Learn on PengiVocabulary from Classical Roots (Book B)Chapter 4: Separation (Lesson 7-8)

Lesson 7: Separation

In this Grade 5 lesson from Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book B, students study eleven key vocabulary words rooted in Latin prefixes and roots, including ab-, cerno, and frango, learning terms such as abhor, abstemious, discern, infraction, and suffrage. The lesson explores how Latin meanings like "away from," "to separate," and "to break" shape the definitions and usage of each word in context. Students practice identifying synonyms and understanding nuanced distinctions between similar words like discreet and discrete.

Section 1

Root: AB (away from)

These words all share the Latin root AB, which means 'away from.' They describe actions or qualities related to moving away, being separate from, or keeping a distance.

Key Words

WordDefinition
abrasive (adj.)Harsh; rough
abound (v.)1. To exist in great quantities or numbers. 2. To be fully supplied or filled
abscond (v.)To leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself
abhor (v.)To detest thoroughly
abstemious (adj.)Sparing or moderate, especially in eating and drinking

📝Example Usage

  • Though the city's opportunities abound, the thief planned to abscond with the money and hide out in another country.
  • Her abrasive personality made her difficult to work with, as she was often harsh and disrespectful to her colleagues.

🧠Memory Trick

  • The abstemious monk, who chose to keep away from worldly pleasures, would abhor the loud and abrasive city where temptations abound, making him want to abscond to his quiet monastery.

Section 2

Root: CERNO (to separate, to sift, to decide)

Next up are words from the Latin root CERNO, meaning 'to separate' or 'to decide.' These words are all about perception, judgment, and finding out the truth.

Key Words

WordDefinition
discreet (adj.)Showing tact, respect, and restraint in speech or behavior
ascertain (v.)To find out something for certain
discern (v.)To perceive; to detect differences

📝Example Usage

  • The detective's job was to ascertain the facts of the case by carefully examining all the evidence.
  • It takes a trained eye to discern the difference between a genuine antique and a convincing forgery.

🧠Memory Trick

  • Using a discreet method, the investigator was able to ascertain the secret code and discern the hidden message.

Section 3

Root: FRANGO (to break)

This group of words breaks things down! They all come from the Latin root FRANGO, meaning 'to break,' and relate to breaking laws, rules, or boundaries.

Key Words

WordDefinition
infraction (n.)A violation, especially of a law
infringe (v.)To go beyond set limits (used with on or upon)
suffrage (n.)The right to vote, or a vote itself

📝Example Usage

  • Building a fence that goes onto your neighbor's yard is a way to infringe upon their property rights.
  • Forgetting to return a library book on time is a minor infraction of the rules, but it can lead to a fine.

🧠Memory Trick

  • The protestors argued that to deny women's suffrage was a major infraction of civil rights that would infringe upon their freedom.

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Chapter 4: Separation (Lesson 7-8)

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Section 1

Root: AB (away from)

These words all share the Latin root AB, which means 'away from.' They describe actions or qualities related to moving away, being separate from, or keeping a distance.

Key Words

WordDefinition
abrasive (adj.)Harsh; rough
abound (v.)1. To exist in great quantities or numbers. 2. To be fully supplied or filled
abscond (v.)To leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself
abhor (v.)To detest thoroughly
abstemious (adj.)Sparing or moderate, especially in eating and drinking

📝Example Usage

  • Though the city's opportunities abound, the thief planned to abscond with the money and hide out in another country.
  • Her abrasive personality made her difficult to work with, as she was often harsh and disrespectful to her colleagues.

🧠Memory Trick

  • The abstemious monk, who chose to keep away from worldly pleasures, would abhor the loud and abrasive city where temptations abound, making him want to abscond to his quiet monastery.

Section 2

Root: CERNO (to separate, to sift, to decide)

Next up are words from the Latin root CERNO, meaning 'to separate' or 'to decide.' These words are all about perception, judgment, and finding out the truth.

Key Words

WordDefinition
discreet (adj.)Showing tact, respect, and restraint in speech or behavior
ascertain (v.)To find out something for certain
discern (v.)To perceive; to detect differences

📝Example Usage

  • The detective's job was to ascertain the facts of the case by carefully examining all the evidence.
  • It takes a trained eye to discern the difference between a genuine antique and a convincing forgery.

🧠Memory Trick

  • Using a discreet method, the investigator was able to ascertain the secret code and discern the hidden message.

Section 3

Root: FRANGO (to break)

This group of words breaks things down! They all come from the Latin root FRANGO, meaning 'to break,' and relate to breaking laws, rules, or boundaries.

Key Words

WordDefinition
infraction (n.)A violation, especially of a law
infringe (v.)To go beyond set limits (used with on or upon)
suffrage (n.)The right to vote, or a vote itself

📝Example Usage

  • Building a fence that goes onto your neighbor's yard is a way to infringe upon their property rights.
  • Forgetting to return a library book on time is a minor infraction of the rules, but it can lead to a fine.

🧠Memory Trick

  • The protestors argued that to deny women's suffrage was a major infraction of civil rights that would infringe upon their freedom.

Book overview

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Chapter 4: Separation (Lesson 7-8)

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