Lesson 1: Motion

Let's explore words that share the Latin root PER, meaning 'through.' These words often describe actions or states that go all the way through something, whether it's space, time, or a tough challenge.

Key Words

📝Example Usage:

• The complicated rhythms and loud percussion of the drum line require the musicians' full concentration.
• Even though the project was difficult, the team decided to persevere and see it through to the end.

🧠Memory Trick

• To win the award for their perennial garden, they had to persevere through the summer heat, ignoring the beat of the percussion from a nearby parade that seemed to permeate the air.

Next up are words from the Latin root FERO, FERRE, TULI, LATUM, which means 'to bring,' 'to bear,' or 'to carry.' Think of these words as describing the movement of things, ideas, or even feelings.

Key Words

📝Example Usage:

• Because of her dilatory response to the party invitation, the host couldn't save her a seat.
• From the crumbs on his face, I could infer that my little brother had eaten the last cookie.

🧠Memory Trick

• In a moment of elation, the student managed to infer the answer, but his dilatory habits made him defer turning in the assignment.

Our final group comes from the Latin root TENDO, TENDERE, TETENDI, TENSUM, meaning 'to stretch.' These words relate to stretching toward a goal or putting forth an argument.

Key Words

📝Example Usage:

• The scientist had to contend that her new theory was correct, despite the doubts from her peers.
• The student's intent was to study for the test, but she got distracted by her phone.

🧠Memory Trick

• It was the debater's intent to contend for the first-place trophy.