Y07W07VC Word Roots — pro- (forward / before)

The prefix pro‑ comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of ‘forward’ or ‘before’. It appears in words that describe movement ahead, advocacy for a cause, or something that precedes another in time or position. Understanding this prefix unlocks the meaning of many academic and formal English words. This module explores six such words drawn from the Academic Vocab list, plus three further examples in the Word Families section.

Word Families

These three words all connect to the root pro-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'forward / before' helps you unlock each word and use it more accurately.

proceed

/prəˈsiːd/

pro‑ceed

verb | [proceed – proceeded – proceeded]

To move forward; to go ahead with something; to continue or start a course of action.

Example: After reading the instructions, students will proceed to the next section.

Synonyms: continue, advance, go ahead

Collocations: proceed with, proceed to, proceed carefully

propose

/prəˈpəʊz/

pro‑pose

verb | [propose – proposed – proposed]

To suggest an idea or plan for consideration; to offer or put forward.

Example: Scientists propose new theories based on evidence they have collected.

Synonyms: suggest, offer, put forward

Collocations: propose a solution, propose an idea, propose changes

promote

/prəˈməʊt/

pro‑mote

verb | [promote – promoted – promoted]

To advance someone in rank or position; to encourage or support something; to publicise.

Example: Schools promote healthy eating by providing nutritious meals in the canteen.

Synonyms: encourage, advance, support

Collocations: promote health, promote learning, promote equality

Academic Vocab

principle

/ˈprɪn.sɪ.pəl/

prin‑ci‑ple

noun

A fundamental rule, truth, or law that forms the basis for reasoning or behaviour; a moral standard.

Example: The principle of 'treat others as you wish to be treated' is found in many cultures.

Synonyms: rule, law, standard

Collocations: basic principle, guiding principle, moral principle

assessment

/əˈses.mənt/

as‑sess‑ment

noun

A careful evaluation, judgement, or estimation of someone or something.

Word Breakdown: -ment (suffix meaning 'the act of' or 'the result of')

Example: A teacher's assessment of a student's progress helps identify areas for improvement.

Synonyms: evaluation, judgement, appraisal

Collocations: formal assessment, teacher assessment, self-assessment

authority

/ɔːˈθɒr.ə.ti/

au‑thor‑i‑ty

noun

The power or right to make decisions, give orders, or control others; an expert or trusted source.

Example: Teachers have the authority to set classroom rules.

Synonyms: power, control, expertise

Collocations: legal authority, in authority, educational authority

contract

/ˈkɒn.trækt/

con‑tract

noun

A formal written agreement between two or more parties; a binding legal document.

Example: A job contract outlines the terms and conditions of employment.

Synonyms: agreement, deal, pact

Collocations: employment contract, sign a contract, contract terms

legal

/ˈliː.ɡəl/

le‑gal

adjective

Relating to or required by law; lawful or permitted by law.

Word family: legally (adv.), legality (n.)

Example: It is legal for teenagers to work part-time while attending school.

Synonyms: lawful, permitted, valid

Collocations: legal rights, legal system, legal obligation

this raises

/ðɪs ˈreɪ.zɪz/

this rais‑es

phrase (discourse marker)

A connecting phrase used to introduce a new question, issue, or concern that arises from what was previously mentioned.

Example: Many companies are automating jobs. This raises questions about employment and the future of work.

Synonyms: this creates, this brings up, this suggests

Collocations: this raises concerns, this raises questions, which raises

Confusing Words

continual vs continuous

Continual' and 'continuous' are often confused because they both relate to ongoing processes, but they have important differences.

  • continual — continual' means happening again and again with breaks in between; it describes something that repeats or is interrupted — for example, 'The student made continual attempts to improve, taking breaks between each effort.' or 'Continual interruptions disrupted the lesson.'
  • continuous — continuous' means uninterrupted and ongoing without stopping; it describes something that never stops — for example, 'A continuous alarm would sound without stopping.' or 'Rivers provide a continuous flow of water.'

Memory rule: A quick way to keep them apart: continual = happening repeatedly with breaks (con-tin-ual = with intervals); continuous = happening without interruption (con-tin-you-ous = never stops).