Set seven

Question 1

Perspicacity

Answer 1

Root: “spic” (look, see)
Prefix: “per-“ (through, thoroughly)
Suffix: “-acity” (forming nouns indicating a quality or state)
Etymology: From Latin “perspicacitas,” from “perspicax” (sharp-sighted), from “perspicere” (to look through), from “per-“ (through) + “specere” (to look).
The word “perspicacity” comes from the Latin perspicacitas, meaning sharp-sightedness or discernment. First used in English in the early 17th century, it reflects the Renaissance value of keen insight and intellectual acuity. It was often used to praise the perceptive abilities of scholars and thinkers during this period.

Question 2

Deleterious

Answer 2

Root: “deleter” (destroyer)
Prefix: None
Suffix: “-ious” (forming adjectives indicating a quality)
Etymology: From Greek “dēlētērios” (noxious), from “dēleter” (destroyer), from “dēleisthai” (to harm).
Originating from the Greek deleterios, meaning destructive, and introduced into English in the mid-17th century, “deleterious” has been used in medical, environmental, and social contexts to describe harmful effects. Historically, it reflects the growing awareness of the negative impacts of substances, behaviors, and practices during the Enlightenment and the rise of scientific inquiry.

Question 3

Monolith

Answer 3

Root: “lith” (stone)
Prefix: “mono-“ (one, single)
Suffix: None
Etymology: From Greek “monolithos,” from “monos” (single) + “lithos” (stone).
Derived from the Greek monolithos, meaning single stone, this term was first used in English in the early 19th century. Historically, it refers to large single upright stones used in ancient architecture and monuments, such as obelisks and standing stones, signifying strength, permanence, and sometimes representing power or religious significance.

Question 4

Febrile

Answer 4

Root: “febr” (fever)
Prefix: None
Suffix: “-ile” (forming adjectives)
Etymology: From Latin “febrilis,” from “febris” (fever).
From the Latin febrilis, related to febris meaning fever, “febrile” has been used since the 17th century in medical contexts. It describes feverish conditions, reflecting the historical understanding and treatment of fever and diseases, which was a major concern in pre-modern medicine.

Question 5

Maelstrom

Answer 5

Root: “strom” (stream)
Prefix: “mael-“ (grinding)
Suffix: None
Etymology: From early modern Dutch “maelstrom” (whirling stream), from “malen” (to grind) + “stroom” (stream).
This word comes from the early modern Dutch maelstrom, meaning grinding stream, first used in the early 16th century to describe a famous dangerous whirlpool off the Norwegian coast. It entered English in the 17th century and has been used metaphorically to describe chaotic and turbulent situations, reflecting both the literal and figurative dangers perceived by early sailors and writers.

Question 6

Equivocation

Answer 6

Root: “voc” (voice, call)
Prefix: “equi-“ (equal, same)
Suffix: “-ation” (forming nouns indicating an action or process)
Etymology: From Late Latin “aequivocatio,” from “aequivocus” (of equal voice), from “aequus” (equal) + “vocare” (to call).
Originating from the Latin aequivocatio, meaning ambiguity or double meaning, this word has been in use since the late 16th century. Equivocation was a notable topic during the religious and political conflicts of the time, especially in discussions of Jesuit practices and in the context of Shakespeare’s plays, where characters often use ambiguous language to deceive.

Question 7

Calcaneum

Answer 7

Root: “calcan” (heel)
Prefix: None
Suffix: “-eum” (forming nouns)
Etymology: From Latin “calcaneum” (heel bone), from “calx” (heel).
From the Latin calcaneum, meaning heel, this anatomical term has been used in medical texts since the early 17th century. It reflects the detailed anatomical studies and advancements in medical knowledge during the Renaissance when human dissection and the study of human anatomy were becoming more systematic.

Question 8

Edifying

Answer 8

Root: “edify” (to build, instruct)
Prefix: None
Suffix: “-ing” (forming present participles)
Etymology: From Latin “aedificare” (to build, construct), from “aedificium” (building), from “aedes” (house, temple) + “facere” (to make).

The word edifying indeed comes from a root meaning “to build,” but the connection lies in the metaphorical use of “building” in relation to moral or intellectual development. Metaphorical: Providing moral or intellectual instruction involves guidance, education, and effort to create a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and ethical individual.
Thus, edifying means providing instruction or information that improves the mind or character, akin to “building up” a person’s moral or intellectual foundation. This metaphorical extension is common in many languages where physical actions or structures serve as metaphors for abstract concepts.

Historical Context: From the Latin aedificare, meaning to build or construct, “edifying” has been used since the 14th century. Historically, it was often used in religious contexts to describe moral or intellectual improvement, reflecting the medieval and Renaissance emphasis on moral instruction and the building of character.

Question 9

Pontification

Answer 9

Root: “pontif” (priest)
Prefix: None
Suffix: “-ication” (forming nouns indicating an action or process)
Etymology: From Latin “pontificare” (to act as a pontiff), from “pontifex” (high priest), from “pons” (bridge) + “facere” (to make), originally meaning bridge-maker but later associated with the high priest’s duties.
Derived from the Latin pontificare, meaning to act as a pontiff (or high priest), this term has been used since the early 19th century to describe speaking in a pompous or dogmatic manner. Historically, it reflects the authority and ceremonious nature of the pontiffs in the Catholic Church, and its later use in secular contexts to describe overbearing speech.

Question 10

Conviviality

Answer 10

Root: “viv” (live)
Prefix: “con-“ (together)
Suffix: “-ial” (forming adjectives) + “-ity” (forming nouns indicating a state or condition)
Etymology: From Latin “convivium” (banquet), from “con-“ (together) + “vivere” (to live), referring to the state of festivity or sociability.
From the Latin convivium, meaning banquet or feast, “conviviality” has been used since the mid-17th century to describe social feasting and merriment. Historically, it captures the social and cultural practices of communal eating and celebration, important in various societies as a means of fostering community and social bonds.