Y06W15VC Word Roots — -gen- (birth / origin)

To produce or create something, especially energy, ideas or results.

Word Breakdown: -gen- (root meaning 'birth / origin')

Example: Wind turbines generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of moving air.

Synonyms: produce, create, produce

Collocations: generate energy, generate ideas, generate a result

The point or place where something begins or comes from.

Example: Scientists studied the origin of the species to understand how it had evolved over millions of years.

Synonyms: source, beginning, starting point

Collocations: the origin of, trace the origin, unknown origins

All the people born and living at approximately the same time. Also, the act of producing or creating something.

Example: Each generation faces its own set of challenges, but also inherits the achievements of those before it.

Synonyms: age group, cohort, era

Collocations: the next generation, a generation of, generation to generation

A sentence that asks for information or invites a response. As a verb, to ask or to challenge the truth of something.

Word family: question (n./v.), questionable (adj.)

Example: A strong piece of research begins with a clear question that guides the entire investigation.

Synonyms: query, inquiry, challenge

Collocations: raise a question, question the evidence, a key question

Something that is difficult and requires effort or skill. As a verb, to dispute or question something.

Word family: challenge (n./v.), challenging (adj.)

Example: The student challenged the author's conclusion by pointing to contradictory evidence in the data.

Synonyms: dispute, contest, difficulty

Collocations: face a challenge, challenge a claim, a significant challenge

A disagreement or argument about something. As a verb, to question or argue against something.

Word family: dispute (n./v.)

Example: Historians continue to dispute the exact cause of the ancient city's decline.

Synonyms: argue, contest, challenge

Collocations: dispute a claim, in dispute, a long-running dispute

To look at something carefully and in detail to learn more about it.

Word family: examine (v.), examination (n.)

Example: The committee was asked to examine the evidence carefully before releasing a public statement.

Synonyms: inspect, study, investigate

Collocations: examine closely, examine the evidence, examine a claim

To investigate something thoroughly and deeply, especially to uncover hidden information.

Word family: probe (n./v.)

Example: The journalist probed the official's response, seeking more details about the decision-making process.

Synonyms: investigate, explore, question

Collocations: probe into, probe further, a deep probe

‘This raises’ introduces a question, issue or concern that comes from the previous idea.

Example: Many students use screens late at night. This raises questions about sleep and focus.

Synonyms: this creates, this brings up, this leads to

Collocations: this raises questions; this raises concerns; this raises the issue