Learn on PengiVocabulary from Classical Roots (Book B)Chapter 5: Sight (Lesson 9-10)

Lesson 9: Sight

In this Grade 5 lesson from Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book B, students explore key vocabulary words including refute, reiterate, repartee, repertoire, repose, reticent, ostensible, and ostentatious by tracing their meanings back to Latin roots such as RE ("back" or "again") and OSTENDO ("to exhibit"). Students practice determining how each root connects in meaning and spelling to the key word, then apply the words through exercises and sentence examples. The lesson also introduces the concept of connotation versus denotation, using repartee and retort as examples to show how words with similar definitions can carry different implied meanings.

Section 1

Words from the Root RE: 'Back' or 'Again'

Let's dive into words that all share the Latin root RE, which means "back" or "again." You'll see this concept pop up in actions of repeating, resting, and even replying!

Key Words

refute (v.)To prove a statement to be incorrect; to disprove
reiterate (v.)To say over again
repartee (n.)A quick, witty reply
repertoire (n.)The stock of plays, stories, or songs that a person or company can perform
repose (n./v.)A rest; a peaceful state; to rest
reticent (adj.)Of a silent nature; reserved in manner

📝 Example Usage

  • Could you please reiterate the homework instructions? I didn't hear them the first time. (To reiterate is to repeat something you've already said.)
  • Though normally outgoing, he became surprisingly reticent when asked about his childhood. (To be reticent is to be quiet or reserved.)

🧠 Memory Trick

  • The reticent actor had to reiterate a line from his repertoire to refute the director's criticism, offering only a brief repartee before he went to repose.

Section 2

Words from the Root OSTENDO: 'To Exhibit'

Now for a little showing off! These words come from the Latin root OSTENDO, meaning "to exhibit" or "to show." They describe things that are either pretended or intentionally showy.

Key Words

ostensible (adj.)Pretended; given as an excuse to conceal the real reason
ostentatious (adj.)Showy; intended to impress people

📝 Example Usage

  • The team's ostensible goal was to conduct a survey, but they were actually gathering information for a surprise party. (The stated reason was just a cover.)
  • She considered the celebrity's diamond-studded car to be an ostentatious and tasteless display of money. (The car was overly showy.)

🧠 Memory Trick

  • His ostensible reason for attending the party was to see his friend, but his ostentatious diamond watch suggested he really came to show off his wealth.

Section 3

Words from the Root VIDEO: 'To See'

Let's look at words rooted in VIDEO, the Latin word for "to see." These words relate to sight, imagination, and the ability to create without seeing what's next.

Key Words

improvise (v.)To make up something without preparation
visionary (adj./n.)Thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom (adj.)Someone who is visionary (n.)

📝 Example Usage

  • When the guest speaker canceled at the last minute, the principal had to improvise a speech for the assembly. (He had to make it up on the spot.)
  • Steve Jobs was a visionary who saw the potential for personal computers long before most people did. (He had forethought and a strong vision for the future.)

🧠 Memory Trick

  • A truly visionary artist can improvise a masterpiece with nothing but a few scraps of paper and a bit of inspiration.

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Chapter 5: Sight (Lesson 9-10)

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Section 1

Words from the Root RE: 'Back' or 'Again'

Let's dive into words that all share the Latin root RE, which means "back" or "again." You'll see this concept pop up in actions of repeating, resting, and even replying!

Key Words

refute (v.)To prove a statement to be incorrect; to disprove
reiterate (v.)To say over again
repartee (n.)A quick, witty reply
repertoire (n.)The stock of plays, stories, or songs that a person or company can perform
repose (n./v.)A rest; a peaceful state; to rest
reticent (adj.)Of a silent nature; reserved in manner

📝 Example Usage

  • Could you please reiterate the homework instructions? I didn't hear them the first time. (To reiterate is to repeat something you've already said.)
  • Though normally outgoing, he became surprisingly reticent when asked about his childhood. (To be reticent is to be quiet or reserved.)

🧠 Memory Trick

  • The reticent actor had to reiterate a line from his repertoire to refute the director's criticism, offering only a brief repartee before he went to repose.

Section 2

Words from the Root OSTENDO: 'To Exhibit'

Now for a little showing off! These words come from the Latin root OSTENDO, meaning "to exhibit" or "to show." They describe things that are either pretended or intentionally showy.

Key Words

ostensible (adj.)Pretended; given as an excuse to conceal the real reason
ostentatious (adj.)Showy; intended to impress people

📝 Example Usage

  • The team's ostensible goal was to conduct a survey, but they were actually gathering information for a surprise party. (The stated reason was just a cover.)
  • She considered the celebrity's diamond-studded car to be an ostentatious and tasteless display of money. (The car was overly showy.)

🧠 Memory Trick

  • His ostensible reason for attending the party was to see his friend, but his ostentatious diamond watch suggested he really came to show off his wealth.

Section 3

Words from the Root VIDEO: 'To See'

Let's look at words rooted in VIDEO, the Latin word for "to see." These words relate to sight, imagination, and the ability to create without seeing what's next.

Key Words

improvise (v.)To make up something without preparation
visionary (adj./n.)Thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom (adj.)Someone who is visionary (n.)

📝 Example Usage

  • When the guest speaker canceled at the last minute, the principal had to improvise a speech for the assembly. (He had to make it up on the spot.)
  • Steve Jobs was a visionary who saw the potential for personal computers long before most people did. (He had forethought and a strong vision for the future.)

🧠 Memory Trick

  • A truly visionary artist can improvise a masterpiece with nothing but a few scraps of paper and a bit of inspiration.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 5: Sight (Lesson 9-10)

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 9: Sight

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 10: Sight

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