In this Grade 5 lesson from Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book B, students learn ten vocabulary words built from three Latin roots: SUB ("under"), TORQUEO ("to twist or bend"), and VERSO ("to turn"). Words covered include subvert, subservient, contort, distort, retort, tortuous, adversity, avert, introvert, perverse, and prose, with each term defined through its root components. Students practice recognizing how Latin roots convey meaning and appear across related word forms such as subversive, contortion, and perversity.
Section 1
The Root SUB: Words Meaning 'Under'
Let's start with words that get 'under' your skin, all thanks to the Latin root SUB, meaning 'under.'
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| subvert | (v.) to secretly try to undermine or overthrow |
| subservient | (adj.) excessively willing to obey or serve others |
Section 2
The Root TORQUEO: Words for 'Twisting'
Get ready to twist and turn! These words all come from the Latin root TORQUEO, meaning 'to twist' or 'to bend.'
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| contort | (v.) to twist or bend out of its normal shape |
| distort | (v.) to twist out of the true meaning or original form |
| retort | (v.) to reply sharply or quickly; (n.) a sharp, witty, or incisive reply |
| tortuous | (adj.) full of twists, turns, or complicated; not straightforward |
Section 3
The Root VERSO: Words for 'Turning'
Time to 'turn' our attention to a new set of words! These all share the Latin root VERSO, which means 'to turn.'
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| adversity | (n.) a state of hardship or misfortune |
| introvert | (n.) a person who is more focused on their own thoughts |
| perverse | (adj.) stubbornly doing the opposite of what is reasonable |
| prose | (n.) ordinary writing or speech without rhyme |
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Section 1
The Root SUB: Words Meaning 'Under'
Let's start with words that get 'under' your skin, all thanks to the Latin root SUB, meaning 'under.'
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| subvert | (v.) to secretly try to undermine or overthrow |
| subservient | (adj.) excessively willing to obey or serve others |
Section 2
The Root TORQUEO: Words for 'Twisting'
Get ready to twist and turn! These words all come from the Latin root TORQUEO, meaning 'to twist' or 'to bend.'
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| contort | (v.) to twist or bend out of its normal shape |
| distort | (v.) to twist out of the true meaning or original form |
| retort | (v.) to reply sharply or quickly; (n.) a sharp, witty, or incisive reply |
| tortuous | (adj.) full of twists, turns, or complicated; not straightforward |
Section 3
The Root VERSO: Words for 'Turning'
Time to 'turn' our attention to a new set of words! These all share the Latin root VERSO, which means 'to turn.'
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| adversity | (n.) a state of hardship or misfortune |
| introvert | (n.) a person who is more focused on their own thoughts |
| perverse | (adj.) stubbornly doing the opposite of what is reasonable |
| prose | (n.) ordinary writing or speech without rhyme |
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter