⚖️ Root Words — Power, Law & Governance
Master vocabulary through root words related to rule, judgement, sacredness, killing, victory, and will — with examples, memory tips, and quick recall.
Root Words: Power, Law & Governance
This lesson covers roots related to power, ruling, judging, sacred authority, conquest, and truth. These words are frequent in Reading Comprehension and Cloze Test questions.
💡 Strategy: Government, law, and politics vocabulary appears constantly in banking exam passages. Master these roots and you'll never be stumped by a "governance" paragraph!
01. CRAC / CRAT = Rule, Power 👑
🧠 Memory Hook: "CRAT" = ruler/power. A democrat believes in people's power. An autocrat takes all power for themselves.
Democracy
Meaning: A system of government where power is held by the people, typically through elected representatives.
📝 "India is the world's largest democracy, with over 900 million eligible voters."
Synonyms: Social equality, Egalitarianism, Classlessness Antonyms: Autocracy
🧠 Memory Tip: DEMO (people) + CRACY (rule) = rule by the people → government of, by, and for the people.
Autocrat
Meaning: A ruler with absolute power; a dictator who allows no one else to share authority.
Pro Content Locked
Upgrade to Pro to access this lesson and all other premium content.
₹99 charged monthly · Cancel anytime
- All Agriculture & Banking Courses
- AI Lesson Questions (100/day)
- AI Doubt Solver (50/day)
- Glows & Grows Feedback (30/day)
- AI Section Quiz (20/day)
- 22-Language Translation (100/day)
- Recall Questions (20/day)
- AI Quiz (15/day)
- AI Quiz Paper Analysis (100/day)
- AI Step-by-Step Explanations (100/day)
- Spaced Repetition Recall (FSRS)
- AI Tutor
- Immersive Text Questions
- Audio Lessons — Hindi & English
- Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
- Summary & Mind Maps
- XP, Levels, Leaderboard & Badges
- Generate New Classrooms
- Voice AI Teacher (AgriDots Live)
- AI Revision Assistant
- Knowledge Gap Analysis
- Interactive Revision (LangGraph)
🔒 Secure via Razorpay · Cancel anytime · No hidden fees
Root Words: Power, Law & Governance
This lesson covers roots related to power, ruling, judging, sacred authority, conquest, and truth. These words are frequent in Reading Comprehension and Cloze Test questions.
💡 Strategy: Government, law, and politics vocabulary appears constantly in banking exam passages. Master these roots and you'll never be stumped by a "governance" paragraph!
01. CRAC / CRAT = Rule, Power 👑
🧠 Memory Hook: "CRAT" = ruler/power. A democrat believes in people's power. An autocrat takes all power for themselves.
Democracy
Meaning: A system of government where power is held by the people, typically through elected representatives.
📝 "India is the world's largest democracy, with over 900 million eligible voters."
Synonyms: Social equality, Egalitarianism, Classlessness Antonyms: Autocracy
🧠 Memory Tip: DEMO (people) + CRACY (rule) = rule by the people → government of, by, and for the people.
Autocrat
Meaning: A ruler with absolute power; a dictator who allows no one else to share authority.
📝 "The autocrat silenced all opposition and controlled the media with an iron fist."
Synonyms: Dictator, Tyrant, Despot, Absolute ruler Antonyms: Democrat
🧠 Memory Tip: AUTO (self) + CRAT (ruler) = a self-ruler → someone who rules alone with absolute power.
Autocracy
Meaning: A system of government in which one person has absolute power.
📝 "The country transitioned from autocracy to democracy after decades of military rule."
Synonyms: Dictatorship, Tyranny, Despotism
🧠 Memory Tip: AUTO (self) + CRACY (rule) = rule by one self → dictatorship.
Aristocrat
Meaning: A member of the nobility or upper class; someone of high social standing.
📝 "The old aristocrat donated his ancestral mansion to be converted into a public library."
Synonyms: Noble, Lord
🧠 Memory Tip: ARISTO (best) + CRAT (ruler) = rule by the best (as they saw it) → a noble. In ancient Greece, aristocrats were the "best" citizens chosen to rule.
Aristocratic
Meaning: Relating to the aristocracy; having the style, manners, or refinement associated with the upper class.
📝 "Her aristocratic bearing and refined accent set her apart at every social gathering."
Synonyms: Snobbish, Refined, Majestic, Imperial, Regal Antonyms: Plebeian, Low, Humble, Ignoble
🧠 Memory Tip: ARISTOCRAT + IC = having the qualities of an aristocrat → refined and upper-class.
⚡ Quick Recall — CRAC (Rule)
- Democracy → Rule by the people
- Autocrat → Absolute ruler (rules alone)
- Autocracy → Dictatorship
- Aristocrat → A noble person
- Aristocratic → Refined, upper-class
02. JUD = Judge ⚖️
🧠 Memory Hook: A judge judges. JUD = to judge, to evaluate.
Judicious
Meaning: Having, showing, or done with good judgement; wise and sensible.
📝 "A judicious use of public funds can transform infrastructure in rural areas."
Synonyms: Sensible, Prudent, Circumspect, Wise, Sagacious, Intelligent, Discerning, Rational Antonyms: Injudicious, Unwise, Imprudent, Ill-advised, Unreasonable
🧠 Memory Tip: JUD (judge) + ICIOUS = exercising good judgement → wise. Think: "What would a wise judge do?"
Subjugate
Meaning: To bring a person, group, or country under complete control by force; to conquer.
📝 "Colonial powers sought to subjugate indigenous populations and exploit their natural resources."
Synonyms: Conquer, Subdue, Vanquish
🧠 Memory Tip: SUB (under) + JUG (yoke/judge) + ATE = to put under someone's control → to conquer. Think of putting someone under a yoke (like an ox).
Conjugal
Meaning: Relating to marriage or the relationship between married partners.
📝 "Prison inmates are sometimes granted conjugal visits from their spouses."
Synonyms: Marital, Connubial, Matrimonial Antonyms: Unmarried
🧠 Memory Tip: CON (together) + JUG (join/yoke) + AL = yoked together → joined in marriage.
Judicial
Meaning: Relating to a court of law, a judge, or the administration of justice.
📝 "The judicial review of the government's policy led to significant amendments."
Synonyms: Legal, Judiciary
🧠 Memory Tip: JUD (judge) + ICIAL = of or relating to judges and courts → legal.
Judgemental
Meaning: Having or displaying an excessively critical point of view; quick to criticize.
📝 "Try not to be judgemental — everyone has their own reasons for making certain choices."
Synonyms: Critical, Fault-finding, Disapproving
🧠 Memory Tip: JUDGE + MENTAL = mentally acting as a harsh judge → overly critical.
⚡ Quick Recall — JUD (Judge)
- Judicious → Wise, good judgement
- Subjugate → Conquer, bring under control
- Conjugal → Related to marriage
- Judicial → Related to courts/law
- Judgemental → Overly critical
03. SACR / SANCT = Sacred, Holy 🙏
🧠 Memory Hook: "SANCT" = holy. A sanctuary is a holy safe place. SACR = sacred.
Sanction
Meaning: Official permission or approval for an action; (also) a penalty imposed for breaking rules.
📝 "The UN imposed economic sanctions on the country for violating international treaties."
Synonyms: Authorize, Confirm, Encourage, Ratify, Endorse, Approve
🧠 Memory Tip: ⚠️ Dual meaning! Sanction = to approve (positive) OR to penalize (negative). Context is key! The holy authority (SANCT) can either bless (approve) or curse (punish).
Sacred
Meaning: Considered holy; connected with God or a deity; too important to be changed.
📝 "The constitution is considered sacred by citizens who value democratic principles."
Synonyms: Holy, Blessed, Revered, Sacrosanct, Sanctified, Hallowed Antonyms: Profane, Secular
🧠 Memory Tip: SACR (holy) + ED = made holy → revered and untouchable.
Sacrifice
Meaning: To give up something valued for the sake of something more important.
📝 "She sacrificed her weekend holidays to complete the project before the deadline."
Synonyms: Give up, Forgo, Surrender, Forfeit
🧠 Memory Tip: SACR (holy) + FICE (make) = to make holy by giving up → an offering.
Sacrosanct
Meaning: Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; beyond criticism.
📝 "In our company, client confidentiality is sacrosanct — no exceptions."
Synonyms: Sacred, Revered, Untouchable, Holy
🧠 Memory Tip: SACRO (holy) + SANCT (holy) = doubly holy → absolutely untouchable. It's so sacred they used TWO holy roots!
Sacrilege
Meaning: Violation of something considered sacred; extreme disrespect towards something holy.
📝 "For cricket fans, comparing anyone to Sachin Tendulkar was considered sacrilege."
Synonyms: Blasphemy, Irreverence, Profanity, Disrespect
🧠 Memory Tip: SACRI (holy) + LEGE (take) = to take away from something holy → desecration.
Sacrament
Meaning: A religious rite or ceremony regarded as an outward sign of divine grace (e.g., baptism, communion).
📝 "The couple received the sacrament of marriage in a beautiful countryside church."
Synonyms: Holy rite, Religious ceremony
🧠 Memory Tip: SACR (holy) + AMENT = a holy ceremony → religious ritual.
Consecrate
Meaning: To make or declare something sacred; to dedicate formally to a holy purpose.
📝 "The bishop consecrated the new church in a ceremony attended by hundreds of devotees."
Synonyms: Sanctify, Bless, Make holy Antonyms: Desecrate
🧠 Memory Tip: CON (with) + SECR (sacred) + ATE = to make sacred with ceremony → to bless. Opposite: desecrate = to un-holy something.
Desecrate
Meaning: To treat a holy place or thing with violent disrespect; to damage or vandalize.
📝 "Vandals desecrated the ancient temple by spray-painting its walls."
Synonyms: Damage, Despoil, Vandalize, Lay waste Antonyms: Consecrate
🧠 Memory Tip: DE (un-do) + SECR (sacred) + ATE = to undo sacredness → to violate something holy.
Sanctuary
Meaning: A place of refuge, safety, or protection; a holy or sacred place.
📝 "The national park serves as a sanctuary for endangered tigers and elephants."
Synonyms: Refuge, Asylum, Shelter, Haven, Place of safety
🧠 Memory Tip: SANCT (holy) + UARY = a holy protected space → a safe haven.
Sanctity
Meaning: The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or inviolable.
📝 "Everyone must respect the sanctity of the voting process in a democracy."
Synonyms: Holiness, Blessedness, Inviolability, Sacredness, Purity
🧠 Memory Tip: SANCT (holy) + ITY = the quality of being holy → sacredness.
Sanctify
Meaning: To set apart as sacred; to make holy; to purify.
📝 "The ritual was meant to sanctify the ground before construction of the temple began."
Synonyms: Bless, Consecrate, Approve, Purify Antonyms: Desecrate
🧠 Memory Tip: SANCT (holy) + IFY (to make) = to make holy → to bless/purify.
Sanctimonious
Meaning: Making a show of being morally superior to others; hypocritically pious.
📝 "His sanctimonious lectures about honesty ring hollow when he himself was caught cheating."
Synonyms: Self-righteous, Smug
🧠 Memory Tip: SANCT (holy) + IMONIOUS = pretending to be holy → self-righteous. The person acts holier-than-thou but isn't genuinely pious.
⚡ Quick Recall — SACR / SANCT (Holy)
- Sanction → Approve OR penalize (dual meaning!)
- Sacred → Holy, revered
- Sacrifice → Give up for something greater
- Sacrosanct → Absolutely untouchable (doubly holy)
- Sacrilege → Disrespecting the sacred
- Consecrate → Make holy (≠ desecrate)
- Desecrate → Violate something holy
- Sanctuary → Safe, holy place
- Sanctimonious → Fake holiness, self-righteous
04. CIDE = To Kill 💀
🧠 Memory Hook: "CIDE" = to kill/cut down. Insecticide kills insects; herbicide kills herbs/weeds. The prefix tells you WHO or WHAT is killed.
| Word | Meaning | Memory Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | The killing of one person by another | HOMO (man) + CIDE = killing a man |
| Suicide | The killing of oneself | SUI (self) + CIDE = killing oneself |
| Patricide | The killing of one's father | PATRI (father) + CIDE |
| Matricide | The killing of one's mother | MATRI (mother) + CIDE |
| Fratricide | The killing of one's brother or sister | FRATRI (brother) + CIDE |
| Genocide | Deliberate killing of a large group of people | GENO (race/people) + CIDE = killing a race |
| Sororicide | The killing of one's sister | SOROR (sister) + CIDE |
| Regicide | The killing of a king | REGI (king) + CIDE |
| Uxoricide | The killing of one's wife | UXOR (wife) + CIDE |
| Parricide | The killing of one's parents | PARR (parent) + CIDE |
📝 "The assassination of the monarch was the first case of regicide in the nation's history."
🧠 Master Memory Tip: Just learn the prefixes! HOMO=man, SUI=self, PATRI=father, MATRI=mother, FRATRI=brother, SOROR=sister, REGI=king, UXOR=wife, PARR=parent, GENO=race. Add CIDE (kill) to any of them!
⚡ Quick Recall — CIDE (Kill) The prefix = WHO is killed. CIDE = the act of killing. Father (patri), Mother (matri), Brother (fratri), Sister (soror), Self (sui), King (regi), Wife (uxor), Parents (parr), Race (geno), Person (homi)
05. VICT / VINC = Conquer 🏆
🧠 Memory Hook: Think of victory — to conquer and win. VICT = to overcome.
Conviction
Meaning: A strong belief or opinion; (in law) a formal declaration of guilt.
📝 "She spoke with deep conviction about the need for educational reforms in rural India."
Synonyms: Strong belief, Judgement, Declaration of guilt, Confidence, Stance
🧠 Memory Tip: CON (with) + VICT (conquer) + ION = conquered by a belief → an unshakable belief that "conquers" your mind.
Evict
Meaning: To expel someone from a property, especially with the support of the law.
📝 "The landlord evicted the tenants who hadn't paid rent for six months."
Synonyms: Dislodge, Dismiss, Remove, Eject, Force out
🧠 Memory Tip: E (out) + VICT (conquer) = to conquer out → to force someone out of a place.
Evince
Meaning: To reveal the presence of a quality or feeling; to show clearly.
📝 "The student's detailed project evinced a deep understanding of agricultural economics."
Synonyms: Prove, Disclose, Demonstrate, Show
🧠 Memory Tip: E (out) + VINC (conquer) + E = to conquer doubt by bringing evidence out → to show clearly.
Invincible
Meaning: Too powerful to be defeated or overcome; unconquerable.
📝 "The team's winning streak made them seem invincible to their opponents."
Synonyms: Unconquerable, Indomitable Antonyms: Defenceless
🧠 Memory Tip: IN (not) + VINC (conquer) + IBLE = cannot be conquered → unbeatable!
⚡ Quick Recall — VICT (Conquer)
- Conviction → Unshakable belief; legal guilt
- Evict → Force out of property
- Evince → Show clearly, demonstrate
- Invincible → Unbeatable
06. VOL = Wish, Will 🌟
🧠 Memory Hook: "VOL" = wish/will. A volunteer wishes to help — they do it by their own will.
Voluntary
Meaning: Done of one's own free will; not compulsory.
📝 "Blood donation camps rely on voluntary participation from civic-minded citizens."
Synonyms: Done willingly, Non-compulsory, Open to choice
🧠 Memory Tip: VOL (wish) + UNTARY = done by one's own wish → not forced.
Malevolent
Meaning: Having or showing a wish to do evil to others; wicked.
📝 "The malevolent landlord cut off water supply to force the tenants out."
Synonyms: Wicked, Malicious Antonyms: Benevolent, Compassionate, Generous
🧠 Memory Tip: MAL (bad) + VOL (wish) + ENT = bad wishes → evil intentions! (Opposite: benevolent = good wishes.)
Volition
Meaning: The power of using one's will; a choice or decision made deliberately.
📝 "She left the company of her own volition — no one forced her to resign."
Synonyms: Free will, Preference, Discretion
🧠 Memory Tip: VOL (will) + ITION = the exercise of will → free choice.
⚡ Quick Recall — VOL (Wish)
- Voluntary → Done by free will
- Malevolent → Evil-wishing
- Volition → Free will, deliberate choice
07. SEQ / SEC = Follow 🔗
🧠 Memory Hook: "SEQ" = follow. A sequel follows the original. A sequence is things that follow each other.
Obsequious
Meaning: Excessively eager to serve or please; slavishly submissive.
📝 "The obsequious assistant agreed with everything the boss said, never offering his own opinion."
Synonyms: Submissive, Slavish, Sycophantic, Servile, Cringing, Grovelling, Spineless Antonyms: Confident, Bold, Arrogant, Assertive
🧠 Memory Tip: OB (toward) + SEQ (follow) + IOUS = following someone around like a shadow → servile and flattering. Think: "ob-SEQ-uious = SEEK approval" from the boss!
Sequence
Meaning: A particular order in which things follow each other.
📝 "The Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8...) appears frequently in nature."
Synonyms: Series, Order, Progression, Succession, Chain
🧠 Memory Tip: SEQ (follow) + UENCE = things that follow one after another → an ordered series.
Subsequent
Meaning: Coming after something in time; following.
📝 "The initial investment was small, but subsequent rounds of funding totalled ₹50 crore."
Synonyms: Following, Succeeding, Consequent, Later, Successive Antonyms: Preceding
🧠 Memory Tip: SUB (under/after) + SEQ (follow) + UENT = following after → coming later.
Sequel
Meaning: A follow-up to a story, event, or work that continues or develops the original.
📝 "The sequel to the blockbuster film earned even more at the box office than the original."
Synonyms: Follow-up, Continuation Antonyms: Prequel, Prelude
🧠 Memory Tip: SEQ (follow) + UEL = something that follows → a continuation.
Consecutive
Meaning: Following each other without interruption; in an unbroken sequence.
📝 "India won three consecutive Test matches, securing the series victory."
Synonyms: Following, Successive, Chronological, Sequential
🧠 Memory Tip: CON (together) + SEC (follow) + UTIVE = following one after another together without gaps → in order.
Obsequies
Meaning: Funeral rites or ceremonies.
📝 "The obsequies for the national leader were attended by dignitaries from around the world."
Synonyms: Funeral service
🧠 Memory Tip: OB + SEQ (follow) + UIES = the ceremonies that follow a death → funeral rites.
⚡ Quick Recall — SEQ (Follow)
- Obsequious → Slavishly submissive (follows too eagerly)
- Sequence → Ordered series
- Subsequent → Coming after
- Sequel → Follow-up story
- Consecutive → In unbroken order
- Obsequies → Funeral rites (following death)
08. NEG = Not, Deny ❌
🧠 Memory Hook: "NEG" = no/not/deny. Negative = not positive. NEG always involves denial or refusal.
Abnegate
Meaning: To renounce or reject something; to deny oneself.
📝 "The monk abnegated all worldly pleasures to pursue a life of spiritual discipline."
Synonyms: Renounce, Decline, Refrain, Give up
🧠 Memory Tip: AB (away) + NEG (deny) + ATE = to deny yourself something and move away → to renounce.
Negation
Meaning: The contradiction or denial of something; the absence of something.
📝 "The witness's statement was a complete negation of everything the accused had claimed."
Synonyms: Contradiction, Cancellation, Denial, Repudiation
🧠 Memory Tip: NEG (no/deny) + ATION = the act of saying no → denial.
Renege
Meaning: To go back on a promise, contract, or agreement.
📝 "The supplier reneged on the delivery contract, leaving the factory without raw materials."
Synonyms: Go back on a promise, Fail to keep an agreement, Retract
🧠 Memory Tip: RE (back) + NEG (deny) + E = to go back and deny a promise → to break your word.
Renegade
Meaning: A person who deserts a group,cause, or allegiance; a rebel or traitor.
📝 "The former party member was branded a renegade after joining the opposition."
Synonyms: Rebellious, Traitor, Turncoat, Rebel, Betrayer, Deserter, Defector
🧠 Memory Tip: RE + NEG (deny) + ADE = one who denies their former allegiance → a traitor/rebel.
Negate
Meaning: To nullify; to make something ineffective or invalid.
📝 "One careless mistake can negate months of hard work and preparation."
Synonyms: Contradict, Cancel out, Counteract, Undo
🧠 Memory Tip: NEG (no) + ATE = to make something nothing → to cancel out.
⚡ Quick Recall — NEG (Not/Deny)
- Abnegate → Renounce, deny oneself
- Negation → Denial, contradiction
- Renege → Break a promise
- Renegade → Traitor, deserter
- Negate → Cancel out, nullify
09. VER = True ✅
🧠 Memory Hook: "VER" = true. Verify = confirm something is true. Think: "VERy true!"
Verify
Meaning: To make sure something is true, accurate, or justified; to confirm.
📝 "The bank must verify the applicant's income documents before sanctioning the loan."
Synonyms: Confirm, Check
🧠 Memory Tip: VER (true) + IFY (make) = to make true → to confirm.
Veracity
Meaning: Truthfulness; conformity to facts and accuracy.
📝 "The court questioned the veracity of the witness's testimony."
Synonyms: Truthfulness, Accuracy
🧠 Memory Tip: VER (true) + ACITY = the quality of being true → truthfulness.
Verisimilitude
Meaning: The appearance of being true or real; plausibility.
📝 "The novel's verisimilitude was so convincing that readers believed it was based on real events."
Synonyms: The appearance of being true
🧠 Memory Tip: VER (true) + SIMIL (similar) + ITUDE = similar to truth → looking real/plausible. A film with high verisimilitude feels like real life.
Veracious
Meaning: Speaking or representing the truth; honest and accurate.
📝 "The veracious journalist refused to embellish facts, even when it meant a less exciting story."
Synonyms: Honest Antonyms: Untrue, Dishonest
🧠 Memory Tip: VER (true) + ACIOUS = full of truth → honest. ⚠️ Don't confuse with voracious (eating greedily)!
Aver
Meaning: To state or assert positively; to declare with confidence.
📝 "The CEO averred that the company would return to profitability within two quarters."
Synonyms: Affirm
🧠 Memory Tip: A + VER (true) = to state as true → to affirm.
Verdict
Meaning: A decision on a case in a court of law; any authoritative decision or judgement.
📝 "The jury delivered a guilty verdict after just three hours of deliberation."
Synonyms: Decision
🧠 Memory Tip: VER (true) + DICT (say) = to say the truth → the final decision in court.
⚡ Quick Recall — VER (True)
- Verify → Confirm as true
- Veracity → Truthfulness
- Verisimilitude → Appearance of truth
- Veracious → Honest (≠ voracious!)
- Aver → Affirm, declare
- Verdict → Court's final decision (say the truth)
10. NIHIL = Nothing 🕳️
🧠 Memory Hook: "NIHIL" = nothing. A nihilist believes in nothing. Total zero.
Nihilism
Meaning: The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
📝 "The philosopher's nihilism argued that no objective meaning exists in the universe."
🧠 Memory Tip: NIHIL (nothing) + ISM (belief) = the belief in nothing → rejection of all meaning and values.
Annihilation
Meaning: Complete destruction; utter obliteration.
📝 "The nuclear bomb caused the near-total annihilation of the city within seconds."
Synonyms: Utter destruction, Obliteration, Extinction, Extermination, Eradication
🧠 Memory Tip: AN + NIHIL (nothing) + ATION = to reduce to nothing → total destruction!
⚡ Quick Recall — NIHIL (Nothing)
- Nihilism → Belief in nothing (rejection of meaning)
- Annihilation → Reduce to nothing (total destruction)
🎓 Lesson Complete! You've now mastered 10 roots and ~55 words related to power, law, and governance. These words appear frequently in passages about government, politics, and social issues. Use the Quick Recall boxes for daily revision!
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Concept / Topic | Key Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| CRAC / CRAT = Rule | Root meaning: power/ruler |
| Democracy | Rule by the people (DEMO + CRACY) |
| Autocrat / Autocracy | Absolute ruler / one-person rule (AUTO = self) |
| Aristocrat | Noble, upper-class ruler (ARISTO = best) |
| JUD = Judge | Root meaning: to evaluate/judge |
| Judicious | Wise, showing good judgement — exam favourite |
| Subjugate | Conquer, bring under control (SUB = under) |
| Conjugal | Related to marriage (CON + JUG = yoked together) |
| Judicial | Related to courts/law |
| SACR / SANCT = Sacred | Root meaning: holy |
| Sanction ⚠️ | Dual meaning: approve OR penalise — context is key |
| Sacrosanct | Absolutely untouchable (doubly holy — both roots!) |
| Sacrilege | Extreme disrespect towards the sacred |
| Sanctimonious | Pretending to be holy; self-righteous |
| Consecrate ≠ Desecrate | Make holy vs. violate something holy |
| CIDE = Kill | Prefix tells WHO is killed |
| Homicide / Suicide | Killing a person / killing oneself |
| Genocide | Deliberate killing of a racial/ethnic group |
| Regicide / Patricide | Killing a king / killing one's father |
| VICT / VINC = Conquer | Root meaning: to overcome |
| Conviction | Unshakable belief; legal declaration of guilt |
| Evict | Force out of property (E = out) |
| Invincible | Cannot be conquered (IN = not) |
| VOL = Wish / Will | Root meaning: free choice |
| Voluntary | Done by free will |
| Malevolent | Evil-wishing (MAL = bad) ↔ Benevolent (good) |
| Volition | Deliberate free choice |
| SEQ / SEC = Follow | Root meaning: to come after |
| Obsequious | Slavishly submissive (follows too eagerly) |
| Subsequent | Coming after in time |
| Consecutive | In unbroken sequence, no gaps |
| NEG = Not / Deny | Root meaning: refusal, denial |
| Renege | Break a promise (RE + NEG = go back and deny) |
| Renegade | Traitor, one who denies former allegiance |
| Negate | Cancel out, nullify |
| VER = True | Root meaning: truth, accuracy |
| Veracity | Truthfulness — tested in RC passages |
| Veracious ≠ Voracious | Truthful vs. greedy/insatiable — easily confused! |
| Verisimilitude | Appearance of being true; plausibility |
| Verdict | Court's final decision (VER + DICT = say the truth) |
| NIHIL = Nothing | Root meaning: zero, nothingness |
| Nihilism | Belief that life has no meaning |
| Annihilation | Complete destruction, reduced to nothing |
Lesson Doubts
Ask questions, get expert answers