Y05W41VC Word Roots — -ment (result of / process)

The suffix -ment comes from Latin via French and carries the core meaning of 'result of', 'act of', or 'process of'. It attaches to verb stems to form abstract nouns that name an outcome, state, or ongoing process. Words ending in -ment are extremely common in academic and formal English. This module explores six academic words and three further examples that share this suffix.

Word Families

These three words all use -ment. As you read, notice how the meaning 'result of / process' helps explain each word.

movement

/ˈmuːvmənt/

move‑ment

noun

A movement is the act of moving, or an organised effort by a group of people working towards a shared goal.

Example: The civil rights movement brought about significant legal and social changes across many countries.

Synonyms: motion, campaign, drive

Collocations: a social movement, the movement of, a political movement

treatment

/ˈtriːtmənt/

treat‑ment

noun

Treatment refers to the way someone or something is dealt with, or medical care given for an illness.

Example: The fair treatment of all students, regardless of background, is a core value of the school.

Synonyms: handling, care, approach

Collocations: fair treatment, medical treatment, treatment of

argument

/ˈɑːɡjəmənt/

ar‑gu‑ment

noun

An argument is a set of reasons or evidence used to support a point of view.

Example: Her argument was well structured, with three clear points supported by specific evidence.

Synonyms: case, reasoning, claim

Collocations: make an argument, a strong argument, support an argument

Academic Vocab

argument

/ˈɑːɡjəmənt/

ar‑gu‑ment

noun

An argument is a set of reasons or evidence used to support a point of view.

Word family: argue (v.), argumentative (adj.)

Example: Her argument was well structured, with three clear points supported by specific evidence.

Synonyms: case, reasoning, claim

Collocations: make an argument, a strong argument, support an argument

point

/pɔɪnt/

point

noun

A point is a specific idea or fact used to support an argument or inform a discussion.

Example: She made three key points in her essay, each supported by evidence from the text.

Synonyms: idea, claim, argument

Collocations: make a point, a key point, the main point

perspective

/pəˈspɛktɪv/

per‑spec‑tive

noun

A perspective is a particular way of thinking about something, often shaped by experience.

Word family: perspectival (adj.)

Example: Considering the issue from a different perspective helped her write a more balanced argument.

Synonyms: viewpoint, point of view, angle

Collocations: from a different perspective, offer a perspective, consider all perspectives

position

/pəˈzɪʃən/

po‑si‑tion

noun

A position is the opinion or stance a person or group holds on a particular issue.

Word family: positioned (adj.)

Example: She made her position clear in the opening paragraph so the reader knew exactly where she stood.

Synonyms: stance, opinion, view

Collocations: state your position, hold a position, a clear position

stance

/stæns/

stance

noun

A stance is the attitude or position a person takes on a particular issue.

Example: The author's stance on the issue became clearer as the argument developed through the text.

Synonyms: position, view, standpoint

Collocations: take a stance, a firm stance, the author's stance

however

/haʊˈɛvə/

how‑ev‑er

adverb

‘However’ introduces a contrast or an idea that is different from what was just said.

Example: Her argument was persuasive; however, it relied too heavily on one source of evidence.

Synonyms: but, yet, on the other hand

Collocations: however, this shows; however, it is; however, some argue

Confusing Words

wary vs weary

These two words look and sound similar but have different meanings.

  • wary — Wary' is an adjective meaning cautious or watchful, especially because you suspect danger — for example, She was wary of making claims in her argument that she could not fully support with evidence.
  • weary — Weary' is an adjective meaning very tired, especially after long effort or difficulty — for example, After three hours of debating and revising, the students were weary but satisfied with the final result.

Memory rule: A helpful trick: 'wary' sounds like 'beware', and both relate to caution and alertness. If you mean tired, use 'weary'. If you mean cautious, use 'wary'.