Ch 1.1: Unit 1

The Greek root PHOT/PHOS means "light." Get ready to see how these words shine!

Key Words

Example Usage

• I joke that my cat is phototropic because she always finds the single patch of sun in the room to nap in.
• Because he was not considered very photogenic, Sven preferred to be the one taking the pictures rather than being in them.

The Latin root LUC also means "light." These words are all about bringing clarity and brightness.

Key Words

Example Usage

• Nina tried to elucidate the meaning of the difficult passage by paraphrasing it for the class.
• The lampshade was made of a beautiful translucent paper that cast a warm, gentle glow.

From the Latin root SPEC, meaning "to look at," come words that involve seeing, watching, and expecting.

Key Words

Example Usage

• When Roger saw the specter lurking in the hallway, he ran back to his room and hid under the covers.
• Carl was always circumspect when investing his money, as he feared losing his savings.

The Latin root VID means "to see" or "to look." Let's see what words come from this root.

Key Words

Example Usage

• The actor had to improvise his lines because he had forgotten them in the middle of the scene.
• It was a providential turn of events when the bus I missed broke down, and the next one got me to my interview on time.