Root:
DUC/DUCT, from the Latin verb ducere, “to lead,” shows up regularly in English. Duke means basically “leader.” The Italian dictator Mussolini was known simply as Il Duce, “the leader.” But such words as produce and reduce also contain the root, even though their meanings show it less clearly.
Word #1: Conducive
Pronunciation:
kun-DOO-siv
Definition:
(adjective) — Making something more likely to happen; helpful or favorable toward a result.
Video:
Sentences:
Good lighting and quiet surroundings are conducive to focused studying.
A positive attitude is often conducive to better mental health.
Images:
Related Words:
favorable, helpful, beneficial, encouraging
Word #2: Induce
Pronunciation:
in-DOOS
Definition:
(verb) — To lead to or cause something to happen; to persuade someone to do something.
Video:
NOTE: The video talks about both induce and inducement
Sentences:
The medication was used to induce sleep.
His speech induced the crowd to take action.
Images:
Related Words:
cause, bring about, prompt, persuade
Root:
SEQU comes from the Latin verb sequi, meaning “to follow.” A sequel follows the original novel, film, or television show.
Word #3: Non Sequitur
Pronunciation:
non-SEK-wih-ter
Definition:
(noun) — A statement or conclusion that does not logically follow from what came before.
Video:
Sentences:
We were talking about homework, but his joke about aliens was a complete non sequitur.
Her argument was filled with non sequiturs that confused the debate.
Images:
IMAGINE: A conversation bubble saying “I love pizza” followed by another saying “Bananas wear shoes.”
IMAGINE: A question mark connecting unrelated images
Related Words:
illogical response, random remark, fallacy, misconnection
Words from Mythology:
Word #4: Apollonian
Pronunciation:
ap-uh-LOH-nee-un
Definition:
(adjective) — Relating to reason, order, harmony, and self-discipline (from the Greek god Apollo).
Video:
Sentences:
The sculpture’s balanced form and clarity show an Apollonian beauty.
His calm, rational speech reflected an Apollonian mindset.
Images:
Related Words:
rational, orderly, disciplined, harmonious
Word #5: Bacchanalian
Pronunciation:
bak-uh-NAY-lee-un
Definition:
(adjective) — Wildly drunken or riotous, especially in celebration (from Bacchus, the Roman god of wine).
Memory Trick:
Think of a bachelor who would be described as Bacchanlian
Video:
Sentences:
The movie depicted a bacchanalian party full of chaos and excess.
He regretted the bacchanalian weekend that left him exhausted and embarrassed.
Images:
Related Words:
drunken, riotous, debauched, festive