Y08W39VC Word Roots — -simil / -simul- (like / same)
The root -simil- / -simul- comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of 'like' or 'same'. It appears in words that describe likeness, imitation, similarity, or the act of making something resemble something else. 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 -simil / -simul-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'like / same' can help you infer unfamiliar words and use them with more control.
similar
/ˈsɪmɪlə/
sim‑i‑lar
adjective
Resembling something without being identical to it; having features in common.
Word Breakdown: -simil- (root meaning ‘like’) + -ar (adjective suffix) — similar literally means ‘of the same kind’
Example: The findings from the two countries were remarkably similar, suggesting a shared underlying cause.
Synonyms: alike, comparable, resembling
Collocations: similar to, similar results, in a similar way
simulate
/ˈsɪmjəleɪt/
sim‑u‑late
verb | [simulate – simulated – simulated]
To imitate or replicate a situation, process, or environment in order to study or test it.
Example: The engineers simulated the impact of a category five cyclone on the new building design.
Synonyms: imitate, model, replicate
Collocations: simulate conditions, simulate a scenario, run a simulation
assimilate
/əˈsɪmɪleɪt/
as‑sim‑i‑late
verb | [assimilate – assimilated – assimilated]
To absorb and integrate into a wider society or system; to take in and understand fully.
Example: Students assimilate new vocabulary most effectively when they encounter it in meaningful contexts.
Synonyms: absorb, integrate, incorporate
Collocations: assimilate into, assimilate information, fully assimilate
Academic Vocab
conclude
/kənˈkluːd/
con‑clude
verb | [conclude – concluded – concluded]
To reach a logical end or decision; to draw a final inference from evidence.
Word family: conclusion (n.), conclusive (adj.)
Example: The researcher concluded that the intervention had produced a significant and sustained improvement in outcomes.
Synonyms: determine, decide, infer
Collocations: conclude that, reasonably conclude, conclude from
determine
/dɪˈtɜːmɪn/
de‑ter‑mine
verb | [determine – determined – determined]
To find out or establish something by investigation; to decide something definitively.
Word Breakdown: de- (prefix meaning ‘thoroughly’)
Word family: determination (n.)
Example: The committee was tasked with determining whether the policy had achieved its intended outcomes.
Synonyms: establish, find out, decide
Collocations: determine the cause, determine whether, determine the outcome
establish
/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
es‑tab‑lish
verb | [establish – established – established]
To set up or create something on a firm or permanent basis; to prove or show something to be true.
Word family: establishment (n.)
Example: The research established a clear causal link between early childhood investment and long-term educational outcomes.
Synonyms: prove, confirm, create
Collocations: establish a link, establish that, firmly establish
infer
/ɪnˈfɜː/
in‑fer
verb | [infer – inferred – inferred]
To reach a conclusion from evidence or reasoning, without being told directly.
Word family: inference (n.)
Example: From the character’s body language alone, the reader can infer that she is hiding something significant.
Synonyms: deduce, conclude, reason
Collocations: infer from, reasonably infer, infer that
assert
/əˈsɜːt/
as‑sert
verb | [assert – asserted – asserted]
To state something confidently and forcefully, as a claim or position.
Word family: assertion (n.)
Example: The author asserts that media ownership shapes the ideological framing of news coverage.
Synonyms: claim, declare, state
Collocations: assert that, boldly assert, assert a position
in conclusion
/ɪn kənˈkluːʒən/
in con‑clu‑sion
phrase
A writing function phrase used to introduce the final evaluative summary of an argument.
Example: In conclusion, the evidence across all three studies strongly supports the argument for a comprehensive reform of current sentencing guidelines.
Synonyms: to conclude, in summary, to sum up
Collocations: in conclusion, the evidence, in conclusion, it is clear that
Confusing Words
important vs significant / pivotal / critical
Important is a general, everyday word that can always be used, but in formal academic writing, more precise alternatives are often preferable.
- important — Important is broad and useful, but it can be vague if you do not explain why something matters.
- significant — Significant means important enough to have a noticeable effect or meaning: 'The result was significant because it changed the final decision.'
- pivotal — Pivotal means extremely important because it marks a turning point: 'The speech was a pivotal moment in the campaign.'
- critical — Critical means essential, urgent or very serious: 'Clear evidence is critical to a strong argument.'
Memory rule: A useful rule: replace important with a more precise word when possible. Use significant for noticeable impact, pivotal for a turning point and critical for something essential or urgent.
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