnutrition; the World Health Organization reports that over 600 million people suffer from malnutrition in the emerging countries alone. Malnourished people endure a variety of side effects, including a failure to grow, increased susceptibility to infection, anemia, diarrhea, and lethargy.
The root "mal" in the word "malnourished" means bad, evil, and words formed around this root invariably carry negative overtones. In Latin, the root is spelled "male"; in French, it's "mal," but regardless of the spelling, the root means evil. Study the definitions and pronunciations of the following "mal" words until you become comfortable with them. Then work through the two self-tests.
1. maladjusted (mal'* jus"tid) badly adjusted.
Despite attempts by the psychologist to ease him into his environment, the child remained maladjusted.
2. malefactor (mal"* fak't*r) a person who violates the law; a criminal.
The police issued an all-points bulletin for the apprehension of the malefactor.
3. maladroit (mal'* droit") unskillful; awkward; clumsy.
With his large hands and thick fingers, the young man was maladroit at fine needlework.
4. malevolent (m* lev"* l*nt) wishing evil to another or others; showing ill will.
Her malevolent uncle robbed the heiress of her estate and made her a virtual prisoner.
5. malapropism (mal"* prop iz'*m) a confused use of words, especially one in which one word is replaced by another of similar sound but ludicrously inappropriate meaning; an instance of such a use. The word comes from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's comedy The Rivals (1775), noted for her misapplication of words. Sheridan coined the character's name from the English word "malapropos," meaning inappropriate, derived from the French phrase "mal à propos," badly (suited) to the purpose.
"Lead the way and we'll precede" is a malapropism.
6. malicious (m* lish"*s) full of or characterized by evil intention.
The malicious gossip hurt the young couple's reputation.
7. malfeasance (mal fe"z*ns) the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law.
Convicted of malfeasance, the mayor was sentenced to six months in jail.
8. malignant (m* lig"n*nt) disposed to cause harm, suffering, or distress; tending to produce death, as a disease or tumor.
The patient was greatly relieved when the pathologist reported that the tumor was not malignant.
9. malign (m* lin") to speak harmful untruths about; slander.
"If you malign me again," the actor threatened the tabloid reporter, "I will not hesitate to sue."
Lesson 7. "I Do!": mater, matr
The word "matrimony," meaning marriage, derives from the Latin root "mater," mother, because the union of a couple was established through motherhood. Most of us accept without question the idea of matrimony based on romantic love, but this is a relatively new belief. Only recently, following the rise of the middle class and the growth of democracy, has there been a tolerance of romantic marriages based on the free choice of the partners involved. Arranged marriages, accepted almost everywhere throughout history, eventually ceased to prevail in the West, although they persist in aristocratic circles to the present. The most extreme application of the custom of arranged marriages occurred in prerevolutionary China, where the bride and groom often met for the first time only on their wedding day.
We've inherited and created a number of significant words from the "mater, matr" root. Below are eight such words to help make your vocabulary more powerful and precise. Study the definitions and pronunciations; then complete the two self-tests.
1. maternal (m* tûr"nl) having the qualities of a mother; related through a mother.
On his maternal side, he is related to Abigail and John Adams.
2. matron (ma"tr*n) a married woman, especially one with children, or one who has an established social position.
The matrons got together every Thursday to play bridge or mahjong.
3. mater (ma"t*r) informal or humorous British usage for "mother."
"Mater is off to London again," said Giles, snidely.
4. matrix (ma"triks) that which gives origin or form to a thing, or which serves to enclose it.
Rome was the matrix of Western civilization.
5. alma mater (äl"m* mä"t*r, al"-) a school, college, or university where a person has studied, and, usually, from which he or she has graduated. From the Latin phrase meaning nourishing mother.
Ellen's alma mater was Queens College.
6. matrilineal (ma'tr* lin"e *l, ma'-) inheriting or determining descent through the female line.
In a matrilineal culture, the children are usually part of the mother's family.
7. matronymic (ma'tr* nim"ik) derived from the name of the mother or another female ancestor; named after one's mother. The word is also spelled "metronymic" (me'tr* nim"ik, me'-).
Some men have matronymic middle names.
8. matriculate (m* trik"y* lat') to enroll or cause to enroll as a student, especially in a college or university.
She intends to matriculate at City College in the fall.
Lesson 8. "Birth and Rebirth": nasc, nat
The Renaissance (also spelled Renascence) occurred between 1300 and 1600, when the feudal society of the Middle Ages became an increasingly urban, commercial economy with a central political institution. The term "Renaissance," or rebirth, was first applied in the mid-nineteenth century by a French historian to what has been characterized as nothing less than the birth of modern humanity and consciousness. The word goes back to Latin "renasci," to be reborn, from "re-," again + "nasci," to be born.
Many significant words evolved from the "nasc, nat" root. Here are eight such words for your consideration. First, read through the pronunciations, definitions, and sentences. Then, to reinforce your reading, complete the two self-tests.
1. natal (nat"l) of or pertaining to one's birth.
The astrologer cast a natal chart for his client.
2. nativity (n* tiv"i te, na-) birth; the birth of Christ.
The wanderer returned to the place of his nativity.
3. nativism (na"ti viz'*m) the policy of protecting the interests of native inhabitants against those of immigrants.
The supporters of nativism staged a protest to draw attention to their demands for protection against the newcomers.
4. innate (i nat") existing from birth; inborn.
The art lessons brought out her innate talent.
5. nascent (nas"*nt, na"s*nt) beginning to exist or develop.
The nascent republic petitioned for membership in the United Nations.
6. nationalism (nash"* nl iz'*m, nash"n* liz'-) national spirit or aspirations; devotion to the interests of one's own nation. From Latin "natio," nation, race, derived from "nasci," to be born.
Many Americans feel a stirring of nationalism when they see the flag or hear the national anthem.
7. naturalize (nach"*r * liz', nach"r*-) to invest (an alien) with the rights and privileges of a citizen. From Latin "natura," birth, nature, derived from "nasci," to be born.
To become naturalized American citizens, immigrants have to study the Constitution of their adopted country.
8. nee (na) born. The word is placed after the name of a married woman to introduce her maiden name. From French "née," going back to Latin "nata," born, from "nasci," to be born.
Madame de Staël, nee Necker, was the central figure in a brilliant salon.
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Lesson 9. "Daddy Dearest": pater, patr
To sociologists and anthropologists, patriarchy is a system of social organization in which descent is traced through the male line and all offspring have the father's name or belong to his people. Often, the system is connected to inheritance and social prerogatives, as in primogeniture, in which the eldest son is the sole heir. The ancient Greeks and Hebrews were a patriarchal society, as were the Europeans during the Middle Ages. While many aspects of patriarchy, such as the inheritance of the family name through the male line, persist in Western society, the exclusive male inheritance of property and other patriarchal customs are dying out.
From the "pater, patr" root, meaning father, we have formed many useful words. Eight of them follow. Go through the pronunciations, definitions, and sentences to help you make the words part of your daily speech and writing. Then complete the two self-tests.
1. patrician (p* trish"*n) a member of the original senatorial aristocracy in ancient Rome; any person of noble or high rank.
You could tell she was a patrician from her elegant manner.
2. expatriate (v. eks pa"tre at'; n. eks pa"tre it) to banish (a person) from his or her native country; one who has left his or her native country.
Among the most famous American expatriates in the 1920s were the writers F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein.
3. patronage (pa"tr* nij, pa"-) the financial support or business afforded to a store, hotel, or the like, by customers, clients, or paying guests; the encouragement or support of an artist by a patron; the control of appointments to government jobs, especially on a basis other than merit alone. From Latin "patronus," patron, protector, advocate, derived from "pater," father.
To show its appreciation for its clients' patronage, the beauty shop offered a half-price haircut to all regular customers for the month of January.
4. paternalism (p* tûr"nl iz'*m) the system, principle, or practice of managing or governing individuals, businesses, nations, etc., in the manner of a father dealing benevolently and often intrusively with his children.
The employees chafed under their manager's paternalism.
5. paternoster (pa"t*r nos"t*r, pä"-, pat"*r-) the Lord's Prayer, especially in the Latin form. The term is often capitalized.
The term "paternoster" is a translation of the first two words of the prayer in the Vulgate version, "our Father."
6. paterfamilias (pa't*r f* mil"e *s, pä'-, pat'*r-) the male head of a household or family.
The paterfamilias gathered his children about him.
7. patronymic (pa'tr* nim"ik) (a name) derived from the name of a father or ancestor, especially by the addition of a suffix or prefix indicating descent; family name or surname.
Their patronymic was Williamson, meaning "son of William."
8. patrimony (pa"tr* mo'ne) an estate inherited from one's father or ancestors; heritage.
For his share of the patrimony, John inherited the family mansion at Newport.
Lesson 10. "Keep On Truckin' ": ped, pod
From the Latin root "ped" and the related Greek root "pod," both meaning foot, we have derived many words relating to movement by foot. The English word "foot" is itself a Germanic cousin of the Latin and Greek forms. One curious aberration is "peddler" (also spelled "pedlar," "pedler"), for it is not from the root "ped," as we would expect. The word may be derived from "pedde," a Middle English word for a lidless hamper or basket in which fish and other items were carried as they were sold in the streets, though it is generally thought to be of unknown origin.
The following eight words, however, all come from the "ped, pod" roots. Practice the pronunciations, study the definitions, and read the sentences. Then, to help set the words in your mind, complete the two self-tests that follow.
1. quadruped (kwod"r» ped') any animal, especially a mammal, having four feet.
Horses, dogs, and cats are all classified as quadrupeds.
2. podiatrist (p* di"* trist) a person who treats foot disorders. From Greek "pod-," foot + "-iatros," physician.
Podiatrists were formerly known as chiropodists.
3. chiropodist (ki rop"* dist, ki-) a podiatrist. From Greek "cheir," hand + "podos," foot.
A chiropodist treats minor problems of the feet, including corns and bunions.
4. biped (bi"ped) a two-footed animal.
Humans are bipeds.
5. expedient (ik spe"de *nt) tending to promote some desired object; fit or suitable under the circumstances. From Latin "expedire," to make ready, literally to free the feet.
It was expedient for them to prepare all the envelopes at the same time.
6. pseudopod (s»"d* pod') an organ of propulsion on a protozoan.
Amebas use pseudopods, literally "false feet," as a means of locomotion.
7. pedigree (ped"i gre') an ancestral line; lineage. From the French phrase "pied de grue," foot of a crane (from the claw-shaped mark used in family trees to show lineage); "pied," foot, going back to the Latin root "ped."
The dog's pedigree could be traced six generations.
8. pedometer (p* dom"i t*r) an instrument that measures distance covered in walking by recording the number of steps taken.
The race walker used a pedometer to keep track of how much distance she could cover in an hour.
Lesson 11. "It's My Pleasure": plac
"S'il vous plaît," say the French to be polite. "Plaît" derives from "plaire," to please, which goes back to the Latin "placere." Thus the "plac" root, meaning please, forms the basis of the French expression for if you please. Many other words, including adjectives, nouns, and verbs, also derive from this root. Below are six "pleasing" words to add to your vocabulary. Look over the pronunciations, definitions, and sentences. Then to reinforce your study, complete the two self-tests.
1. placid (plas"id) pleasantly peaceful or calm.
The placid lake shimmered in the early morning sun.
2. complacent (k*m pla"s*nt) pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger, defect, or the like.
She stopped being so complacent after she lost her job.
3. placebo (pl* se"bo) a substance having no pharmacological effect but given to a patient or subject of an experiment who supposes it to be a medicine. From the Latin word meaning I shall please.
In the pharmaceutical company's latest study, one group was given the medicine; the other, a placebo.
4. placate (pla"kat) to appease or pacify.
To placate an outraged citizenry, the Board of Education decided to schedule a special meeting.
5. implacable (im plak"* b*l, -pla'k*-) incapable of being appeased or pacified; inexorable.
Despite concessions made by the allies, the dictator was implacable.
6. complaisant (k*m pla"s*nt, -z*nt, kom"pl* zant') inclined or disposed to please; obliging; gracious. From the French word for pleasing, derived ultimately from Latin "complacere," to be very pleasing.
Jill's complaisant manner belied her reputation as a martinet.
Lesson 12. "The City of Brotherly Love": phil, philo
The site of the future city of Philadelphia was settled in the mid-seventeenth century by Swedish immigrants. Later the prominent English Quaker William Penn (1644–1718) determined to establish a New World colony where religious and political freedom would be guaranteed. He first obtained from Charles II a charter for Pennsylvania (named by the king). In 1682 he surveyed the land and laid out the plan for the "City of Brotherly Love," Philadelphia. The settlement flourished from the time of its foundation, growing into a thriving center of trade and manufacturing.
The Greek root "phil, philo," meaning love, has given us many other words besides "Philadelphia." Here are ten of them to add to your vocabulary.
1. philanthropy (fi lan"thr* pe) affection for humankind, especially as manifested in donations of money, property, or work to needy persons or for socially useful purposes. From Greek "philanthropia," love of humanity.
Millions of people have benefited from Andrew Carnegie's works of philanthropy.
2. philanderer (fi lan"d*r *r) a man who makes love without serious intentions, especially one who carries on flirtations.
When she discovered that her husband was a philanderer, she sued for divorce.
3. bibliophile (bib"le * fil', -fil) a person who loves or collects books, especially as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like. From Greek "biblion," book + "philos," loving.
The bibliophile was excited by the prospect of acquiring a first edition of Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi.
4. philharmonic (fil'här mon"ik) a symphony orchestra.
The philharmonic is presenting a concert this week.
5. philately (fi lat"l e) the collection and study of postage stamps. From Greek "phil-," loving + "ateleia," exemption from charges (due to a sender's prepayment shown by a postage stamp).
To pursue his hobby of philately, the collector attended stamp exhibitions as often as possible.
6. philhellene (fil hel"en) a friend and supporter of the Greeks.
George was a philhellene whose greatest passion was ancient Greek sculpture.
7. philter (fil"t*r) a potion or drug that is supposed to induce a person to fall in love with someone.
He so desperately wanted her love that he resorted to dropping a philter into her drink.
8. Anglophile (ang"gl* fil', -fil) a person who greatly admires England or anything English.
A devoted Anglophile, Barry visits England at least twice a year.
9. philodendron (fil'* den"dr*n) an ornamental tropical plant.
The word "philodendron" originally meant fond of trees, but now we use it to refer to a plant.
10. philology (fi lol"* je) the study of written records, their authenticity and original form, and the determination of their meaning; in earlier use, linguistics. From Greek "philo-," loving + "logos," word, speech, reason.
The subject of philology, in its broadest sense, is culture and literature.
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Lesson 13. "Hang In There, Baby!": pend
The word "appendix" has two meanings. First, it is an organ located in the lower right side of the abdomen. A vestigial organ, it has no function in humans. Second, it refers to the supplementary material found at the back of a book. The two meanings can be surmised from their root, "pend," to hang or weigh. The appendix (vermiform appendix, strictly speaking) "hangs" in the abdomen, as the appendix "hangs" at the end of a text.
Knowing the "pend" root can help you figure out the meanings of other words as well. Below are eight such words to help you hone your language skills.
1. append (* pend") to add as a supplement or accessory.
My supervisor asked me to append this material to the report we completed yesterday.
2. appendage (* pen"dij) a subordinate part attached to something; a person in a subordinate or dependent position.
The little boy had been hanging on his mother's leg for so long that she felt he was a permanent appendage.
3. compendium (k*m pen"de *m) a brief treatment or account of a subject, especially an extensive subject.
The medical editors put together a compendium of modern medicine.
4. stipend (sti"pend) fixed or regular pay; any periodic payment, especially a scholarship allowance. From Latin "stips," a coin + "pendere," to weigh, pay out.
The graduate students found their stipends inadequate to cover the cost of living in a big city.
5. pendulous (pen"j* l*s, pend"y*-) hanging down loosely; swinging freely.
She had pendulous jowls.
6. pendant (pen" d*nt) a hanging ornament.
She wore a gold necklace with a ruby pendant.
7. impending (im pen"ding) about to happen; imminent.
The impending storm filled them with dread.
8. perpendicular (pûr'p*n dik"y* l*r) vertical; upright.
They set the posts perpendicular to the ground.
Lesson 14. "Oh God!": the, theo
Atheism is the doctrine that denies the existence of a supreme deity. Many people have been incorrectly labeled atheists because they rejected some popular belief in divinity. The Romans, for example, felt the early Christians were atheists because they did not worship the pagan gods; Buddhists and Jains have been called atheistic because they deny a personal God. The word "atheism" comes from the Greek prefix "a-," without, and the root "the, theo," meaning god.
Many words derive from this root; the following section provides just a few useful examples.
1. theology (the ol"* je) the field of study that deals with God or a deity.
Modern theology is chiefly concerned with the relation between humanity and God.
2. theism (the"iz' *m) the belief in the existence of a God or deity as the creator and ruler of the universe.
The religious seminary taught its students the philosophy of theism.
3. monotheism (mon"* the iz'*m) the doctrine or belief that there is only one God.
Judaism and Christianity preach monotheism.
4. theocracy (the ok"r* se) a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler.
Puritan New England was a theocracy, with ministers as governors and the Bible as the constitution.
5. pantheism (pan" the iz'*m) the doctrine that God is the transcendent reality of which the material universe and human beings are only manifestations.
The New England philosophy of Transcendentalism that flourished in the mid-nineteenth century included elements of pantheism.
6. apotheosis (* poth'e o"sis, ap'* the"* sis) the exaltation of a person to the rank of a god; ideal example; epitome.
This poem is the apotheosis of the Romantic spirit.
7. theogony (the og"* ne) an account of the origin of the gods.
Hesiod wrote a theogony of the Greek gods.
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Lesson 15. "Call Out!": voc
The voice box (more properly called the "larynx") is the muscular and cartilaginous structure in which the vocal cords are located. The vibration of the vocal cords by air passing out of the lungs causes the formation of sounds that are then amplified by the resonating nature of the oral and nasal cavities. The root "voc," meaning call or voice, is the basis of words like "vocal," as well as a host of other powerful words. Now study the following ten "vocal" words.
1. avocation (av'* ka"sh*n) a minor or occasional occupation; hobby. From Latin "avocatio," distraction, derived from "avocare," to call away.
His avocation is bird-watching.
2. vocable (vo" k* b*l) a word, especially one considered without regard to meaning. From Latin "vocabulum," derived from "vocare," to call, from "voc-, vox," voice.
Lewis Carroll coined many nonsense vocables, such as jabberwocky and bandersnatch.
3. vociferous (vo sif"*r *s) crying out noisily; clamorous; characterized by noise or vehemence.
She was vociferous in her support of reform legislation.
4. advocate (ad"v* kat') to plead in favor of; support.
The citizens' committee advocated a return to the previous plan.
5. convoke (k*n vok") to summon to meet. From Latin "convocare" ("con-," with, together + "vocare," to call).
They will convoke the members for a noon meeting.
6. evoke (i vok") to call up, as memories or feelings. From Latin "evocare."
The music evoked the mood of spring.
7. revoke (ri vok") to take back or withdraw; cancel. From Latin "revocare," to call again, recall.
The king revoked his earlier decree.
8. invoke (in vok") to call forth or pray for; appeal to or petition; declare to be in effect. From Latin "invocare."
The defendant invoked the Fifth Amendment so as not to incriminate himself.
9. equivocal (i kwiv"* k*l) of uncertain significance; not determined; dubious. From Latin "aequivocus" ("aequus," equal + "voc-, vox," voice).
Despite his demands for a clear-cut decision, she would give only an equivocal response.
10. irrevocable (i rev"* k* b*l) incapable of being revoked or recalled; unable to be repealed or annulled.
Once Caesar crossed the Rubicon, his decision to begin the civil war against Pompey was irrevocable.
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Lesson 16. "A Rose by Any Other Name": nomin, nomen
The differences between the nominative and objective cases have baffled countless generations of English-speaking students. Is it I or me? Who or whom? The nominative case is so named because it names the subject, the doer of the action, whereas the objective case refers to the object, as of a verb or preposition. Here are eight words that use the root "nomin, nomen," name.
1. nominee (nom'* ne") a person named, as to run for elective office or to fill a particular post.
In order to qualify for consideration, the nominee was required to present a petition with three hundred verifiable signatures.
2. misnomer (mis no"m*r) a misapplied name or designation; an error in naming a person or thing.
"Expert" was a misnomer; "genius" was a far more accurate description of the young chess player.
3. nomenclature (no"m*n kla'ch*r) a set or system of names or terms, as those used in a particular science or art.
The scientific nomenclature devised by Linnaeus was a great innovation.
4. ignominious (ig'n* min"e *s) disgracing one's name; humiliating; discreditable; contemptible.
The army suffered an ignominious defeat.
5. nominal (nom"* nl) being such in name only; so-called.
The silent partner is the nominal head of the firm.
6. nominate (nom"* nat') to name (someone) for appointment or election to office.
The delegate from Vermont was pleased to nominate a favorite son for President at the Democratic convention.
