Ch 1.1: Unit 1

These words all stem from the Latin root FACERE, FACTUM, meaning 'to make, do'.

Key Words

Example Usage

• The sudden change in plans seemed to discomfit the team, but they quickly found a feasible alternative.
• For the edification of the citizens, the newspaper exposed the governor's malfeasance.

Word Spark

• discomfit: Think of forgetting your lines in the middle of a school play while everyone watches.
• surfeit: Like the feeling after eating a whole pizza by yourself and not wanting to see food again.

This group is built on the Latin roots OPUS/OPERIS, meaning 'work,' and OPS/OPIS, meaning 'wealth, power, resource'.

Key Words

Example Usage

• The celebrated author's magnum opus took over a decade to complete.
• The detective recognized the criminal's modus operandi after he targeted another opulent mansion.

Word Spark

• magnum opus: Think of a chef's one signature dish that is more famous than anything else they've ever made.
• opulent: Imagine a celebrity's mansion with a swimming pool, home theater, and a garage full of luxury cars.

The Greek root ERGON, meaning 'work,' is the foundation for these next words.

Key Words

Example Usage

• After a big lunch, a feeling of lethargy washed over me, making it hard to focus.
• The incredible synergy between the musicians and the choir made the church liturgy especially moving.

Word Spark

• synergy: Like when you and your friend work on a project together and create something better than you could have alone.
• lethargy: That heavy, can't-get-out-of-bed feeling on a rainy Saturday morning.

Let's dig into our final group, which comes from the Latin root LABOR, also meaning 'work'.

Key Words

Example Usage

• The teacher asked me to elaborate on my answer, but there was no need to belabor the point.
• Raking all the leaves in the huge yard was a laborious task that took the entire afternoon.

Word Spark

• laborious: Think of carrying heavy grocery bags up three flights of stairs.
• elaborate: Like when you tell a simple story and your friend asks you to add all the juicy details.