Set Nine Flashcards
Incongruously
Prefix: in- (from Latin in-, meaning not)
Root: congruous (from Latin congruere, meaning to agree or come together)
Suffix: -ly (from Old English -lic, meaning in the manner of)
The prefix in- indicating negation and the root congruous both derive from Latin. The word incongruous was first used in the late 16th century. It has been used in various literary and philosophical contexts to describe things that are out of place or not in harmony with their surroundings.
Conglomerate
Prefix: con- (from Latin com-, meaning together)
Root: glomerate (from Latin glomerare, meaning to form into a ball or mass)
Suffix: -ate (from Latin -atus, used to form adjectives or verbs)
Originating from the Latin conglomerare, meaning to form into a ball, this term was used in the 15th century primarily in the context of geology to describe a type of rock composed of various materials. By the 19th century, it began to be used metaphorically in business to describe a corporation made up of a number of different companies.
Pernicious
Prefix: per- (from Latin per-, meaning thoroughly or completely)
Root: nici- (from Latin nex or necis, meaning violent death or killing)
Suffix: -ous (from Latin -osus, meaning full of)
Derived from the Latin perniciosus, meaning destructive or deadly, this word has been in use since the 15th century. It was often used in medical and moral contexts to describe diseases or influences that are harmful and potentially deadly.
Ostensibly
Root: ostensible (from Latin ostensibilis, meaning apparent, derived from ostendere, meaning to show)
Suffix: -ly (from Old English -lic, meaning in the manner of)
From the Latin ostendere, meaning to show, this term evolved in the 18th century. It is frequently used in legal and political contexts to describe something that appears to be true or stated to be true, but might not be the whole truth.
Erudite
Prefix: e- (from Latin ex-, meaning out of)
Root: rudite (from Latin rudis, meaning rough or unlearned; eruditus means educated or polished)
Coming from the Latin eruditus, meaning educated or learned, this term has been in use since the 15th century. It often describes someone with extensive knowledge, typically gained through study and reading, and was particularly popular during the Renaissance when scholarship and learning were highly valued.
Decrepitude
Root: decrepit (from Latin decrepitus, meaning very old or infirm)
Suffix: -ude (from Latin -udo, indicating a state or condition)
From the Latin decrepitus, meaning very old or worn out, this term has been used since the 17th century. It often describes the frailty associated with old age or the state of being worn out and dilapidated, whether referring to people or objects.
Belligerence
Prefix: belli- (from Latin bellum, meaning war)
Root: ger (from Latin gerere, meaning to wage)
Suffix: -ence (from Latin -entia, indicating a state or condition)
Derived from Latin belliger, meaning warlike, this word has been used since the early 19th century. It is commonly used in political and diplomatic contexts to describe an aggressive or warlike attitude, especially in the context of international relations.
Denizen
Root: denizen (from Middle English denizeine, derived from Old French denzein or denzein, meaning inhabitant, from Late Latin deintus, meaning from within)
Suffix: -en (a variation of the suffix, from Old French -ain or -en, indicating someone who belongs to a place)
Coming from Middle English denizeine, this term historically referred to an inhabitant or resident. In medieval times, it had a specific legal meaning, referring to a foreigner who was granted certain rights of residence. It reflects the historical processes of naturalization and the legal status of residents.
Diametrically
Root: diametric (from Greek diametros, meaning diagonal, from dia-, meaning through, and metron, meaning measure)
Suffix: -ally (from Old English -lic, meaning in the manner of, combined with the suffix -ally to form adverbs)
This term originates from Greek diametros, meaning diagonal or diameter. The term diametrically has been used in logical and philosophical discussions since the 17th century to describe things that are completely opposed, as the ends of a diameter are.
Munificence
Root: munific (from Latin munificus, meaning bountiful, from munus, meaning gift or service, and facere, meaning to do or make)
Suffix: -ence (from Latin -entia, indicating a state or condition)
From Latin munificus, meaning bountiful or generous, this term has been used since the 16th century. It is often used to describe acts of great generosity or philanthropy, reflecting the social and cultural value placed on beneficence throughout history.
