Y06W29VC Word Roots — -terr- (earth / land)

An area of land under the control of a particular authority, animal or group.

Word Breakdown: -terr- (root meaning 'earth / land')

Example: Many animal species will defend their territory aggressively when other animals attempt to enter.

Synonyms: area, region, domain

Collocations: claim territory, defend territory, uncharted territory

A stretch of land with particular physical features, such as mountains, valleys or plains.

Example: The expedition team trained extensively before crossing the rugged terrain of the mountain range.

Synonyms: landscape, ground, land

Collocations: rough terrain, mountainous terrain, navigate the terrain

Relating to territory; also used to describe behaviour in which an animal or group defends its area.

Example: Magpies are known for their territorial behaviour during nesting season, often swooping at passers-by.

Synonyms: defensive, possessive, protective

Collocations: territorial behaviour, territorial dispute, a territorial animal

To keep something in its current state; to continue to have or do something.

Word family: maintain (v.), maintenance (n.)

Example: It takes consistent effort to maintain a high standard of writing throughout a lengthy argument.

Synonyms: keep, uphold, sustain

Collocations: maintain a standard, maintain focus, maintain balance

To keep something going over a long period; to support or maintain something through time.

Word family: sustain (v.), sustainable (adj.), sustainability (n.)

Example: The community worked together to sustain the local wetland habitat through a decade of restoration efforts.

Synonyms: maintain, support, preserve

Collocations: sustain growth, sustain effort, sustain a community

To protect something from harm, loss or change so that it continues to exist.

Word family: preserve (v.), preservation (n.)

Example: Conservationists work to preserve endangered habitats from urban development and pollution.

Synonyms: protect, conserve, maintain

Collocations: preserve the environment, preserve for future generations, preserve a record

To keep something or someone safe from harm or damage.

Word family: protect (v.), protection (n.), protective (adj.)

Example: Marine parks are established to protect coral reefs and the species that depend on them.

Synonyms: defend, safeguard, shield

Collocations: protect from harm, protect the environment, protect a species

To keep doing something without stopping; to resume after a pause.

Word family: continue (v.), continuous (adj.), continuity (n.)

Example: Scientists continue to monitor sea temperature data in order to track the impact of climate change.

Synonyms: persist, carry on, proceed

Collocations: continue to, continue with, continue despite

‘In order to’ introduces the purpose or goal of an action.

Example: The council planted more trees in order to cool the playground in summer.

Synonyms: so as to, so that, with the aim of

Collocations: in order to improve; in order to understand; in order to protect