Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots: Unit Ten Study Guide: Unit 10

General Annotations and Abbreviations

• The Abbreviation N.B.

  • This abbreviation stands for the Latin phrase "nota bene."

  • The literal translation of "nota bene" is "note well."

  • In written text, these letters usually precede a note of explanation to draw the reader's attention to important information.

Root: BENE

• Source Root: Latin BENE

• Meaning: well, good

• Vocabulary Words:

  • BENEVOLENT (bə nev'ə lənt) adj.

    • Definition: Kindly; favorable towards.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin bene ("well") + volere ("to wish"). This literally translates to "to wish well."

    • Synonym: humane.

    • Antonym: cold-hearted.

    • Context Example: A benevolent neighbor put the runaway boy up for the night.

  • BENEFACTOR (ben' ə fak tər) n.

    • Definition: A person who gives friendly aid.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin bene ("well") + facere ("to do"). This literally translates to "one who does good."

    • Context Example: When the artist began to paint in a strange, new style, her usual benefactor withdrew all financial support.

  • BENIGN (bə nin) adj.

    • Definition: Causing no harm.

    • Antonym: deadly.

    • Context Example: Although police initially thought the substance was a deadly chemical, they soon discovered it was totally benign.

    • Mnemonic Note: The text features an illustration with the caption: "Ben's $9$ BENIGN poodles made poor guard dogs."

Root: CORD

• Source Root: Latin COR, CORDIS

• Meaning: heart

• Linguistic Note on Cordials: Certain kinds of liqueurs are called "cordials" because they are perceived to "warm the heart."

• Vocabulary Words:

  • ACCORD (ə k"ord') n.

    • Definition: Sameness of opinion; agreement.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin ad ("near to") + cordis ("heart"). This translates to "heart toward."

    • Synonym: harmony.

    • Antonym: strife.

    • Context Example: The leaders of the nation were in accord on the necessity of a new budget, but no one could agree on how the money should be spent.

  • DISCORD (disk"ord) n.

    • Definition: Lack of agreement; disharmony.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin dis ("apart") + cordis ("heart"). This translates to "heart apart from."

    • Synonym: disunity.

    • Context Example: Although they tried to hide their disagreement, the discord between the two teammates was obvious.

  • CORDIAL (k"or jəl) adj.

    • Definition: Warmly friendly and polite.

    • Synonym: courteous.

    • Antonym: hostile.

    • Context Example: If Leon can't be cordial towards his ex-girlfriend, he shouldn't go to her party.

Root: ANIM

• Source Root: Latin ANIMUS

• Meaning: spirit

• Etymological Evolution: In original Latin, the adjective animosus meant "full of spirit" or "bold." However, as the noun form of this word transitioned into the English language, the meaning shifted from "boldness" to "hostility."

• Vocabulary Words:

  • ANIMOSITY (an ə m"as' ə tē) n.

    • Definition: Anger or hostility.

    • Synonym: bitterness.

    • Antonym: civility.

    • Context Example: Despite all the insults he had received, Aaron expressed no animosity towards anyone.

  • EQUANIMITY (ek wə nim'ə tē) n.

    • Definition: Evenness of mind or spirit; calm.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin aequus ("even") + animus ("spirit"). This translates to "even-spirited."

    • Synonym: composure.

    • Antonym: hysteria.

    • Context Example: After her father reassured her, the small girl was able to face the bully with equanimity.

  • MAGNANIMOUS (mag nan'ə məs) adj.

    • Definition: Generous in spirit.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin magnus ("large") + animus ("spirit"). This translates to "great-spirited."

    • Synonym: unselfish.

    • Antonym: greedy.

    • Context Example: It was quite magnanimous of Stewart to shake hands with Neil, even after Neil tried to trip him at the track meet.

Root: MAL

• Source Root: Latin MALUS

• Meaning: bad

• Historical Context of "Dismal": During the Middle Ages, specific days of the month were considered naturally unlucky. While these days are no longer identified on modern calendars, the word "dismal" survives as a souvenir of that era. It can be traced to the medieval Latin phrase dies mali, which literally means "evil days."

• Vocabulary Words:

  • DISMAL (diz' məl) adj.

    • Definition: Causing great sadness or pessimism.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin dies ("day") + malus ("evil"). This translates to "evil day."

    • Synonym: gloomy.

    • Antonym: cheerful.

    • Context Example: My first attempt to build a birdhouse was a dismal failure; nails stuck out everywhere, and the paint collected in messy clumps.

  • MALEVOLENT (mə levə lənt) adj.

    • Definition: Wishing harm towards; hostile.

    • Etymology: Derived from Latin malus ("bad") + volere ("to wish"). This translates to "wishing evil."

    • Synonym: spiteful.

    • Antonym: friendly.

    • Context Example: Erin says putting a ‘Kick Me’ sign on Reggie’s back was an innocent practical joke, but I think it was a malevolent gesture.

  • MALICIOUS (mə lish'əs) adj.

    • Definition: Intended to hurt or harm.

    • Synonym: damaging.

    • Antonym: helpful.

    • Context Example: When Laurie forgot to give April an important phone message, April accused her of being malicious.