Radicals: ag- and act-.
1. act, v. ANALYSIS: from actum by dropping the termination um. DEFINITION: to do, to perform. The noun "act" is formed in the same way. DEFINITION: a thing done, a deed or performance.
2. ac'tion: act + ion = the act of doing: hence, a thing done.
3. act'ive: act + ive = having the quality of acting: hence, busy, constantly engaged in action.
4. act'or: act + or = one who acts: hence, (1) one who takes part in anything done; (2) a stage player.
5. a'gent: ag + ent = one who acts: hence, one who acts or transacts business for another.
6. ag'ile: ag + ile = apt to act: hence, nimble, brisk.
7. co'gent: from Latin cogens, cogentis, pres. part, of cog'ere (= co + agere, to impel), having the quality of impelling: hence, urgent, forcible.
8. enact': en + act = to put in act: hence, to decree.
9. transact': trans + act = to drive through: hence, to perform.
(1.) What two parts of speech is "act"?—Write a sentence containing this word as a verb; another as a noun.—Give a synonym of "act." Ans. Deed.—From what is "deed" derived? Ans. From the word do—hence, literally, something done.—Give the distinction between "act" and "deed." Ans. "Act" is a single action; "deed" is a voluntary action: thus—"The action which was praised as a good deed was but an act of necessity."
(2.) Define "action" in oratory; "action" in law.—Combine and define in + action.
(3.) Combine and define in + active; active + ity; in + active + ity.—What is the negative of "active"? Ans. Inactive.—What is the contrary of "active"? Ans. Passive.
(4.) Write a sentence containing "actor" in each of its two senses. MODEL: "Washington and Greene were prominent actors in the war of the Revolution." "David Garrick, the famous English actor, was born in 1716."—What is the feminine of "actor" in the sense of stage player?
(6.) Combine and define agile + ity.—What is the distinction between "active" and "agile"? Ans. "Active" implies readiness to act in general; "agile" denotes a readiness to move the limbs.—Give two synonyms of "agile." Ans. Brisk, nimble.—Give the opposite of "agile." Ans. Sluggish, inert.
(7.) Explain what is meant by a "cogent argument."—What would be the contrary of a cogent argument?
(8.) Combine and define enact + ment.—What is meant by the "enacting clause" of a legislative bill?—Write a sentence containing the word "enact." MODEL: "The British Parliament enacted the stamp-law in 1765."
(9.) Combine and define transact + ion.—What derivative from "perform" is a synonym of "transaction"?
Radical: alien-.
1. al'ien: from alienus by dropping the termination us. DEFINITION: a foreigner, one owing allegiance to another country than that in which he is living.
2. al'ienate: alien + ate = to cause something to be transferred to another: hence, (1) to transfer title or property to another; (2) to estrange, to withdraw.
3. inal'ienable: in + alien + able = that may not be given to another.
(1.) Combine and define alien + age.—Can an alien be elected President of the United States? [See the Constitution, Article II. Sec. I. Clause 5.]—What is the word which expresses the process by which a person is changed from an alien to a citizen?
(2.) Combine and define alienate + ion.—Give a synonym of "alienate" in its second sense. Ans. To estrange.—What is meant by saying that "the oppressive measures of the British government gradually alienated the American colonies from the mother country"?
(3.) Quote a passage from the Declaration of Independence containing the word "inalienable."
Radicals: am- and amic-.
1. a'miable: am(i) + able = fit to be loved.
OBS.—The Latin adjective is amabilis, from which the English derivative adjective would be amable; but it has taken the form amiable.
2. am'ity: am + ity = the state of being a friend: hence, friendship; good-will.
3. am'icable: amic + able = disposed to be a friend: hence, friendly; peaceable.
4. inim'ical: through Lat. adj. inimi'cus, enemy: hence, inimic(us) + al = inimical, relating to an enemy.
5. amateur': adopted through French amateur, from Latin amator, a lover: hence, one who cultivates an art from taste or attachment, without pursuing it professionally.
(1). What word is a synonym of "amiable"? Ans. Lovable.—Show how they are exact synonyms.--Write a sentence containing the word "amiable." MODEL: "The amiable qualities of Joseph Warren caused his death to be deeply regretted by all Americans."—What noun can you form from "amiable," meaning the quality of being amiable?—What is the negative of "amiable"? Ans. Unamiable.—The contrary? Ans. Hateful.
(2.) Give a word that is nearly a synonym of "amity." Ans. Friendship.—State the distinction between these words. Ans. "Friendship" applies more particularly to individuals; "amity" to societies or nations.—Write a sentence containing the word "amity." MODEL: "The Plymouth colonists in 1621 made a treaty of amity with the Indians."—What is the opposite of "amity"?
(3.) Give a synonym of "amicable." Ans. Friendly.—Which is the stronger? Ans. Friendly.—Why? Ans. "Friendly" implies a positive feeling of regard; "amicable" denotes merely the absence of discord.—Write a sentence containing the word "amicable." MODEL: "In 1871 commissioners appointed by the United States and Great Britain made an amicable settlement of the Alabama difficulties."
(4.) What is the noun corresponding to the adjective "inimical"? Ans. Enemy.—Give its origin. Ans. It comes from the Latin inimicus, an enemy, through the French ennemi.—What preposition does "inimical" take after it? Ans. The preposition to—thus, "inimical to health," "to welfare," etc.
(5.) What is meant by an amateur painter? an amateur musician?
Radical: anim-.
1. an'imal: from Lat. n. anima through the Latin animal: literally, something having life.
2. animal'cule: animal + cule = a minute animal: hence, an animal that can be seen only by the microscope.
3. an'imate, v.: anim + ate = to make alive: hence, to stimulate, or infuse courage.
4. animos'ity: anim + ose + ity = the quality of being (ity) full of (ose) passion: hence, violent hatred.
5. unanim'ity: un (from unus, one) + anim + ity = the state of being of one mind: hence, agreement.
6. rean'imate: re + anim + ate = to make alive again: hence, to infuse fresh vigor.
(1.) Write a sentence containing the word "animal." MODEL: "Modern science has not yet been able to determine satisfactorily the distinction between an animal and a vegetable."
(2.) What is the plural of "animalcule"? Ans. Animalcules or animalculæ.—Write a sentence containing this word.
(3.) What other part of speech than a verb is "animate"?—What is the negative of the adjective "animate?" Ans. Inanimate.—Define it.—Combine and define animate + ion.—Explain what is meant by an "animated discussion."
(4.) Give two synonyms of "animosity."
(5.) What is the literal meaning of "unanimity"? If people are of one mind, is not this "unanimity"?—What is the adjective corresponding to the noun "unanimity"?—What is the opposite of "unanimity"?—Write a sentence containing the word "unanimity."
(6.) Compare the verbs "animate" and "reanimate," and state the signification of each.—Has "reanimate" any other than its literal meaning?—Write a sentence containing this word in its figurative sense. MODEL: "The inspiring words of Lawrence, 'Don't give up the ship!' reanimated the courage of the American sailors."—What does "animated conversation" mean?
Radical: ann-.
1. an'nals: from annus, through Lat. adj. annalis, pertaining to the year: hence, a record of things done from year to year.
2. an'nual: through annuus (annu + al), relating to a year: hence, yearly or performed in a year.
3. annu'ity: through Fr. n. annuité = a sum of money payable yearly.
4. millen'nium: Lat. n. millennium (from annus and mille, a thousand), a thousand years.
5. peren'nial: through Lat. adj. perennis (compounded of per and annus), throughout the year: hence, lasting; perpetual.
(1.) Give a synonym of "annals." Ans. History.—What is the distinction between "annals" and "history"? Ans. "Annals" denotes a mere chronological account of events from year to year; "history," in addition to a narrative of events, inquires into the causes of events.—Write a sentence containing the word "annals," or explain the following sentence: "The annals of the Egyptians and Hindoos contain many incredible statements."
(2.) Write a sentence containing the word "annual."
(4.) Write a sentence containing the word "millennium."
(5.) What is the meaning of a "perennial plant" in botany? Ans. A plant continuing more than two years.—Give the contrary of "perennial." Ans. Fleeting, short-lived.
Radical: art-.
1. art: from artis by dropping the termination is. DEFINITION: 1. cunning—thus, an animal practices art in escaping from his pursuers; 2. skill or dexterity—thus, a man may be said to have the art of managing his business; 3. a system of rules or a profession—as the art of building; 4. creative genius as seen in painting, sculpture, etc., which are called the "fine arts."
2. art'ist: art + ist = one who practices an art: hence, a person who occupies himself with one of the fine arts.
OBS.—A painter is called an artist; but a blacksmith could not properly be so called. The French word artiste is sometimes used to denote one who has great skill in some profession, even if it is not one of the fine arts: thus a great genius in cookery might be called an artiste.
3. ar'tisan: through Fr. n. artisan, one who practices an art: hence, one who practices one of the mechanic arts; a workman, or operative.
4. art'ful: art + ful = full of art: hence, crafty, cunning.
5. art'less: art + less = without art: hence, free from cunning, simple, ingenuous.
6. ar'tifice: through Lat. n. artificium, something made (fa'cere, to make) by art: hence, an artful contrivance or stratagem.
(1.) What is the particular meaning of "art" in the sentence from Shakespeare, "There is no art to read the mind's construction in the face"?
(2.) Write a sentence containing the word "artist."—Would it be proper to call a famous hair-dresser an artist?—What might he be called?—Combine and define artist + ic + al + ly.—What is the negative of "artistic"?
(3.) What is the distinction between an "artist" and an "artisan"?
(5.) Give a synonym of "artless." Ans. Ingenuous, natural.—Give the opposite of "artless." Ans. Wily.—Combine and define artless + ly; artless + ness.
(6.) Give a synonym of "artifice."—Combine artifice + er.—Does "artificer" mean one who practices artifice?—Write a sentence containing this word.—Combine and define artifice + ial; artifice + al + ity. Give the opposite of "artificial."
Radicals: audi-, and audit-.
1. au'dible: audi + ble = that may be heard.
2. au'dience: audi + ence = literally, the condition of hearing: hence, an assemblage of hearers, an auditory.
3. au'dit: from audit(um) = to hear a statement: hence, to examine accounts.
4. au'ditor: audit + or = one who hears, a hearer.
OBS.—This word has a secondary meaning, namely: an officer who examines accounts.
5. obe'dient: through obediens, obedient(is), the present participle of obedire (compounded of ob, towards, and audire): literally, giving ear to: hence, complying with the wishes of another.
(1.) "Audible" means that can be heard: what prefix would you affix to it to form a word denoting what can not be heard?—What is the adverb from the adjective "audible"?—Write a sentence containing this word.
(2.) What is meant when you read in history of a king's giving audience?
(3.) Write a sentence containing the word "audit." MODEL—"The committee which had to audit the accounts of Arnold discovered great frauds."—How do you spell the past tense of "audit"?—Why is the t not doubled?
(5.) What is the noun corresponding to the adjective "obedient"?—What is the verb corresponding to these words?—Combine and define dis + obedient.
Radical: capit-.
1. cap'ital, a. and n.: capit + al = relating to the head: hence, chief, principal, first in importance. DEFINITION: as an adjective it means, (1) principal; (2) great, important; (3) punishable with death;—as a noun it means, (1) the metropolis or seat of government; (2) stock in trade.
2. capita'tion: capit + ate + ion = the act of causing heads to be counted: hence, (1) a numbering of persons; (2) a tax upon each head or person.
3. decap'itate: de + capit + ate = to cause the head to be taken off; to behead.
4. prec'ipice: through Lat. n. præcipitium: literally, a headlong descent.
5. precip'itate: from Lat. adj. præcipit(is), head foremost. DEFINITION: (1) (as a verb) to throw headlong, to press with eagerness, to hasten; (2) (as an adjective) headlong, hasty.
(1). Write a sentence containing "capital" as an adjective.—Write a sentence containing this word as a noun, in the sense of city.—Write a sentence containing "capital" in the sense of stock.—Is the capital of a state or country necessarily the metropolis or chief city of that state or country?—What is the capital of New York state?—What is the metropolis of New York State?
(3) Combine and define decapitate + ion.—Can you name an English king who was decapitated?—Can you name a French king who was decapitated?
(4) What as the meaning of "precipice" in the line, "Swift down the precipice of time it goes"?
(5) Combine and define precipitate + ly.—Write a sentence containing the adjective "precipitate". MODEL: "Fabius, the Roman general, is noted for never having made any precipitate movements."—Explain the meaning of the verb "precipitate" in the following sentences. "At the battle of Waterloo Wellington precipitated the conflict, because he knew Napoleon's army was divided", "The Romans were wont to precipitate criminals from the Tarpeian rock."
Radical: civ-.
1. civ'ic: civ + ic = relating to a citizen or to the affairs or honors of a city.
OBS.—The "civic crown" in Roman times was a garland of oak-leaves and acorns bestowed on a soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle.
2. civ'il: Lat adj. civilis, meaning (1) belonging to a citizen, (2) of the state, political, (3) polite.
3. civ'ilize: civil + ize = to make a savage people into a community having a government, or political organization; hence, to reclaim from a barbarous state.
4. civiliza'tion: civil + ize + ate + ion = the state of being civilized.
5. civil'ian: civil + (i)an = one whose pursuits are those of civil life—not a soldier.
(2.) "What is the ordinary signification of "civil"?—Give a synonym of this word.—Is there any difference between "civil" and "polite"? Ans. "Polite" expresses more than "civil," for it is possible to be "civil" without being "polite."—What word would denote the opposite of "civil" in the sense of "polite"?—Combine and define civil + ity.—Do you say uncivility or incivility, to denote the negative of "civility"?—Give a synonym of "uncivil." Ans. Boorish.—Give another synonym.
(3.) Write a sentence containing the word "civilize."—Give a participial adjective from this word.—What compound word expresses half civilized?—What word denotes a state of society between savage and civilized?
(4.) Give two synonyms of "civilization." Ans. Culture, refinement.—What is the meaning of the word "civilization" in the sentence: "The ancient Hindoos and Egyptians had attained a considerable degree of civilization"?—Compose a sentence of your own, using this word.
Radical: cord-.
1. core: from cor = the heart: hence, the inner part of a thing.
2. cor'dial, a.: cord + (i)al = having the quality of the heart: hence, hearty, sincere. The noun "cordial" means literally something having the quality of acting on the heart: hence, a stimulating medicine, and in a figurative sense, something cheering.
3. con'cord: con + cord = heart with (con) heart: hence, unity of sentiment, harmony.
OBS.—Concord in music is harmony of sound.
4. dis'cord: dis + cord = heart apart from (dis) heart: hence, disagreement, want of harmony.
5. record': through Lat. v. recordari, to remember (literally, to get by heart): hence, to register.
6. cour'age: through Fr. n. courage: literally, heartiness: hence, bravery, intrepidity.
OBS.—The heart is accounted the seat of bravery: hence, the derivative sense of courage.
(1.) "The quince was rotten at the core"; "The preacher touched the core of the subject": in which of these sentences is "core" used in its literal, in which in its figurative, sense?
(2.) What is the Anglo-Saxon synonym of the adjective "cordial"?—Would you say a "cordial laugh" or a "hearty laugh"?—What is the opposite of "cordial"?—Combine and define cordial + ly: cordial + ity.— Write a sentence containing the noun "cordial" in its figurative sense. MODEL: "Washington's victory at Trenton was like a cordial to the flagging spirits of the American army."
(3.) Give a synonym of "concord." Ans. Accord.—Supply the proper word: "In your view of this matter, I am in (accord? or concord?) with you." "There should be —— among friends." "The man who is not moved by —— of sweet sounds."
(4.) What is the connection in meaning between "discord" in music and among brethren?—Give a synonym of this word. Ans. Strife.—State the distinction. Ans. "Strife" is the stronger: where there is "strife" there must be "discord," but there may be "discord" without "strife"; "discord" consists most in the feeling, "strife" in the outward action.
(5.) What part of speech is "record'"?—When the accent is placed on the first syllable (rec'ord) what part of speech does it become?—Combine and define record + er; un + record + ed.
(6.) "Courage" is the same as having a stout—what?—Give a synonym. Ans. Fortitude.—State the distinction. Ans. "Courage" enables us to meet danger; "fortitude" gives us strength to endure pain.—Would you say "the Indian shows courage when he endures torment without flinching"?—Would you say "The three hundred under Leonidas displayed fortitude in opposing the entire Persian army"?—What is the contrary of "courage"?—Combine and define courage + ous; courage + ous + ly.
Radical: corpor-.
1. cor'poral: corpor + al = relating to the body.
OBS.—The noun "corporal," meaning a petty officer, is not derived from corpus: it comes from the French caporal, of which it is a corruption.
2. cor'porate: corpor + ate = made into a body: hence, united into a body or corporation.
3. incor'porate: in + corpor + ate = to make into a body: hence, (1) to form into a legal body; (2) to unite one substance with another.
4. corpora'tion: corpor + ate + ion = that which is made into a body: hence, a body politic, authorized by law to act as one person.
5. cor'pulent: through Lat. adj. corpulentus, fleshy: hence, stout in body, fleshy.
6. cor'puscle: corpus + cle = a diminutive body; hence, a minute particle of matter.
7. corps: [pronounced core] through Fr. n. corps, a body. DEFINITION: (1) a body of troops; (2) a body of individuals engaged in some one profession.
8. corpse: through Fr. n. corps, the body; that is, only the body—the spirit being departed: hence, the dead body of a human being.
(1.) Give two synonyms of "corporal." Ans. Corporeal and bodily.—What is the distinction between "corporal" and "corporeal"? Ans. "Corporal" means pertaining to the body; "corporeal" signifies material, as opposed to spiritual.—Would you say a corporal or a corporeal substance? corporal or corporeal punishment? Would you say corporal strength or bodily strength?
(3.) Write a sentence containing the verb "incorporate" in its first sense. MODEL: "The London company which settled Virginia was incorporated in 1606, and received a charter from King James I."
(4.) Write a sentence containing the word "corporation." [Find out by what corporation Massachusetts Bay Colony was settled, and write a sentence about that.]
(5.) What noun is there corresponding to the adjective "corpulent" and synonymous with "stoutness"?—Give two synonyms of "corpulent." Ans. Stout, lusty.—What is the distinction? Ans. "Corpulent" means fat; "stout" and "lusty" denote a strong frame.
(6.) What is meant by an "army corps"? Ans. A body of from twenty to forty thousand soldiers, forming several brigades and divisions.
(7.) How is the plural of corps spelled? Ans. Corps. How pronounced? Ans. Cores.—What is meant by the "diplomatic corps"?
(8.) What other form of the word "corpse" is used? Ans. The form corse is sometimes used in poetry; as in the poem on the Burial of Sir John Moore:
"Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note,
As his corse to the ramparts we hurried."
Radicals: cred- and credit-.
1. creed: from the word credo, "I believe," at the beginning of the Apostles' Creed: hence, a summary of Christian belief.
2. cred'ible: cred + ible = that may be believed: hence, worthy of belief.
3. cred'it: from credit(um) = belief, trust: hence, (1) faith; (2) reputation; (3) trust given or received.
4. cred'ulous: through the Lat. adj. credulus, easy of belief: credul + ous = abounding in belief: hence, believing easily.
5. discred'it: dis + credit = to disbelieve.
(2.) Write a sentence containing the word "credible." MODEL: "When the King of Siam was told that in Europe the water at certain seasons could be walked on, he declared that the statement was not credible."—What single word will express not credible?—Combine and define credible + ity.—Give a synonym of "credible." Ans. Trustworthy.—State the distinction. Ans. "Credible" is generally applied to things, as "credible testimony"; "trustworthy" to persons, as "a trustworthy witness."
(3.) What is the meaning of credit in the passage,
"John Gilpin was a citizen
Of credit and renown"?
Give a synonym of this word. Ans. Trust.—What is the distinction? Ans. "Trust" looks forward; "credit" looks back—we credit what has happened; we trust what is to happen.—What other part of speech than a noun is "credit"?—Combine and define credit + ed.—Why is the t not doubled?
(4.) What is the meaning of "credulous" in the passage,
"So glistened the dire snake, and into fraud
Led Eve, our credulous mother"?—MILTON.
What noun corresponding to the adjective "credulous" will express the quality of believing too easily?—What is the negative of "credulous"?—What is the distinction between "incredible" and "incredulous"?—Which applies to persons? which to things?
(5.) To what two parts of speech does "discredit" belong?—Write a sentence containing this word as a noun; another as a verb.
Radicals used: curr- and curs-.
1. cur'rent, a.: curr + ent = running: hence, (1) passing from person to person, as a "current report"; (2) now in progress, as the "current month."
2. cur'rency: curr + ency = the state of passing from person to person, as "the report obtained currency": hence circulation.
OBS.—As applied to money, it means that it is in circulation or passing from hand to hand, as a representative of value.
3. cur'sory: curs + ory = running or passing: hence, hasty.
4. excur'sion: ex + curs + ion = the act of running out: hence, an expedition or jaunt.
5. incur'sion: in + curs + ion = the act of running in: hence, an invasion.
6. precur'sor: pre + curs + or = one who runs before: hence a forerunner.
(1.) What other part of speech than an adjective is "current"?—What is now the current year?
(2.) Why are there two r's in "currency"? Ans. Because there are two in the root currere.—Give a synonym of this word in the sense of "money." Ans. The "circulating medium."—What was the "currency" of the Indians in early times?—Compose a sentence using this word.
(3.) When a speaker says that he will cast a "cursory glance" at a subject, what does he mean?—Combine and define cursory + ly.
(4.) Is "excursion" usually employed to denote an expedition in a friendly or a hostile sense?
(5.) Is "incursion" usually employed to denote an expedition in a friendly or a hostile sense?—Give a synonym. Ans. Invasion.—Which implies a hasty expedition?—Compose a sentence containing the word incursion. MODEL: "The Parthians were long famed for their rapid incursions into the territory of their enemies."
(6.) What is meant by saying that John the Baptist was the precursor of Christ?—What is meant by saying that black clouds are the precursor of a storm?
Radical: dign-.
1. dig'nify: dign + (i)fy = to make of worth: hence, to advance to honor.
2. dig'nity: dign + ity = the state of being of worth: hence, behavior fitted to inspire respect.
3. indig'nity: in + dign + ity = the act of treating a person in an unworthy (indignus) manner: hence, insult, contumely.
4. condign': con + dign = very worthy: hence, merited, deserved.
OBS.—The prefix con is here merely intensive.
(1.) What participial adjective is formed from the verb "dignify"? Ans. Dignified.—Give a stronger word. Ans. Majestic.—Give a word which denotes the same thing carried to excess and becoming ridiculous. Ans. Pompous.
(2.) Can you mention a character in American history remarkable for the dignity of his behavior?—Compose a sentence containing this word.
(3.) Give the plural of "indignity."—What is meant by saying that "indignities were heaped on" a person?
(4.) How is the word "condign" now most frequently employed? Ans. In connection with punishment: thus we speak of "condign punishment," meaning richly deserved punishment.
Radicals: doc- and doct-.
1. doc'ile: doc + ile = that may be taught: hence, teachable.
2. doc'tor: doct + or = one who teaches: hence, one who has taken the highest degree in a university authorizing him to practice and teach.
4. doc'trine: through Lat. n. doctrina, something taught; hence, a principle taught as part of a system of belief.
(1.) Combine and define docile + ity.—Give the opposite of "docile." Ans. Indocile.—Mention an animal that is very docile.—Mention one remarkable for its want of docility.
(2.) What is meant by "Doctor of Medicine"?—Give the abbreviation.—What does LL.D. mean? Ans. It stands for the words legum doctor, doctor of laws: the double L marks the plural of the Latin noun.
(3.) Give two synonyms of "doctrine." Ans. Precept, tenet.—What does "tenet" literally mean? Ans. Something held—from Lat. v. tenere, to hold.—Combine and define doctrine + al.
Radical: domin-.
1. domin'ion: domin + ion = the act of exercising mastery: hence, (1) rule; (2) a territory ruled over.
2. dom'inant: domin + ant = relating to lordship or mastery: hence, prevailing.
3. domineer': through Fr. v. dominer; literally, to "lord it" over one: hence, to rule with insolence.
4. predom'inate: pre + domin + ate = to cause one to be master before another: hence, to be superior, to rule.
(1.) What is meant by saying that "in 1776 the United Colonies threw off the dominion of Great Britain"?
(2.) What is meant by the "dominant party"? a "dominant race"?
(3.) Compose a sentence containing the word "domineer." MODEL: "The blustering tyrant, Sir Edmund Andros, domineered for several years over the New England colonies; but his misrule came to an end in 1688 with the accession of King William."
(4.) "The Republicans at present predominate in Mexico": what does this mean?
Radical: fin-.
1. fi'nite: fin + ite = having the quality of coming to an end: hence, limited in quantity or degree.
2. fin'ish: through Fr. v. finir; literally, to bring to an end: hence, to complete.
3. infin'ity: in + fin + ity = the state of having no limit: hence, unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity.
4. define': through Fr. v. definer; literally, to bring a thing down to its limits: hence, to determine with precision.
5. confine': con + fine; literally, to bring within limits or bounds: hence, to restrain.
6. affin'ity: af (a form of prefix ad) + fin + ity = close agreement.
(1.) What is meant by saying that "the human faculties are finite"?
(2.) What is the opposite of "finite"?—Give a synonym. Ans. Limited.—What participial adjective is formed from the verb to "finish"?—What is meant by a "finished gentleman"?
(3.) Give a synonym of "infinity." Ans. Boundlessness.—"The microscope reveals the fact that each drop of water contains an infinity of animalculæ." What is the sense of infinity as used in this sentence?
(4.) Combine define + ite; in + define + ite.—Analyze the word "definition."—Compose a sentence containing the word "define."
(5.) Combine and define confine + ment.—What other part of speech than a verb is "confine"? Ans. A noun.—Write a sentence containing the word "confines."
(6.) Find in the dictionary the meaning of "chemical affinity."
Radicals: flu- and flux-.
1. flux: from fluxum = a flowing.
2. flu'ent: flu + ent = having the quality of flowing. Used in reference to language it means flowing speech: hence, voluble.
3. flu'id, n.: flu + id = Flowing: hence, anything that flows.
4. flu'ency: flu + ency = state of flowing (in reference to language).
5. af'fluence: af (form of ad) + flu + ence = a flowing to: hence, an abundant supply, as of thought, words, money, etc.
6. con'fluence: con + flu + ence = a flowing together: hence, (1) the flowing together of two or more streams; (2) an assemblage, a union.
7. in'flux: in + flux = a flowing in or into.
8. super'fluous: super + flu + ous = having the quality of overflowing: hence, needless, excessive.
(2.) What is meant by a "fluent" speaker?—What word would denote a speaker who is the reverse of "fluent"?
(3.) Write a sentence containing the word "fluid."
(4.) What is meant by "fluency" of style?
(5.) What is the ordinary use of the word "affluence"? An "affluence of ideas," means what?
(6.) Compose a sentence containing the word "confluence." MODEL: "New York City stands at the —— of two streams."
(8.) Mention a noun corresponding to the adjective "superfluous."—Compose a sentence containing the word "superfluous."—What is its opposite? Ans. Scanty, meager.
Radical: greg-.
1. ag'gregate, v.: ag (for ad) + greg + ate = to cause to be brought into a flock: hence, to gather, to assemble.
2. egre'gious: e + greg + (i)ous, through Lat. adj. egre'gius, chosen from the herd: hence, remarkable.
OBS.—Its present use is in association with inferiority.
3. con'gregate: con + greg + ate = to perform the act of flocking together: hence, to assemble.
(1.) What other part of speech than a verb is "aggregate"?—Why is this word spelled with a double g?
(2.) Combine and define egregious + ly.—What does an "egregious blunder" mean?—Compose a sentence containing the word "egregious."
(3.) Why is it incorrect to speak of congregating together?—Combine and define congregate + ion.
Radical: it-.
1. ambi'tion: amb (around) + it + ion = the act of going around. DEFINITION: an eager desire for superiority or power.
OBS.—This meaning arose from the habit of candidates for office in Rome going around to solicit votes: hence, aspiration for office, and finally, aspiration in general.
2. ini'tial, a.: in + it + (i)al = pertaining to the ingoing: hence, marking the commencement.
3. ini'tiate: in + it + (i)ate = to cause one to go in: hence, to introduce, to commence.
4. sedi'tion: sed (aside) + it + ion = the act of going aside; that is, going to a separate and insurrectionary party.
5. trans'it: trans + it = a passing across: hence, (1) the act of passing; (2) the line of passage; (3) a term in astronomy.
6. tran'sitory: trans + it + ory = passing over: hence, brief, fleeting.
(1.) Compose a sentence containing the word "ambition." MODEL: "Napoleon's ambition was his own greatness; Washington's, the greatness of his country."—What is meant by "military ambition"? "political ambition"? "literary ambition"?—What adjective means possessing ambition?—Combine and define un + ambitious.
(2.) What is the opposite of "initial"? Ans. Final, closing.—What part of speech is "initial" besides an adjective?—What is meant by "initials"?
(3.) What is meant by saying that "the campaign of 1775 was initiated by an attack on the British in Boston"?—Give the opposite of "initiate" in the sense of "commence."
(4.) Give a synonym of "sedition." Ans. Insurrection.—Give another.—Compose a sentence containing this word.
(5.) Explain what is meant by goods "in transit."—Explain what is meant by the "Nicaragua transit."—When you speak of the transit of Venus," you are using a term in what science?
(6.) Give a synonym of "transitory."—Give its opposite. Ans. Permanent, abiding.