In this article, we learn how we can improve our vocabulary easily by developing tricks. We make use of a technique known as ETYMOLOGY.
Etymon (roots) + logy (study of) = etymology
Review of Etymology:
| Prefix, Root, Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Par | Equal |
| -ment | Act of, result |
| -ity | Pertaining to |
| Dis- | Negative prefix |
| Con-,com- | With, together |
| Aequus (equ-) | Equal |
| Vox, vocis | Voice |
| -ate | Cause or make |
| -ion | Act of, state of, result |
| -ous | Adjective suffix |
| Ambi- | Both, around, about |
| -er | One who |
| -guous | Do, move, go |
Note:
Ends with ity, ty = noun
Ends with ous = adjective
Ends with tion = noun
Ends with ment = noun
Ends with ate = verb
Ends with ous = adjective
Ends with tion = noun
Ends with ment = noun
Ends with ate = verb
Trick to learn words:
- Accidentally vague (wandering around) = ambi (wandering around) + guous (do, move, go) = ambiguous
- Purposely vague (not clearly expressed) or ambiguous = equ (equal) + vocal (voice) = equivocal or ambiguous
- Equality = par (equal) + ity (pertaining to) = parity
- Lack of equality = dis (against) + par (equal) + ity (pertaining to) = disparity
- Belittlement = dis (against) + par (equal) + ment (act of, result) = disparagement
- Capable of only one interpretation = un (negative prefix) + equi (equal) + vocal (voice) = unequivocal
- Essentially or widely unequal or different = dis (against) + par (equal) + ate (cause or make) = disparate
- One’s equal in age, rank, etc. = par (equal) + er (one who) = peer
- To use words in a calculated effort to mislead or to be ambiguous = equi (equal) + vocis (vocal) + ate (cause or make) = equivocate
