Y05W29VC Word Roots — -struct- (build)

The root -struct- comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of 'to build'. It appears in words that relate to the act of constructing, organising, or arranging elements into a whole. Understanding this root helps unlock the meaning of many academic and technical English words. This module explores six academic words and three further examples built on this root.

Word Families

These three words all use -struct-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'build' helps explain each word.

structure

/ˈstrʏktʃə/

struc‑ture

noun

The structure of something is the way it is organised and arranged, with different parts that connect.

Example: A clear structure helps the reader follow the ideas in a report from beginning to end.

Synonyms: organisation, layout, framework

Collocations: text structure, sentence structure, clear structure

construct

/kənˈstrʌkt/

con‑struct

verb | [construct – constructed – constructed]

To construct something is to build or put it together carefully, using parts or materials.

Example: The students were asked to construct a model of a healthy diet using food cards and a poster template.

Synonyms: build, create, assemble

Collocations: construct a model, construct an argument, carefully construct

instruct

/ɪnˈstrʌkt/

in‑struct

verb | [instruct – instructed – instructed]

To instruct means to teach or give someone directions about how to do something.

Example: The coach instructed the players on breathing techniques before they started the warm-up.

Synonyms: teach, direct, guide

Collocations: instruct someone, instruct on how to, be instructed

Academic Vocab

health

/hɛlθ/

health

noun

Health is the condition of a person's body and mind, especially when they are free from illness.

Example: Regular sleep, exercise, and good nutrition all contribute to long-term health and wellbeing.

Synonyms: wellbeing, fitness, condition

Collocations: good health, maintain health, physical and mental health

wellbeing

/ˈwɛlbiɪŋ/

well‑be‑ing

noun

Wellbeing is the state of being healthy, comfortable, and happy in both body and mind.

Example: The school introduced yoga sessions to support the mental wellbeing of students during exam periods.

Synonyms: health, happiness, welfare

Collocations: emotional wellbeing, student wellbeing, positive wellbeing

physical

/ˈfɪzɪkəl/

phys‑i‑cal

adjective

Something that is physical relates to the body rather than the mind or emotions.

Word family: physically (adv.)

Example: Physical exercise improves circulation and provides energy throughout the rest of the school day.

Synonyms: bodily, active, tangible

Collocations: physical activity, physical health, physical education

mental

/ˈmɛntəl/

men‑tal

adjective

Something that is mental relates to the mind, thinking, or the emotions.

Word family: mentally (adv.)

Example: Taking short breaks during study can improve mental focus and reduce fatigue.

Synonyms: psychological, cognitive, emotional

Collocations: mental health, mental wellbeing, mental strength

balance

/ˈbæləns/

bal‑ance

noun

Balance refers to a state in which different things are in the right proportion and nothing is excessive.

Word family: balanced (adj.)

Example: Finding a balance between screen time and physical activity is important for health at every age.

Synonyms: equilibrium, proportion, harmony

Collocations: maintain a balance, a healthy balance, balance between

in addition

/ɪn əˈdɪʃən/

in ad‑di‑tion

phrase

‘In addition’ introduces another point that adds to what has already been said.

Example: Exercise strengthens muscles and bones; in addition, it improves mood and reduces stress.

Synonyms: furthermore, also, moreover

Collocations: in addition to, in addition, this also shows; in addition, students

Confusing Words

breath vs breathe

These two words look almost identical but are different parts of speech and are used differently.

  • breath — Breath' (without the final 'e') is a noun referring to the air that you take in or let out of your lungs — for example, She took a slow, deep breath before beginning her presentation.
  • breathe — Breathe' (with the final 'e') is a verb meaning the action of taking in or letting out air — for example, The coach reminded her to breathe slowly and steadily throughout the exercise.

Memory rule: A helpful trick: 'breathe' has the letter 'e' at the end, which you can think of as 'exhale'. If you are describing the action, use 'breathe'; if you are naming the thing itself, use 'breath'.