Time for [Word-ology] again, a column making English learning easier!
Before today’s learning, let’s check the answers to the last episode.
contrary = contra-[against] + -ry[adj.]
Definition: the opposite
controversy = contro-[against] + -vers[turn]
Definition: a lot of disagreement or argument about something
Today we will learn a prefix, “de.”. It means “down or fully”.
You’ll be able to know the meaning of a word through its suffix, prefix, and root. Words with prefixes “de.” will somehow relate to “down or fully” in its definition.
Let’s take a further look at two words both having this prefix with example sentences.
Debate = de.[fully] + bate.[beat]
So, the definition of “debate” is :
“(a) serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part” (Cambridge Dictionary).
Here’s an example of “debate” :
i.e. Education is the current focus of public debate.
Similarly, one could see the same rule in word “despise”.
Despise = de.[down] +spis.[look] +e.[adj.]
So, the definition of “despise” is :
“to feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think that that person or thing is bad or has no value” (Cambridge Dictionary).
Here’s an example of “despise” :
i.e. The two groups despise each other.
Now it’s your time to figure out the meanings of the following words!
decease = de-[fully] + -cease[stop]
decide = de–[fully] + –cide[cut]
That’s all for [Word-ology] today!
Please leave your answers in the comment below.
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