Y05W35VC Word Roots — -mot / -mov- (move)

The root -mot / -mov- comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of 'to move'. It appears in words that describe physical movement, emotional stirring, and the driving of change. 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 -mot / -mov-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'move' helps explain each word.

motion

/ˈməʊʃən/

mo‑tion

noun

Motion is the process of moving or being moved.

Example: The judge called the meeting to order and put the first item to a motion before the group.

Synonyms: movement, action, activity

Collocations: in motion, set in motion, a smooth motion

remove

/rɪˈmuːv/

re‑move

verb | [remove – removed – removed]

To remove means to take something away from a place or to get rid of it.

Example: She carefully removed the damaged paragraph and replaced it with a stronger version.

Synonyms: take away, eliminate, delete

Collocations: remove the obstacle, remove from, remove carefully

emotion

/ɪˈməʊʃən/

e‑mo‑tion

noun

An emotion is a strong feeling such as happiness, sadness, anger, or excitement.

Example: She used precise language to convey the emotion of each character throughout the story.

Synonyms: feeling, sentiment, reaction

Collocations: express emotion, a range of emotions, strong emotion

Academic Vocab

conflict

/ˈkɒnflɪkt/

con‑flict

noun

A conflict is a serious disagreement or argument, especially one that lasts for some time.

Word family: conflicting (adj.)

Example: The story centred on a conflict between two friends who had very different ideas about fairness.

Synonyms: disagreement, dispute, clash

Collocations: a major conflict, resolve a conflict, conflict between

resolution

/ˈrɛzəˈluːʃən/

res‑o‑lu‑tion

noun

A resolution is a firm decision or the act of solving a problem or ending a conflict.

Word family: resolve (v.), resolute (adj.)

Example: Finding a resolution to the disagreement required both sides to listen carefully and compromise.

Synonyms: solution, decision, settlement

Collocations: reach a resolution, a peaceful resolution, a resolution to

solution

/səˈluːʃən/

so‑lu‑tion

noun

A solution is a way of dealing with or resolving a problem.

Example: After careful discussion, the students arrived at a solution that everyone felt was fair.

Synonyms: answer, resolution, fix

Collocations: find a solution, a practical solution, a creative solution

negotiate

/nɪˈɡəʊʃieɪt/

ne‑go‑ti‑ate

verb | [negotiate – negotiated – negotiated]

To negotiate means to discuss something in order to reach an agreement.

Word Breakdown: -ate (suffix meaning ‘to act in a particular way’)

Word family: negotiation (n.), negotiator (n.)

Example: The two teams decided to negotiate the rules of the game before they started playing.

Synonyms: discuss, bargain, work out

Collocations: negotiate a deal, negotiate terms, negotiate with

compromise

/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

com‑pro‑mise

noun

A compromise is an agreement reached when both sides give up some of what they want.

Word family: compromising (adj.)

Example: They reached a compromise where each student would have equal time to speak during the presentation.

Synonyms: agreement, middle ground, settlement

Collocations: reach a compromise, find a compromise, a fair compromise

on the other hand

/ɒn ðɪ ˈʌðə hænd/

on the oth‑er hand

phrase

‘On the other hand’ introduces a contrasting or opposing point of view.

Example: One solution is to give each side equal time; on the other hand, some conflicts need a mediator.

Synonyms: however, in contrast, alternatively

Collocations: on the other hand, this suggests; on the other hand, some argue

Confusing Words

pore vs pour

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

  • pore — Pore' can be a noun or verb. As a noun it refers to a tiny opening in skin or a surface — for example, The scientist examined the pores of the rock under a magnifying glass. As a verb it means to study or examine something carefully — for example, She pored over every page of the report looking for clues.
  • pour — Pour' is a verb meaning to cause a liquid to flow from one container to another — for example, He poured water into the test tube before adding the solution.

Memory rule: A helpful trick: 'pour' sounds like 'power' and involves the power to control liquid. If you are moving liquid, use 'pour'. If you mean a tiny opening or studying something closely, use 'pore'.