Greek & Latin Roots

AlacrityAlacri-– lively

cheerful readiness

We accepted the invitation to the party with alacrity.

AmbulatoryAmbul-– Walk, move

capable of walking

We took an ambulatory exploration of the countryside.

ArchetypeArch-– First, primary

the first of its kindFrankenstein . . . Dracula . . . Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . . . these are the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories.

CataclysmCata-– Down, against

completely

Klysmós – a washing

disaster

The typhoon resulted in a cataclysm of epic proportion.

CordialCord-– heart

sincere; heartfelt

The Inn keeper offered a cordial greeting to all guests.

DefunctFunct-– Perform work

no longer in existence or use

The police tried to issue me a ticked based upon a defunct law.

EgocentricCentri-– Center

Ego-– Self

self-centered

You always have that one person in your class that is egocentric and cares nothing about others.

FortitudeFortis-– Strength

mental and emotional strength

Never once did his fortitude subside during the Scripps Spelling Bee.

PseudonymPseudo-– False

a fictitious name used by an author to conceal his or her identityMark Twain is the pseudonym for Samuel Clemens.

PulchritudePulcher-– beautiful

Physical beauty

Marjorie was a vision of pulchritude that Randolph couldn't forget for days

VeracityVerus-– truth

truthfulness

Trisha was upset that the teacher would question the veracity of her response.