Y07W09VC Word Roots — -plic / -ply- (fold / involve)

The root ‑plic‑ / ‑ply‑ comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of ‘fold’ or ‘involve’. It appears in words that describe complexity, application, and the layering of meaning, obligation, or structure. 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 -plic / -ply-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'fold / involve' helps you unlock each word and use it more accurately.

imply

/ɪmˈplaɪ/

im‑ply

verb | [imply – implied – implied]

To suggest or indicate something indirectly; to mean something without saying it openly.

Example: When a teacher gives you specific feedback, they imply areas where you can improve.

Synonyms: suggest, indicate, mean

Collocations: imply that, strongly imply, clearly imply

explicit

/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/

ex‑plic‑it

adjective

Clearly stated or shown; not hidden or ambiguous; leaving no doubt about meaning.

Example: Clear instructions are explicit so that students understand exactly what they need to do.

Synonyms: clear, direct, obvious

Collocations: explicit instructions, explicit meaning, explicit consent

complicate

/ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪt/

com‑pli‑cate

verb | [complicate – complicated – complicated]

To make something more difficult or confusing; to add complexity to something.

Example: Unexpected changes can complicate the project timeline.

Synonyms: confuse, complicate, entangle

Collocations: complicate matters, complicate things, further complicate

Academic Vocab

construct

/kənˈstrʌkt/

con‑struct

verb | [construct – constructed – constructed]

To build or put together; to create something by assembling parts.

Example: Engineers construct buildings using careful planning and precise measurements.

Synonyms: build, assemble, create

Collocations: construct a building, construct a sentence, construct an argument

contribute

/kənˈtrɪb.juːt/

con‑trib‑ute

verb | [contribute – contributed – contributed]

To give or provide something as a share; to play a role in causing something.

Example: Different factors contribute to a student's academic success.

Synonyms: give, provide, help

Collocations: contribute to, contribute ideas, contribute time

feature

/ˈfiː.tʃə/

fea‑ture

noun

A distinctive characteristic or element; a notable or interesting part of something.

Word family: features (n. plural), featured (adj.), feature (v.)

Example: A key feature of social media is that it allows people to connect instantly.

Synonyms: characteristic, element, aspect

Collocations: key feature, main feature, special feature

maintain

/meɪnˈteɪn/

main‑tain

verb | [maintain – maintained – maintained]

To keep something in good condition; to continue or preserve something.

Word family: maintains (v.), maintained (adj.), maintenance (n.)

Example: Schools must maintain safe and healthy environments for students.

Synonyms: keep, preserve, sustain

Collocations: maintain standards, maintain safety, maintain order

potential

/pəˈten.ʃəl/

po‑ten‑tial

adjective

Possible but not yet actual; having the ability to become or develop into something.

Word family: potentially (adv.), potential (n.)

Example: Artificial intelligence has potential to solve many of the world's most difficult problems.

Synonyms: possible, latent, promising

Collocations: potential benefits, potential risks, potential applications

in contrast

/ɪn ˈkɒn.træst/

in con‑trast

phrase (connecting phrase)

A connecting phrase used to highlight differences between two things; used to show opposition or comparison.

Example: Some students prefer working alone. In contrast, others learn better in groups.

Synonyms: by contrast, however, on the other hand

Collocations: in contrast to, in sharp contrast, in stark contrast

Confusing Words

comprise vs compose

Comprise' and 'compose' are often confused because they both involve putting parts and wholes together, but their meanings are actually opposite.

  • comprise — Comprise means 'to consist of' or 'to be made up of' — the whole comprises the parts — for example, 'Australia comprises six states and two territories.' or 'The team comprises players from different schools.'
  • compose — Compose means 'to make up' or 'to form' — the parts compose the whole — for example, 'Ten provinces compose Canada.' or 'Musicians compose pieces of music.'

Memory rule: A quick way to keep them apart: comprise = the whole includes the parts (whole ← parts); compose = the parts form the whole (parts → whole).