Y07W17VC Word Roots — -ject- (throw)

The root ‑ject‑ comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of ‘throw’. It appears in words that describe projecting, rejecting, or directing something outward, forward, or into a particular context or situation. Understanding this root 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 -ject-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'throw' helps you unlock each word and use it more accurately.

project

/ˈprɒ.dʒekt/ (noun) /prəˈdʒekt/ (verb)

proj‑ect

noun, verb | [project – projected – projected]

A planned task or undertaking (noun); or to throw forward or forecast (verb).

Example: We are working on a class project about renewable energy sources.

Synonyms: task, plan, scheme

Collocations: class project, project plan, complete a project

reject

/rɪˈdʒekt/

re‑ject

verb | [reject – rejected – rejected]

To refuse to accept, consider, or use something.

Example: The student rejected the incorrect answer and chose a better option.

Synonyms: refuse, decline, dismiss

Collocations: reject an idea, reject an offer, reject a proposal

subject

/ˈsʌb.dʒekt/ (noun) /səbˈdʒekt/ (verb)

sub‑ject

noun, verb | [subject – subjected – subjected]

A topic or field of study (noun); or to cause to undergo something (verb).

Example: English is my favourite subject because I love reading literature.

Synonyms: topic, field, theme

Collocations: favourite subject, school subject, subject of study

Academic Vocab

comment

/ˈkɒm.ent/

com‑ment

noun, verb | [comment – commented – commented]

A remark or observation about something; or to make a remark or give an opinion.

Word family: commentary (n.)

Example: The teacher asked for comments on the essay before final submission.

Synonyms: remark, observation, note

Collocations: make a comment, comment on, comment about

response

/rɪˈspɒns/

re‑sponse

noun

A reply or reaction to something said, asked, or done.

Word family: respond (v.), responsive (adj.)

Example: Her response to the question showed careful thinking.

Synonyms: reply, reaction, answer

Collocations: give a response, response to, immediate response

examine

/ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/

ex‑am‑ine

verb | [examine – examined – examined]

To look at or inspect something carefully and in detail.

Word family: examination (n.), examiner (n.)

Example: Scientists will examine the samples under the microscope.

Synonyms: inspect, study, analyse

Collocations: examine evidence, examine closely, examine the issue

explore

/ɪkˈsplɔː/

ex‑plore

verb | [explore – explored – explored]

To travel through or investigate something thoroughly; to examine or discuss ideas.

Word family: exploration (n.), explorer (n.)

Example: The researchers will explore new theories about climate change.

Synonyms: investigate, discover, examine

Collocations: explore possibilities, explore ideas, explore further

pose

/poʊz/

pose

verb, noun | [pose – posed – posed]

To present or suggest something for consideration; to position or arrange for effect.

Word family: posed (adj.)

Example: The research poses an interesting question about human behaviour.

Synonyms: present, propose, suggest

Collocations: pose a question, pose a risk, pose a problem

this is evident in

/ðɪs ɪz ˈev.ɪ.dənt ɪn/

this is ev‑i‑dent in

phrase (connecting phrase)

A connecting phrase used to introduce evidence or examples that clearly show or demonstrate something.

Example: Many students struggle with managing time. This is evident in missed deadlines and incomplete work.

Synonyms: this appears in, this shows in, this is clear in

Collocations: this is evident in the data, this is evident in results, this is evident throughout

Confusing Words

data vs datum

These words relate to quantities of information. Strictly, 'datum' is the singular form and 'data' is the plural, but in modern usage, 'data' is often treated as singular. For Year 7, recognise that 'data' usually refers to multiple pieces of information.

  • datum — Datum (singular) is a single fact or piece of information. This is the strict singular form. Example: 'Each datum was recorded carefully in the experiment.'
  • data — Data (plural) refers to multiple facts, statistics, or pieces of information collected for analysis. Example: 'The data shows a clear pattern.' or 'The data were collected over six months.'

Memory rule: Strictly: one datum, many data. In modern usage, data is often treated as singular: 'The data is important.' Both are increasingly accepted in everyday writing.