WORDS: THE POWER WITHIN

Lesson 9

Making Changes

FLECT (FLEX) Flexible Flex + ible (able) Literal definition – able to bend Dictionary definition – (adj) capable of

bending easily without breaking The new garden hose is very flexible.

FLECT (FLEX) Genuflect Genu (knee) + flect Literal definition – bent knee Dictionary definition – (v) to lower one’s

body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect

When the queen walked by, her subjects genuflected.

FLECT (FLEX) - BEND Reflect Re (back, again) + flect Literal definition – bend back, bend

again Dictionary definition – (v) to bend back

heat, light, or sound without absorbing it; to show an image with mirrors; to think deeply or carefully about

Wolfgang reflected on his actions after getting thrown out of the Golden Corral for wasting food.

FRACT (FRAG) Fraction Fract + ion (act of) Literal definition – act of breaking Dictionary definition – (n) numerical

quantity that is not a whole number; a small or tiny part, amount, or portion

The two cars came within a fraction of an inch of colliding with one another.

FRACT (FRAG) Fragile Frag + ile (pertaining to) Literal definition – pertaining to breaking Dictionary definition – (adj) easily

broken or damaged The glass vase was extremely fragile,

and great caution had to be taken when moving it.

FRACT (FRAG) - BREAK Infraction In (in, into) + fract + ion (act of) Literal definition – act of breaking into Dictionary definition – (n) a violation or

infringement of a law, agreement, or set of rules

Because of his multiple infractions on Friday, Wolfgang will be in ISS all next week.

GRAPH (GRAM) Autograph Auto (self) + graph Literal definition – self write Dictionary definition – (n) a writing by

an individual’s own self; a signature, especially that of a celebrity written as a memento for an admirer; (v) to write one’s name

When Sponge Bob visited Endeavor, he gave me his autograph!

GRAPH (GRAM) Graphic Graph + ic (related to) Literal definition – related to recording Dictionary definition – (adj) vivid, as if

drawn or written; of or relating to visual art, especially involving drawing, engraving, or lettering; giving a vivid picture with explicit details

When I grow up, I want to study graphic design at NC State.

GRAPH (GRAM) – WRITE, RECORD Monogram Mono (one) + gram Literal definition – one writing Dictionary definition – (n) one writing or

design; two or more letters, usually a person’s initials, combined in a decorative design and used as a logo or to identify personal possessions; (v) to decorate with a design

Lebinda had all of her luggage monogrammed before leaving on her trip.

RUPT Disrupt Dis (apart) + rupt Literal definition – break apart Dictionary definition – (v) to interrupt an

event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance or problem

Please don’t disrupt the class by getting out of your seat without permission.

RUPT Erupt E (out) + rupt Literal definition – break out Dictionary definition – (v) to eject lava,

ash, and gases from a volcano; to give vent to enthusiasm, amusement, anger, or other feelings in a sudden and noisy way

If you touch my pizza one more time, I think I am going to erupt!

RUPT – BREAK, BURST Rupture Rupt + ure (act of) Literal definition – act of breaking, act of

bursting Dictionary definition – (v) to break or

burst suddenly; (n) an instance of breaking or bursting suddenly and completely

When the pipes froze, the water line ruptured and caused a massive amount of water to leak into the house.

VERS (VERT) Adversary Ad (toward) + vers + ary (one

connected with) Literal definition – one connected with

turning toward something Dictionary definition – (n) literally turned

toward something; one’s opponent in a conflict, contest, or dispute

Wolfgang’s greatest adversary, Lebinda, knew how to counter all of his kicks and punches.

VERS (VERT) Controversy Contra (against) + vers + y (result of) Literal definition – result of turning

against Dictionary definition – (n) a

disagreement, typically prolonged, public, and heated

The Wake County Schools’ new assignment plan has had its share of controversy the last couple of years.

VERS (VERT) Diversity Di (away) + vers + ity (quality of) Dictionary definition – (n) literally,

turning away from the same; variety; a range of different things

The diversity of the people living in and around this area is amazing.

VERS (VERT) – TURN Revert Re (back) + vert Literal definition – turn back Dictionary definition – to return to a

previous state, condition, practice, etc. I see that you’ve reverted to acting like

a first grader again. How disappointing!