Y09W31VC Word Roots — -junct/-join- (join)

A word used to connect clauses or sentences (e.g. and, but, because); also refers to a combination of events occurring together.

Word Breakdown: con- (prefix meaning 'with' or 'together') + -junct- (root meaning 'to join') + -ion (suffix forming a noun)

Example: The report was released in conjunction with a government announcement on healthcare reform.

Synonyms: connection, combination, linking word

Collocations: in conjunction with, grammatical conjunction, work in conjunction

A lack of connection or a sharp contrast between two things; a logical "or" relationship.

Word Breakdown: dis- (prefix meaning 'apart' or 'away') + -junct- (root meaning 'to join') + -ion (suffix forming a noun)

Example: There is a clear disjunction between the government's stated commitment to equality and the outcomes revealed in the data.

Synonyms: disconnect, inconsistency, contrast

Collocations: stark disjunction, disjunction between, create a disjunction

Something added to another thing but not an essential part of it; an additional element.

Word Breakdown: ad- (prefix meaning 'to' or 'toward') + -junct- (root meaning 'to join')

Example: Physical education is treated as an adjunct to the main curriculum rather than as a core component of student wellbeing.

Synonyms: addition, supplement, secondary element

Collocations: serve as an adjunct, treated as an adjunct, adjunct to

To put forward an argument or position, especially in opposition to another view.

Word family: contention (n.), contentious (adj.)

Example: Many media scholars contend that the concentration of ownership poses a fundamental threat to journalistic independence.

Synonyms: argue, assert, maintain

Collocations: contend that, widely contend, contend with

To present reasons or evidence in support of a position; to make a case for something.

Word family: argument (n.), arguable (adj.)

Example: The author argues that digital surveillance has fundamentally changed the relationship between citizens and the state.

Synonyms: contend, assert, maintain

Collocations: argue that, argue for, it could be argued

To state or claim something confidently and directly, often without offering full supporting evidence.

Word family: assertion (n.), assertive (adj.)

Example: The government asserts that the policy is working, but independent data tells a quite different story.

Synonyms: claim, declare, state boldly

Collocations: assert that, boldly assert, assert authority

To continue to hold or support a position or argument; to keep something in the same condition.

Word family: maintenance (n.)

Example: Critics maintain that the current sentencing guidelines are disproportionately harsh for minor offences.

Synonyms: uphold, insist, continue to hold

Collocations: maintain that, consistently maintain, maintain a position

To put forward an idea or theory as a basis for argument or discussion.

Example: The paper posits a direct link between algorithmic decision-making and the erosion of individual autonomy.

Synonyms: suggest, propose, put forward

Collocations: posit that, posit a theory, posit a connection

Used in academic writing to attribute a specific argued position to a named writer, theorist or source.

Example: X contends that the free market cannot address environmental degradation without significant regulatory intervention.

Synonyms: X argues that, X maintains that, X asserts that

Collocations: X contends that this, X explicitly contends, X contends throughout