Vocabulary List 15 from Latin and Greek Root Words

10th Grade

DIC – Latin DICERE, DICTUM “to say, to order”

Dictate – v. To give an order; to make necessary

Our current circumstances dictate that we conserve money and resources.

DIC – Latin DICERE, DICTUM “to say, to order”

Malediction – n. A recital of words intended to harm; a curse

The witch hissed a malediction as she was led to the stake, casting fear into the hearts of her accusers.

DIC – Latin DICERE, DICTUM “to say, to order”

Benediction – n. A blessing

A local rabbi started the ceremony by giving a benediction to the audience.

LOC/LOQU – Latin LOQUI, LOCUTUS “To speak”

Locution – n. Style or action of speaking

Nothing about Francis’ careful locution betrayed his nervousness.

LOC/LOQU – Latin LOQUI, LOCUTUS “To speak”

Eloquent – adj. Powerful and expressive

Brenda composed an eloquent tribute for her younger sister’s wedding.

LOC/LOQU – Latin LOQUI, LOCUTUS “To speak”

Colloquial – adj. Of or related to informal speech; conversational (especially regional)

When the residents of Stoneville were interviewed on television, they dropped some of their colloquial expressions in favor of more formal language.

VOC – Latin VOCARE, VOCATUM “to call”

Evocative – adj. Calling forth a vivid image or impression

The novel features an evocative description of a lakeside town in Michigan.

VOC – Latin VOCARE, VOCATUM “to call”

Equivocate – v. To use misleading or confusing language

Because Shonda felt it her duty never to equivocate to a client, she made a point of discussing both sides of every problem.

VOC – Latin VOCARE, VOCATUM “to call”

Advocate – v. To argue in favor of

The senator plans to advocate capital punishment for those convicted of murder.

CLAM – Latin CLAMARE, CLAMATUM “to shout or call”

Exclamatory – adj. Having a forceful, excited, or emotional tone

Mr. Loud is famous for the exclamatory style of his speeches.

CLAM – Latin CLAMARE, CLAMATUM “to shout or call”

Declaim – v. To speak loudly and with feeling

Martin so often declaimed upon the value of playing video games that everyone started ignoring his rants.

CLAM – Latin CLAMARE, CLAMATUM “to shout or call”

Clamorous – adj. Characterized by a loud noise or outcry

The pianist entered the auditorium to clamorous applause.

Allusions

Chip on One’s Shoulder

Janus

Chip on One’s Shoulder

In earlier times, young boys would place a wood chip on their shoulders and dare anyone to knock it off, thus starting a fight. This was their way of showing how tough they were. So, a person with a chip on his or her shoulder is one who is inclined to be resentful or looking for an excuse to argue or fight.

For example:

Talk about having a chip on her shoulder! I told Connie her hair looked really nice today, and she said, “Are you saying it usually looks terrible?”

OR

Ever since he was passed over for the promotion, James walks around the office with a chip on his shoulder. Everyone is afraid to speak to him because he is offended by almost anything anyone says.

Janus

Janus was the Roman god of gates and doorways; therefore, he is associated with entrances and beginnings. January is named for Janus. He is usually depicted with two faces, one looking into the future and one looking into the past. Because of the two faces, calling someone a “Janus” is usually a negative thing. It refers to a hypocritical person who presents two different appearances, depending on the circumstances.

For example:

Appropriately, Shakespeare’s villainous, hypocritical character Iago swears by the god Janus. Iago pretends to be Othello’s friend, but he is determined to bring about Othello’s ruin.

OR

Be careful what you say to Mary. She pretends to be your friend, but she’s really a Janus who spreads rumors to create drama.