Vocabulary: junio 2011

Below is a list of words that often appear on theTOEFL test. The underlined sections of a word provide links to definitions of that word’s respective roots, prefixes and suffixes. Sentences are provided as examples of word usage.

A B C D E F G H J L M N O P Q R S T U V
A
act, ag

react (verb): to act in response to something

re + act

How did he react when he heard the news?

agent (noun): something which acts or acts upon something else
ag + ent
The travel agent helped her purchase the tickets.

active (adjective): involving movement, moving about

act + ive

Joan is an active child.

agitate (verb): to excite, to disturb, to stir up

agit + ate

The washing machine agitates the load of laundry.

aud, audit, aur

audible ( adjective): can be heard

aud + ible

Your voice is barely audible over the sound of the train whistle.

auditorium (noun): a place where one goes to hear something

audit+ orium

The band played in the school auditorium

auricular

aur + ic + ul + ar

The auricular ability of the cat is well-known.

am, ami

amorous (adjective): loving

amor + ous

The actor played an amorous role.

amiable (adjective) friendly, agreeable

ami + able

He seems to be an amiable man.

amicable (adjective): friendly

amic + able

The two neighbors came to an amicable decision about the fence.

anim

animal (noun): a living creature

anim + al

A dog is an animal.

animate (verb): to give spirit or support, to supply movement

anim + ate

The artist animated the cartoon.

animosity (noun): hostility, ill will

animos + ity

There isn’t any animosity between us.

ann, annu, enni

annals (noun): record of events, historical records

ann + al + s

The annals of the organization are kept in notebooks.

annual (adjective): yearly

annu + al

She is planning on going to the company’s annual meeting.

annuity (noun): money payable yearly

annu + ity

Joan is going to invest her annuity in the stock market.

anniversary (noun): the yearly celebration of an event

anni + vers + ary

John’s parents will celebrate their wedding anniversary in April.

perennial (adjective): enduring, persisting for several years

per + enn + ial

I would like to buy some perennial plants.

auc, aug, aut

author (noun): one that originates or creates, a writer

auth + or

Susan met the author of this book.

augment (verb): to increase, to add to

aug + ment

He had to augment his salary by taking another job.

auction (noun): a sale of goods to the highest bidder

auct + ion

I bought this car at the auction.

B
bene biblio

benevolent

benign (adjective): harmless, mild, gentle

The doctor removed a benign tumor from my neck and I went home the same day.

brev + ity

bibliography

biology

brief

abbreviate (verb): to shorten

How does one abbreviate the word “Minnesota”?

brevity (noun): short or concise expression

The politician gave short speeches and he became known for his brevity.

C
cad, cap, cas, ceiv, cept, cid

deceive (verb): to cause or allow someone to believe something is true when it is actually false; to mislead

de + ceive

The criminal deceived many people into believing she was honest.

capable (adjective): having the ability to do something; having the traits necessary to perform some action

cap + able

Jose is a very capable lawyer.

capacious (adective): containing a great deal

capac + ious

You have a capacious library with many unusual books.

captive (noun, adjective): a person held against his or her own will; held prisoner

cap+ tive

The captives were taken to the jail.

Geoff had a captive audience.

accident (noun): an unplanned event

ac + cid + ent

Don’t get upset about minor accidents and errors.

capture (verb): to gain control of, to gain by effort

capt + ure

In the game of chess, the object is to capture the king.

occasion (noun): an opportunity; a happening, instance or celebration

oc + cas + ion

Did you have an occasion to speak with your professor?

receive (verb): to take in, to acquire

re + ceive

Imelda received many letters in the mail today.

concept (noun): an idea

con + cept

The concept of using computers in the classroom is relatively new.

ceas, cede, ceed, cess

predecessor (noun): a person who has previously occupied a position that another has taken over

pre + de + cess + or

I hope I can live up to my predecessor’s reputation.

succeed (verb): to follow after another, to do well

suc + ceed

To succeed as a student, one must study.

recede (verb): to move back, to withdraw

re + cede

The water receded five days after the flood.

concede (verb): to accept as true, to yield, to allow

con + cede

I conceded to her point of view.

exceed (verb): to go beyond a limit, to be greater than

ex + ceed

The driver exceeded the speed limit by ten miles an hour.

recess (noun): an indentation, a temporary break

re + cess

The children were given a recess from the lessons.

deceased (adjective): dead

de + ceas + ed

The deceased person will be cremated rather than buried.

chron

chronic (adjective): marked by a long period of time, recurrence

chron + ic

Gabrielle has a chronic back disorder and cannot lift heavy objects.

chronicle (noun): a historical account arranged in order of time

chron + icle

The teacher asked us to read a chronicle on the Revolutionary War.

chronological (adjective): arranged in order of time

chrono + log + ical

The text book listed the presidents in chronological order.

clam, claim

acclaim (verb): praise

ac + claim

The restaurant is acclaimed for its desserts.

exclaim (verb): to speak loudly, to cry out in surprise

ex + claim

The children exclaimed “hurray” when they heard there would be no classes tomorrow.

clamor (noun, verb): n. noise, v. to make noise

clam + or

The children clamored for more ice cream.

proclaim (verb): to declare loudly

pro + claim

The president of the university proclaimed March 21 to be a holiday in honor of the school’s award winning faculty.

cogn, gnos

cognizant (adjective): aware

cogniz + ant

The man was cognizant of the danger of walking through the park at night.

diagnose (verb): to recognize (diseases) by symptoms

dia + gnose

The patient was diagnosed with Lyme’s disease.

agnostic (noun): one who believes that any ultimate reality is unknowable

ag + gnost + ic

John is unsure of the reality of god and considers himself to be an agnostic.

recognize (verb): to know, to identify

re + cogn + ize

I thought I recognized your face from somewhere.

corp

corpse (noun): a dead body

corpse

A corpse was found floating in the river.

corpulent (adjective): having a large body

corp + ul + ent

The corpulent politician jabbed a fat finger in the air.

incorporate (verb): to unite into one being

in + corp + or + ate

The artist incorporated paint, photographs, and fabric into her artwork.

corporate (adjective): formed into a body or association, united in one group

corp + or + ate

The corporate structure allowed many people to work as a group.

cre, cresc, cret

crescent (noun, adjective): a narrow curved shape; a quarter moon or smaller

cresc + ent

The crescent moon could be glimpsed through the clouds.

create (verb): to originate, to produce through imagination

cre + ate

The musician created a new musical arrangement.

accretion (verb): growth by gradual addition

ac + cret + ion

The accretion of dirt on windows is sometimes hard to detect.

increase (verb): to grow in size or amount

in + crease Alfonse wishes he could find a way to increase his salary.

cred

credible (adjective): can be believed, reasonable

cred + ible

The witness gave a credible account of the accident.

credulous (adjective): too ready to believe

cred + ul + ous

The credulous child believed the story about flying horses.

incredible (adjective): unbelievable, amazing

in + cred + ible

Makiko said she just saw an incredible horror movie.

cour, cur, curr, curs

excursion (noun): a trip

ex + curs + ion

The father planned an excursion to the zoo for his children.

discourse (noun, verb): a conversation, to talk

dis + course

The discourse between the speaker and the audience was informal.

courier (noun): a messenger

couri + er

The courier gave the message to the secretary.

course (noun, verb): forward movement, movement from point to point; to run along a path

course

Blood courses through your veins with every beat of your heart.

occur (verb): to happen, to come to mind

oc + cur

It just occurred to me that tomorrow is your birthday.

current (adjective, noun): happening now, up to date; the movement of water

curr + ent

Is this information current or out of date?

D
dic, dict, dit

dictionary (noun): a book of definitions

dict + ion + ary

Juliana looked up the word in the dictionary.

condition (noun): the state of something or someone

con + dit + ion

Is your car in good condition?

indicate (verb): to show, to point out

in + dic + ate

The gas gauge indicates that we are almost out of gas.

dictate (verb): to speak for a person to record, to issue an order

dict + ate

The lawyer dictated the letter to her secretary.

predict (verb): to say what will happen in the future

pre + dict

Joseph predicts that he will get married in ten years.

addict (verb): to be devoted to something in an obsessive manner

ad + dict

Leslie is addicted to betting on the horse races.

doc, doct

doctor (noun): a person who has received the highest degree a university offers, a physician

doct + or

Andre is going to medical school so that he can be a doctor like his mother.

doctrine (noun): something that is taught, dogma

doctr + ine

We learned about the doctrine of “manifest destiny” in our American history class.

docile (adjective): obedient, easily taught

doc + ile

Mrs. Galindez wants to buy a docile dog for her son.

document (noun): an official paper

docu + ment

The library houses many government documents in its collection.

dog, dox

orthodox (adjective): holding conventional beliefs

ortho + dox

I don’t know if my interpretation of that book is orthodox or not.

dogma (noun): an established opinion

dog + ma

Some people find the dogma associated with that organization disturbing.

paradox (noun): a statement that seems to contradict itself but contains some truth

para + dox

The paradox of the matter is that I want to see the opera but I also want to stay home.

dec, dign

decorate (verb): to make something look attractive or suitable

dec + or + ate

Linda decorated her apartment with paintings and plants.

decent (adjective): conforming to standards, good, kind

dec + ent

This magazine contains a decent article on home improvement.

dignity (noun): quality of being worthy, noble, honored

dign + ity

I haven’t yet had the dignity and honor of being grand marshall of the parade.

duc, duct

conduct (verb, noun): v. to lead or guide, n. a person’s behavior

con + duct

Jared was conducted into the doctor’s office by the nurse.

Arnelle’s conduct was inexcusable and she should apologize to the class.

educate (verb): to train, to provide schooling for

e + duc + ate

The school tries to educate its students to be productive members of society.

induct (verb): to install in office or to enroll in military service

in + duct

Mindy was inducted into the army last month.

deduct (verb): to subtract

de + duct

The salesperson deducted five dollars off the purchase price of the radio.

deduce (verb): to make a decision or draw a conclusion by reasoning

de + duce

I deduced from the trail of crumbs and the empty milk carton that the children were home.

produce (verb, noun): to bring forward, to make to bear or yield; something made or grown

pro + duce

The lawyer produced new evidence at the trial.

The produce from the farm will go to the market next week.

seduce (verb): to persuade (especially into doing something wrong), to tempt

se + duce

Money and power have been known to seduce many honest people.

induce (verb): to persuade, cause, or bring about by artificial means.

in + duce

If a child swallows poison, it is suggested that vomiting should be induced.

E
ev, et

eternal (adjective): not effected by time, without beginning or end, ceaseless

etern + al

The lecture seemed eternal and many in the audience had fallen asleep.

medieval (adjective): relating to the Middle Ages (500 – 1500 AD)

med + iev al

There are many styles to medieval architecture and a building built in 500 AD looks different from one built in 1000 AD.

F
fict, feign, fain

faint (adjective, verb): indistinct, not clearly perceived, weak; to lose consciousness from lack of blood to the brain

faint

There is a faint odor of apples in this room.

Some people faint at the sight of blood.

feign (verb): to pretend

feign

The child feigned illness in an attempt to avoid the test.

fiction (noun): something produce from imagination, an invented story

fict + ion

The excuse Marvin just gave for not doing his homework is pure fiction.

fig

effigy (noun): a figure representing a disliked person.

e f + fig + y

The children made an effigy of their nasty neighbor.

figure (noun): shape, pattern, drawing

fig + ure

The figure Louise drew on the paper looks nothing like an apple.

figment (noun): a thing that does not exist, something made up

fig + ment

Ghosts and monsters are figments of an active imagination.

fac, fact, fec, fic, fas, fea

fashion (noun, verb): the form of something, style; to give shape or form to

fash + ion

The current fashion is hair worn short.

feasible (adjective): capable of being done

feas + ible

The engineer thought that building the bridge across the river was a feasible project.

feature (noun, verb): the appearance or form of a person or object; to picture or portray

feat + ure

Lisette’s best feature is her eyes.

factory (noun): a place where things are made or built

fact + ory

There is a boat factory near the river.

difficult (adjective): hard to do, troublesome, hard to understand

di + fic + ult

The test was difficult and I answered only eight of the ten questions.

fact (noun): something known to be true

fact

It’s a fact that the world is round.

effect (noun): a change caused by something, a result, influence

e + fect

The sun’s effect on human skin is known to be harmful.

fer

fertile (adjective): productive, bearing or capable of bearing fruit in large quantities

fert + ile

The land by the river is quite fertile and many crops are grown there.

refer (verb): to classify within a general category, to send or direct to another source

re + fer

The patient was referred to a physical therapist for additional treatment.

infer (verb): to come to a conclusion from facts or ideas, to guess

in + fer

Sometimes a reader has to infer from the facts presented in an article what the main idea is about.

fid

diffident (adjective): hesitant in acting, shy

dif + fid + ent

The diffident student would not speak in front of the class.

fidelity (noun): the quality of being faithful, accuracy

fid + el + ity

The fidelity of this video reproduction is quite good.

confide (verb): to trust, to trust another person with a secret

con + fide

Joan confided in her friend and told her a secret.

flu, fluct, flux

fluent (adjective): capable of moving with ease, able to speak another language

flu + ent

The dancer had a fluent body.

Juanita is fluent in several languages.

superfluous (adjective): extra, more than is needed

super + flu + ous

Three cherries on my piece of cake is superfluous; I only needed one.

influence (verb, noun): to have an effect on something; the ability to affect something indirectly

in + flu + ence

It was John’s success as a musician that influenced my decision to take guitar lessons.

fluid (adjective): capable of flowing, a smooth style, liquid

flu + id

The ink my new pen is quite fluid and flows evenly across the page.

fluctuate (verb): to shift back and forth, to move erratically

fluctu + ate

My body temperature has been fluctuating all day — sometimes I’m hot and sometimes I’m cold.

form fract, frag, frai

format

formulate (verb): to prepare from a set of steps (formula), to devise

The chemist formulated a new way of making dish detergent.

fracture (verb, noun): to break, to crack; a broken bone

fract + ure Miguel fractured his arm while skiing.

fragment (noun): a piece broken off, a part of something

frag + ment

It bothers me that I can remember only a fragment of the poem rather than the whole piece.

frail (adjective): easily broken, not strong

frail

Be careful! That chair is frail

G
gen, gin

generally (adverb): in a general manner, usually, with regard to the whole not specifics

gen + er + al + ly

Generally, Lance leaves work at 5:00 p.m.

gingerly (adverb, adjective): careful

gin + ger + ly

Paulette picked up the antique vase gingerly and placed it on the shelf.

indigenous (adjective): native, having been born in a specific area or environment

in + di + gen + ous

The tomato plant is indigenous to South America.

ge de + gree

geography

categorize

grade (noun): a stage in a process, a mark indicating quality

Ali hopes to receive a passing grade on his midterm exam.

progress (verb, noun): to move forward; forward movement

Mina progressed to the next level in her French language program.

There hasn’t been much progress made in getting the house built — only the frame is up.

degree (noun): a step or stage in a process, a rank, a level of intensity

There is a high degree of stress associated with being a police officer.

graph, graf H

graphic

graffitti (noun): drawings or writing on a wall

Many people find the graffitti on the subway trains disturbing.

her, hes

adhere (verb): to stick

ad + here

Paper often adheres to wet surfaces.

hesitate (verb): to hold back a decision, to waver

hesit + ate

Don’t hesitate to call me if you need help.

J
jac, ject, jet re + ject

adjacent

jettison (verb): to throw away, to cast off

The captain of the sinking ship jettisoned the cargo.

reject (verb): to throw out, unwilling to accept

David was rejected by two schools before he found a school that accepted him.

jug, junct, just

adjust (verb): to change or adapt to fit or match something

ad + just

Jared has to adjust to his new work schedule.

conjugal (adjective): of marriage, marital relationship

con + jug + al

One should think seriously before entering a conjugal relationship.

junction (noun): the place at which two things join

junct + ion

Deborah’s house is at the junction of Hill and Maple streets.

L
lex, leg

col + lege

Yolanda is going to college to become a lawyer.

(noun): a school for higher learning, a group of people having a common purpose
college

legal (adjective, noun): based on law; conforms to law

leg + al

Jared is working as a legal secretary for two lawyers in New York

Is it legal to own fireworks in Massachusetts or is there a law against them?

league (noun): a group of people, an association

leag + ue

There are fifty people participating in the bowling league.

lect

col + lect

The little girl collected wildflowers for her mother.

(verb): to gather, to bring together
collect

legible (noun): readible, clear enough to read

leg + ible

His handwriting is quite legible.

eligible (adjective): qualified, worthy to be chosen

e + lig + ible

Now that Geoffrey is eighteen he is eligible to vote.

loc

loc + al + ly

The vegetables are grown locally.

(adverb): nearby, relative to a certain area
locally

log

log + ic

Simone is taking a class in logic and she is learning about how to reason.

(noun): the study of reason
logic

luc

trans + luc + ent

The sheet of paper is translucent when held close to a lightbulb.

(adjective): allowing some light to shine through
translucent

illuminate (verb): to provide with light, to make lighter, to make clear

il + lum + in + ate

The lamp illuminates the room.

illustrate (verb): to explain by using pictorial examples, to show by using visual examples

il + lustr + ate

Christopher illustrated his idea on piece of paper for everyone to see.

M
man

man + age + ment

This store is under new management.

(noun): the act of handling or running something, usually a business.
management

mem

com + mem + or + ate

The American Revolution is commemorated every Fourth of July.

(verb): to remember an important event through ceremony or observation
commemorate

memory (noun): the ability to recall past events

mem + or + y

Geanine has an excellent memory and she can recall things that happened years ago.

ment

mental (adjective): related to the mind

ment + al

Lauren’s mental abilities must be quite good if she achieved a perfect score without even studying.

mention (verb): to cite, to speak about, to refer to

ment + ion

The instructor forgot to mention that the class was cancelled.

min

minor (adjective): lesser, less important

min + or

The knife slipped and Marcelle received a minor cut.

minute (adjective, noun): tiny, very small; sixty seconds

min + ute

Even though the speck of dirt on the camera lens was minute, it ruined the photograph.

Terry will be finished in one minute.

minuscule (adjective): very small

minusc + ule

The minuscule gem was very hard to see without magnifying glasses.

mit, miss

ad + mit

I must admit that even though you didn’t like the movie I did.

(verb): to accept, to confess, to allow entry
admit

missive (noun): a letter to be sent

miss + ive

Missives were more common one hundred years ago. Today, people use the telephone.

mob, mov, mot

re + move

The waiter removed the dirty dishes from the table.

(verb): to take off or to take away
remove

mobile (adjective): able to move

mob + ile

Many people drive their mobile homes from North to South, following the warm weather.

motion (noun): act of moving, action

mot + ion

Many people find the motion of a rocking chair soothing.

N
nasc, nat, gnant, nai

nat +ive

Turkeys are native to North America.

(adjective): belonging to a place by birth, indigenous
native

nascent (adjective): just born

nasc + ent

The nascent kittens curled up with their mother.

pregnant (adjective): having a child developing in the womb, “with child”

pre + gn +ent

Linda’s dog is pregnant and it will have its puppies in November.

naive (adjective): lack of experience, not knowledgeable of the world

nai + ve

When Olivia went to New York ten year’s ago she was naive, but now she is a well-seasoned traveler.

nom

nomin + ate

Vittorio nominated Mary for class president.

(verb): to name for office
nominate

synonym (noun): a word with a similar meaning to another word in the same language

syn + onym

The word “fair” is a synonym for the word “just.”

nov

novel + ty

After six months the novelty of Pierre’s new car is starting to wear off.

(noun): something new
novelty

novice (noun): a newcomer, a beginner, someone new to something

nov + ice

Bjorn is a novice when it comes to playing poker or other card games.

O
oper

oper + ate

People are advised not to operate heavy machinery after drinking alcohol.

(verb): to work, to perform
operate

opus (noun): a musical composition

opus

Vivaldi’s opus number three is not as well known as is other compositions.

P
pat

pati + ent

Josiah was patient as he waited in line for concert tickets.

Amelia has been a patient of Dr. Gustaf’s for ten years.

(adjective, noun): calm, bearing pain without complaint; a person under medical care
patient

passion (noun): a strong feeling or emotion

pass + ion

Barbara has a passion for motorcycle racing.

sympathy (noun): sharing another person’s feelings, the ability to feel for another person’s suffering

sym + path + y

Ching-wei expressed his deepest sympathy when hearing of Mrs. Martin’s death.

pathology (noun): the study of diseases

patho + log + y

Blaise is studying pathology because he wants to learn about diseases.

ped

im + pede

The shackles and chains impeded the prisoner’s escape.

(verb): to hinder, to slow down
impede

pedestal (noun): a support for a column or other structure, a base for something

pedest + al

Johannes put the vase on a pedestal.

pedestrian (noun): a person walking

pedestr + ian

As soon as the cars stopped, the pedestrians crossed the street.

pod

podium (noun): a platform, an area raised above the surrounding ground, a place at which to speak in front of an audience

pod + ium

The professor walked up to the podium and spoke into the microphone.

pel

re + pel

Does Margo’s new jacket repel water?

(verb): to drive away or push back
repel

pulse (noun): the regular action of blood through arteries

pulse

The nurse felt for the patient’s pulse in his neck.

pend, pond

suspend (noun): to hang from, to interrupt, to stop

sus + pend

The light was turned on by a string suspended from the light fixture.

ponder (verb): to think about, to weigh in one’s mind

pond + er

Levi pondered the possibility of going to medical school.

phan, fan

phan + tom

The children told horror stories about phantoms and ghosts.

(noun): something seen but having no physical existence, a ghost.
phantom

fantasy (noun): a creation of the imagination that cannot be real, a daydream

fantas + y

When Miguel was a child he had a fantasy about being a doctor on the planet Jupiter.

phil

philo+ soph + er

Plato wrote about the Greek philosopher Socrates.

(noun): a person who seeks (loves) wisdom
philosopher

phon

phonet + ic

The phonetic alphabet is useful when studying languages or linguistics.

(adjective) relating to speech sounds
phonetic

pict

de + pict

In the movie the character was depicted as evil.

(verb): to portray, to represent
depict

port

im + port

Fyodor imports caviar and other products from Russia.

(verb): to bring in from a foreign country
import

portage (noun) the labor of carrying boats across land

port + age

Bill said that he had a five mile portage on his last canoe trip.

pli, ply

re + ply

Did Marco reply to Emily’s invitation?

Lynn received a negative reply from her parents and she will not be going to the party.

(verb, noun): to respond, to answer; a response
reply

implicate (verb): to involve, to incriminate

im + plic + ate

The thief was implicated in three burglaries.

ply (noun): a layer

ply

Two ply tissue paper is stronger than one ply.

pon, pos

posit + ion

What position does Ian hold at his mother’s company?

(noun): a place occupied by something
position

postpone (verb): to put off to a later time

post + pone

The baseball game was postponed because of the storm.

posture (noun) the position of a body

post + ure

Denise has terrific posture — her back is straight and strong.

psych

psycho + log + y

Lynette studies psychology because she is interested in how people think and feel.

(noun): study of how the mind works
psychology

Q
quir

in + quire

Debbie inquired about employment opportunities at the factory.

(verb): to ask about
inquire

exquisite (adjective): carefully selected, marked by beauty

ex + quis + ite

Everyone noticed the exquisite diamond Toni was wearing.

quest (noun): a search, the act of seeking

quest

At four in the morning Quincy went out on a quest for ice cream.

query (verb, noun): to ask questions, a question

query

The lawyer queried the witness.

I have a query about the origins of the English language.

R
rupt

cor + rupt

The politician was corrupted by power and money.

The corrupt judge was arrested for accepting a bribe.

(verb, adjective): to change from good to bad
corrupt

rupture (verb): to break or burst

rupt + ure

The water bed ruptured and the water flowed onto the floor.

interrupt (verb): to stop, to break in (usually with questions)

inter + rupt

It’s impolite to interrupt someone while they are speaking.

S
sci

con + sci + ous

Gerturde was conscious of everything even though she appeared asleep.

(adjective): aware, having knowledge of oneself
conscious

science (noun): a system of knowledge

sci + ence

Claire enjoys science, especially biology.

scrib, scrip

scribble (verb): to write quickly or carelessly

scribb + le

He scribbled a note in his notebook.

script (noun): handwriting, something written

script

Sometimes her script is hard to read.

describe (verb): to say what something is like

de + scribe

The scientist described his experiment to the class.

sent, sens

sensation (noun): ability to feel due to stimulation

sens + at + ion

Jamal felt a tingling sensation in his arm after he hit his elbow on the table.

sentimental (adjective): marked by feeling or emotion

senti + ment +al

Lauren has a sentimental attachment to that quilt because her great grandmother made it.

sequ

sequ + ence

The sequence of events were as follows: first we had dinner, then we went to the movies, and then we went fo ice cream.

(noun): a continuous series
sequence

consecutive (adjective): following in an unbroken order

con + secut + ive

Terri was elected team captain three consecutive years in a row.

ensue (verb): to happen afterward

en + sue

After a disagreement in the restaurant, a fight ensued in the parking lot.

soci solv, solu

society

solitary

isolate (verb): to separate from others, to place something by itself

i +

The sick cat was isolated from the other animals.

sol + uble

solve

absolute (adjective): complete, unrestricted, perfect

The babysitter has absolute authority over the children while their parents are away.

soluble (adjective): able to disperse in liquid

Sugar is soluble in water.

spec, spi spicic + ious

spectator

despise (verb): to hate, tolook down on

Marguerite despises people who are cruel to animals.

auspicicious (adjective): favorable

au +

The thousand dollar donation made for an auspicious beginning.

espionage (noun): using spies or observers

e + spion + age

Espionage is often depicted in mystery movies and novels.

spir stab, stat

respiration

inspire (verb): to stimulate, to fill with a feeling or desire

Students are often inspired by their teachers.

sta + nce

stature

establish (verb): to found, to start, to make firm

e +

Southampton College was established in 1963.

stance (noun): a way of standing, a position, an attitude

A person’s stance is very important in the games of golf and baseball.

strain, strict string + ent

restrain

constrict (verb): to squeeze, to make narrow

Marvin felt constricted by the suit and tie he wore to the meeting.

stringent (adjective): strict, tight, severe

There are stringent rules and regulations one must follow when operating a child care center.

prestige (noun): respect for a person or a thing

pre + stige

There is a lot of prestige associated with occupying a political position.

stru, stroy ob + struct

destroy

misconstrue (verb): to interpret, analyse, or understand something incorrectly; misunderstand

Do not misconstrue his actions to mean he likes you — being pleasant to customers is part of his job.

obstruct (verb): to block, prevent, hinder

The fallen tree obstructed the roadway and blocked traffic for hours.

T
tact, tang con + tig + uous

tactilely

tangible (adjective): able to be perceived by touch, physically real

Many people want tangible proof of something before they believe it to be true.

contiguous (adjective): touching, next in a sequence

The United States has forty-eight contiguous states.

contingent (adjective): possible, dependent on something else

con + ting + ent

Armand’s move to a new apartment is contingent on his getting a raise.

tend, tens tain, ten

extensive

contend (verb): to strive or reach for, to argue

The two fighters contended for the heavy-weight championship title.

con + tent

retain

continue (verb): to keep going, to remain

The movie is scheduled to continue until midnight.

content (noun, adjective): something contained, held; satisfied

I can’t tell what the content of this can is until I open it.

tenacious (adjective): holding or sticking to something

ten + ac + ious

Kareem is tenacious and he will stick with a subject until he understands it.

term terr

exterminate

terminal (adjective): relating to an end

Margot has been diagnosed with a terminal disease and has been given only six months to live.

test

territory

terrain (noun): the physical features of an area

There is some very rough terrain in the White Mountain area of New Hampshire.

therm

attest

testify (verb): to make a statement based on personal knowledge

The witness testified at the trial.

tor

thermometer

thermal (adjective): relating to the presence of heat

Lisa bought some thermal underwear to take with her when she goes skiing.

con + tort

torment

torsion (noun): twisting of a body or an organ by an external force along an axis

The torsion of the bolt will help release the wheel.

contort (verb): to twist into an abnormal shape

The actor contorted her face into an evil grin and scared the audience.

tract, trai treat + y

attract

train (verb): to teach or to cause to do something

Yvette trained her dog to perform tricks.

treaty (noun): a formal agreement

The rebels and the new government signed a treaty calling for peace.

U
uni V

unite

unison (noun): at the same time, at the same pitch

The two singers sang in unison.

vac ven, vent

vacant

vacuum (noun): empty space, isolation from outside influence

Some people seem to live in a vacuum and they have no knowledge of current events.

pre + vent

convene

invent (verb): to create through thought or imagination

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone and other devices.

prevent (verb): to act ahead of, to keep from happening

Lamont prevented a disastrous fire by calling the fire department the moment he smelled smoke.

ver verb, verv

verify

veracity (noun): truthfulness, accuracy

Daphne is known for her veracity and honesty.

vers, vert:

verbalize

verve (noun): enthusiasm

The cheerleaders showed verve and school spirit at the football game.

vid, vis

versatile

revert (verb): to go back, to return (to an original state)

The land slowly reverted to a wild state after it was abandoned.

vis + ible

video

review (verb): to look at again, to re-examine

Marsha reviewed for the test by re-reading her class notes.

visible (adjective): able to be seen

Sometimes the moon is visible during the day.

indivisible (adjective, noun): cannot be separated

in + di + vis + ible

The Pledge of Allegiance mentions that the United States is an indivisible nation.

vit, viv voc, voke

vital

revive (verb): to return to life

After spending a day in the sun, I was revived by a glass of water.

volv, vol

vocal

revoke (verb): to call back, to withdraw

Karl’s license was revoked because he was caught driving 20 miles over the speed limit.

e + vol + ut + ion

revolve

revolt (verb): to rebel, to turn against, to feel disgust

It was the peasants who revolted during the French Revolution.

Cooked carrots revolt some people.

evolution (noun): the process by which something develops

Darwin and other natural scientists have developed theories of evolution.

(verb): to turn around

re + volve

The earth revolves around the sun.

(adjective): uttered by the voice, producing sound

voc + al

Parrots are known to be very vocal birds.

(adjective): necessary for life

vit + al

The cancer had not yet spread to her vital organs and she was given an excellent chance for a full recovery.

(noun): television or recorded movies

vid + eo

Patricia rented a video and watched it on her television.

(adjective): capable of changing or adapting, useful

vers + at + ile

When used correctly, a computer can be a versatile tool.

(verb): to express in words, to put into words

verb + al + ize

Sometimes it is difficult to verbalize one’s feelings.

(verb): to confirm that something is true

ver + ify

The police officer verified Arthur’s identity by asking for his driver’s license.

(verb): to assemble, to come together

con + vene

The meeting convened at 2:00 p.m. and lasted until 5:00 p.m.

(adjective): empty, not occupied, free

vac + ant

The hotel has only one vacant room left.

(verb) to make one, to join together

unite

The two small companies united and became one large business.

(verb): to draw toward, to arouse interest

at + tract

The spilled sugar attracted flies and ants.

(noun, verb): agony, pain; to cause recurring pain

tor + ment

The torment Jean’s nightmares caused made him seek professional help.

The guards tormented the prisoners.

(noun) a device for measuring heat

thermo + meter

I took my temperature with a thermometer.

(verb): to provide proof, to say something is true

at + test

Malcolm can attest to Shiela’s honesty since he has known her for ten years.

(noun): area of land

territ + ory

This area is considered to be Canadian territory.

(verb): to kill off, to get rid of

ex + term + in + ate

The Schaeffer’s hired a company to exterminate the cockroaches living in their house.

(verb): to keep, to hold in place

re + tain

Blanche retained her Alaskan residence since she will return there when she is finished with school.

(adjective): large in area, wide

ex + tens + ive

There are extensive farm fields located in the plain states.

(adverb): related to the sense of touch

tact + ile + + ly

Some people are tactilely oriented while others are visually oriented.

(verb): to ruin, to pull down

de + stroy

The house was destroyed by the fire.

(verb): to hold back, to prevent from doing

re + strain

The dog was restrained by the trainer’s grip on its leash.

(noun): height of a body, importance of position

stat + ure

I’m reluctant to say she was short, but she was of rather small stature.

(noun): breathing

re + spir + at + ion

Respiration becomes increasingly difficult the higher one climbs.

(noun): a person who watches or observes

spect + at + or

There were over a thousand spectators at the local baseball game.

(verb): to find an answer

solve

The professor asked the student to solve the problem and show her answer on the board.

(adjective): being alone

solit + ary

There was a solitary bather on the beach.

(noun): community, the relationship among individuals living or working in a common area, companionship

societ + y

Sometimes what is best for a society is not always good for an individual living in that society.

(adjective): to lie next to

ad + jac + ent

You won’t have a long walk between classes because the engineering building is adjacent to the chemistry laboratories.

(adjective): written, drawn, vividly shown

graph + ic

Dominic is planning to study graphic art.

grade (verb): to place things in classes or sets, to classify

cate + gor + ize

The professor asked her students to categorize the plants they found.

(noun): a science that describes the earth’s surface

geo + graph + y

The geography of New York varies from the sandy shores to rocky mountains.

(noun): the shape and size of something, the arrangement of something

form + at

The format of this class will be half lecture and half class participation.

(adjective): short

brief

Anand gave a brief lecture on the rain forest.

(noun): the study of life

bio + log + y

In biology class the students learned about how the human body works.

(noun): a list of written works

biblio + graph + y

Olaf listed a brief bibliography at the end of his paper.

(adjective): marked by goodwill

bene + vol + ent

The “Salvation Army” is known as a benevolent society for its acts of charity.

re + volt re + voke re + vive re + view re + vert verve ver + ac + ity in + vent vacu + um uni + son train tors + ion therm + al test ify terr + ain term + in + al con + tin + ue con + tend tang + ible mis + con + strue con + strict stabl + ish in + spire de + spise ab + sol + ute sol + ate sol jett + ison graph + itti pro + gress grad, gress, gree gor form + ul + ate ab + brevi + ate brev bio, bi ben + ign

Vocabulary

English Vocabulary

English Vocabulary

Phrasal Verbs 2

Phrasal Verbs

Prepositions and Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb Dictionary

Verb + Preposition Dictionary

Preposition Basics

Phrasal Verbs

Mixed Prepositions

TOEFL Test VOCABULARY