Radicals:ag-andact-.
1.act,v.ANALYSIS: fromactumby dropping the terminationum. DEFINITION: to do, to perform. Thenoun"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 Latincogens,cogentis, pres. part, ofcog'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 worddo—hence, literally, somethingdone.—Give the distinction between "act" and "deed."Ans. "Act" is asingleaction; "deed" is avoluntaryaction: thus—"Theactionwhich was praised as a gooddeedwas but anactof 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 thenegativeof "active"?Ans. Inactive.—What is thecontraryof "active"?Ans. Passive.
(4.) Write a sentence containing "actor" in each of its two senses. MODEL: "Washington and Greene were prominentactorsin the war of the Revolution." "David Garrick, the famous Englishactor, 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 thelimbs.—Give two synonyms of "agile."Ans. Brisk,nimble.—Give the opposite of "agile."Ans. Sluggish,inert.
(7.) Explain what is meant by a "cogentargument."—What would be the contrary of acogentargument?
(8.) Combine and define enact + ment.—What is meant by the "enactingclause" of a legislative bill?—Write a sentence containing the word "enact." MODEL: "The British Parliamentenactedthe stamp-law in 1765."
(9.) Combine and define transact + ion.—What derivative from "perform" is a synonym of "transaction"?
Radical:alien-.
1.al'ien: fromalienusby dropping the terminationus. 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 analiento acitizen?
(2.) Combine and define alienate + ion.—Give a synonym of "alienate" in itssecondsense.Ans.Toestrange.—What is meant by saying that "the oppressive measures of the British government graduallyalienatedthe American colonies from the mother country"?
(3.) Quote a passage from the Declaration of Independence containing the word "inalienable."
Radicals:am-andamic-.
1.a'miable: am(i) + able = fit to be loved.
OBS.—The Latin adjective isamabilis, from which the English derivative adjective would beamable; 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 Frenchamateur, from Latinamator, 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: "Theamiablequalities 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 ofamitywith 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 anamicablesettlement of the Alabama difficulties."
(4.) What is the noun corresponding to the adjective "inimical"?Ans. Enemy.—Give its origin.Ans.It comes from the Latininimicus, an enemy, through the Frenchennemi.—What preposition does "inimical" take after it?Ans.The prepositionto—thus, "inimicalto health," "to welfare," etc.
(5.) What is meant by anamateurpainter? anamateurmusician?
Radical:anim-.
1.an'imal: from Lat. n.animathrough the Latinanimal: 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 (fromunus, 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 ananimaland a vegetable."
(2.) What is the plural of "animalcule"?Ans. Animalculesoranimalculæ.—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 "animateddiscussion."
(4.) Give two synonyms of "animosity."
(5.) What is the literal meaning of "unanimity"? If people are ofone mind, is not this "unanimity"?—What is the adjective corresponding to the noun "unanimity"?—What is theoppositeof "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!'reanimatedthe courage of the American sailors."—What does "animatedconversation" mean?
Radical:ann-.
1.an'nals: fromannus, through Lat. adj.annalis, pertaining to the year: hence, a record of things done from year to year.
2.an'nual: throughannuus(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(fromannusandmille, a thousand), a thousand years.
5.peren'nial: through Lat. adj.perennis(compounded ofperandannus), 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: "Theannalsof 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 "perennialplant" in botany?Ans.A plant continuing more than two years.—Give the contrary of "perennial."Ans. Fleeting, short-lived.
Radical:art-.
1.art: fromartisby dropping the terminationis. DEFINITION: 1. cunning—thus, an animal practicesartin escaping from his pursuers; 2. skill or dexterity—thus, a man may be said to have theartof managing his business; 3. a system of rules or a profession—as theartof 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 wordartisteis 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 anartiste.
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 noartto 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 anartist?—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-, andaudit-.
1.au'dible: audi + ble = that may be heard.
2.au'dience: audi + ence = literally, the condition of hearing: hence, an assemblage of hearers, anauditory.
3.au'dit: fromaudit(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: throughobediens, obedient(is), the present participle ofobedire(compounded ofob, towards, andaudire): 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 cannotbe 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 givingaudience?
(3.) Write a sentence containing the word "audit." MODEL—"The committee which had toauditthe accounts of Arnold discovered great frauds."—How do you spell the past tense of "audit"?—Why is thetnot doubled?
(5.) What is thenouncorresponding to the adjective "obedient"?—What is theverbcorresponding to these words?—Combine and define dis + obedient.
Radical:capit-.
1.cap'ital,a.andn.: capit + al = relating to thehead: 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 ofcity.—Write a sentence containing "capital" in the sense ofstock.—Is thecapitalof a state or country necessarily the metropolis or chief city of that state or country?—What is thecapitalof New York state?—What is themetropolisof New York State?
(3) Combine and define decapitate + ion.—Can you name an English king who wasdecapitated?—Can you name a French king who wasdecapitated?
(4) What as the meaning of "precipice" in the line, "Swift down theprecipiceof 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 anyprecipitatemovements."—Explain the meaning of the verb "precipitate" in the following sentences. "At the battle of Waterloo Wellingtonprecipitatedthe conflict, because he knew Napoleon's army was divided", "The Romans were wont toprecipitatecriminals 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 "civiccrown" 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 sayuncivility orincivility, 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 expresseshalfcivilized?—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 ofcivilization"?—Compose a sentence of your own, using this word.
Radical:cord-.
1.core: fromcor= 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. Thenoun"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 = heartwith (con)heart: hence, unity of sentiment, harmony.
OBS.—Concordin music is harmony of sound.
4.dis'cord: dis + cord = heartapart from (dis)heart: hence, disagreement, want of harmony.
5.record': through Lat. v.recordari, to remember (literally, to get byheart): 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 thecore"; "The preacher touched thecoreof the subject": in which of these sentences is "core" used in itsliteral, in which in itsfigurative, sense?
(2.) What is the Anglo-Saxon synonym of the adjective "cordial"?—Would you say a "cordiallaugh" or a "heartylaugh"?—What is the opposite of "cordial"?—Combine and define cordial + ly: cordial + ity.— Write a sentence containing thenoun"cordial" in its figurative sense. MODEL: "Washington's victory at Trenton was like acordialto 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?orconcord?) 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 showscouragewhen he endures torment without flinching"?—Would you say "The three hundred under Leonidas displayedfortitudein 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 thebody.
OBS.—The noun "corporal," meaning a petty officer, is not derived fromcorpus: it comes from the Frenchcaporal, 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: [pronouncedcore] 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,onlythe body—the spirit being departed: hence, the dead body of a human being.
(1.) Give two synonyms of "corporal."Ans.Corporealandbodily.—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 acorporalor acorporealsubstance?corporalorcorporealpunishment? Would you saycorporalstrength orbodilystrength?
(3.) Write a sentence containing the verb "incorporate" in itsfirstsense. MODEL: "The London company which settled Virginia wasincorporatedin 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 "armycorps"?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 "diplomaticcorps"?
(8.) What other form of the word "corpse" is used?Ans. The formcorseis 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 hiscorseto the ramparts we hurried."
"Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note,As hiscorseto the ramparts we hurried."
"Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note,
As hiscorseto the ramparts we hurried."
Radicals:cred-andcredit-.
1.creed: from the wordcredo, "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 = todisbelieve.
(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 notcredible."—What single word will expressnot credible?—Combine and define credible + ity.—Give a synonym of "credible."Ans. Trustworthy.—State the distinction.Ans. "Credible" is generally applied to things, as "credibletestimony"; "trustworthy" to persons, as "atrustworthywitness."
(3.) What is the meaning ofcreditin the passage,
"John Gilpin was a citizenOfcreditand renown"?
"John Gilpin was a citizenOfcreditand renown"?
"John Gilpin was a citizen
Ofcreditand renown"?
Give a synonym of this word.Ans. Trust.—What is the distinction?Ans. "Trust" looks forward; "credit" looks back—wecreditwhat has happened; wetrustwhat is to happen.—What other part of speech than a noun is "credit"?—Combine and define credit + ed.—Why is thetnot doubled?
(4.) What is the meaning of "credulous" in the passage,
"So glistened the dire snake, and into fraudLed Eve, ourcredulousmother"?—MILTON.
"So glistened the dire snake, and into fraudLed Eve, ourcredulousmother"?—MILTON.
"So glistened the dire snake, and into fraud
Led Eve, ourcredulousmother"?—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 anoun; another as averb.
Radicals used:curr-andcurs-.
1.cur'rent,a.: curr + ent = running: hence, (1) passing from person to person, as a "currentreport"; (2) now in progress, as the "currentmonth."
2.cur'rency: curr + ency = the state of passing from person to person, as "the report obtainedcurrency": 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 = runningor 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 thecurrentyear?
(2.) Why are there two r's in "currency"?Ans. Because there are two in the rootcurrere.—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 "cursoryglance" 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 wordincursion. MODEL: "The Parthians were long famed for their rapidincursionsinto the territory of their enemies."
(6.) What is meant by saying that John the Baptist was theprecursorof Christ?—What is meant by saying that black clouds are theprecursorof 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 prefixconis 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 "condignpunishment," meaning richly deserved punishment.
Radicals:doc-anddoct-.
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 "Doctorof Medicine"?—Give the abbreviation.—What does LL.D. mean?Ans.It stands for the wordslegum 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.Somethingheld—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 "lordit" over one: hence, to rule with insolence.
4.predom'inate: pre + domin + ate = to cause one to be masterbeforeanother: hence, to be superior, to rule.
(1.) What is meant by saying that "in 1776 the United Colonies threw off thedominionof Great Britain"?
(2.) What is meant by the "dominantparty"? a "dominantrace"?
(3.) Compose a sentence containing the word "domineer." MODEL: "The blustering tyrant, Sir Edmund Andros,domineeredfor 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 presentpredominatein 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 prefixad) + fin + ity = close agreement.
(1.) What is meant by saying that "the human faculties arefinite"?
(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 "finishedgentleman"?
(3.) Give a synonym of "infinity."Ans. Boundlessness.—"The microscope reveals the fact that each drop of water contains aninfinityof animalculæ." What is the sense ofinfinityas 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 "chemicalaffinity."
Radicals:flu-andflux-.
1.flux: from fluxum= a flowing.
2.flu'ent: flu + ent = having the quality of flowing. Used in reference to language it meansflowingspeech: 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 ofad) + flu + ence = a flowingto: 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 ofoverflowing: 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 "affluenceof 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 (forad) + 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 doubleg?
(2.) Combine and define egregious + ly.—What does an "egregiousblunder" mean?—Compose a sentence containing the word "egregious."
(3.) Why is it incorrect to speak of congregatingtogether?—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 Romegoing aroundto solicit votes: hence, aspiration for office, and finally, aspiration in general.
2.ini'tial,a.: in + it + (i)al = pertaining to theingoing: 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 goingaside; 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 = passingover: hence, brief, fleeting.
(1.) Compose a sentence containing the word "ambition." MODEL: "Napoleon'sambitionwas his own greatness; Washington's, the greatness of his country."—What is meant by "military ambition"? "political ambition"? "literary ambition"?—What adjective meanspossessing 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 wasinitiatedby 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 "intransit."—Explain what is meant by the "Nicaraguatransit."—When you speak of thetransitof Venus," you are using a term in what science?
(6.) Give a synonym of "transitory."—Give its opposite.Ans. Permanent, abiding.