Y05W21VC Word Roots — -port- (carry)

The root -port- comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of 'to carry'. It appears in words that describe the movement, transfer, or support of people, objects, or ideas. Understanding this root helps unlock the meaning of many academic and formal English words. This module explores six academic words and three further examples built on this root.

Word Families

These three words all use -port-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'carry' helps explain each word.

transport

/ˈtrænspɔːt/

trans‑port

noun

Transport refers to the system or means of moving people or goods from one place to another.

Example: Public transport makes it possible for many students to commute to school without a car.

Synonyms: travel, transit, conveyance

Collocations: public transport, transport system, use transport

import

/ˈɪmpɔːt/

im‑port

verb | [import – imported – imported]

To import something is to bring goods or products into a country from another country.

Example: Australia imports many of the electronic devices used in schools and workplaces.

Synonyms: bring in, source from overseas, receive from abroad

Collocations: import goods, import from, imported products

support

/səˈpɔːt/

sup‑port

verb | [support – supported – supported]

To support an idea or person is to help them, agree with them, or provide evidence that shows they are right.

Example: She used three pieces of evidence to support her argument in the final paragraph.

Synonyms: back up, assist, strengthen

Collocations: support your argument, support with evidence, support others

Academic Vocab

analyse

/ˈænəlaɪz/

a‑na‑lyse

verb | [analyse – analysed – analysed]

To analyse something is to examine it in detail to understand its parts, patterns, or meaning.

Word Breakdown: -lyse (suffix from Greek meaning ‘to break down’)

Word family: analysis (n.), analytical (adj.)

Example: She was asked to analyse the data from the experiment and explain what the results showed.

Synonyms: examine, study, investigate

Collocations: analyse the data, analyse the results, analyse in detail

examine

/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/

ex‑am‑ine

verb | [examine – examined – examined]

To examine something is to look at or consider it very carefully in order to understand it.

Word family: examination (n.)

Example: The students were asked to examine the photograph closely before writing their observations.

Synonyms: study, inspect, investigate

Collocations: examine carefully, examine the evidence, examine in detail

explore

/ɪkˈsplɔː/

ex‑plore

verb | [explore – explored – explored]

To explore means to look into or investigate something carefully to find out more about it.

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

Example: The class was invited to explore the theme of justice through discussion and close reading.

Synonyms: investigate, discover, examine

Collocations: explore ideas, explore the topic, explore further

consider

/kənˈsɪdə/

con‑sid‑er

verb | [consider – considered – considered]

To consider something is to think about it carefully before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.

Word family: consideration (n.), considered (adj.)

Example: She took time to consider both sides of the argument before writing her response.

Synonyms: think about, weigh up, reflect on

Collocations: consider carefully, consider the options, consider that

evaluate

/ɪˈvæljuɪeɪt/

e‑val‑u‑ate

verb | [evaluate – evaluated – evaluated]

To evaluate means to assess how good, useful, or successful something is, based on evidence.

Word family: evaluation (n.), evaluative (adj.)

Example: The students were asked to evaluate the usefulness of each source before including it in their report.

Synonyms: assess, judge, appraise

Collocations: evaluate the evidence, evaluate your work, critically evaluate

in conclusion

/ɪn kənˈkluːʒən/

in con‑clu‑sion

phrase

‘In conclusion’ is used to introduce the final summary or closing argument of a piece of writing.

Example: In conclusion, the evidence strongly suggests that renewable energy is the most viable long-term solution.

Synonyms: to conclude, in summary, finally

Collocations: in conclusion, this shows; in conclusion, the evidence; in conclusion, we can

Confusing Words

principal vs principle

These two words sound exactly the same but have different meanings.

  • principal — Principal' can be a noun or adjective. As a noun it refers to the head of a school — for example, The principal addressed the students at the whole-school assembly. As an adjective it means 'main' or 'most important' — for example, The principal reason for the decision was cost.
  • principle — Principle' is always a noun and refers to a fundamental rule, belief, or standard — for example, Honesty is a principle that guides her in every decision she makes.

Memory rule: A helpful trick: the school 'principal' is your 'pal' — both end in 'p-a-l'. If you mean a rule or belief, use 'principle'.