Y06W33VC Word Roots — -vert / -vers- (turn)
The root -vert- or -vers- comes from Latin and means 'to turn'. It appears in words that describe turning, changing direction or transforming from one state to another. Understanding this root helps students decode a wide range of academic and formal English words. This module explores six key academic words built with this root alongside three Word Families examples.
Word Families
These three words all contain -vert / -vers-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'turn' helps you work out each word.
reverse
/rɪˈvɜːs/
re‑verse
verb / noun / adjective | [reverse – reversed – reversed]
To turn something back to an earlier state, or to move or go in the opposite direction. As a noun, the opposite side or direction.
Word Breakdown: -vert- / -vers- (root meaning 'to turn')
Example: The judge was asked to reverse the decision after new evidence came to light.
Synonyms: undo, overturn, invert
Collocations: reverse a decision, in reverse order, the reverse of
divert
/daɪˈvɜːt/
di‑vert
verb | [divert – diverted – diverted]
To change the direction or course of something; also to distract attention.
Example: The road was closed and traffic was diverted through a series of back streets.
Synonyms: redirect, reroute, turn away
Collocations: divert attention, divert resources, divert from
conversation
/ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən/
con‑ver‑sa‑tion
noun
A spoken exchange of thoughts, ideas or information between two or more people.
Example: A meaningful conversation between characters often reveals important information about their relationship.
Synonyms: discussion, dialogue, exchange
Collocations: have a conversation, start a conversation, a conversation about
Academic Vocab
reflect
/rɪˈflekt/
re‑flect
verb | [reflect – reflected – reflected]
To think carefully and deeply about something. Also, to show or express something.
Word family: reflect (v.), reflection (n.), reflective (adj.)
Example: Writers are encouraged to reflect on their drafts carefully before making revisions.
Synonyms: think about, consider, ponder
Collocations: reflect on, upon reflection, reflect the views of
consider
/kənˈsɪdə/
con‑sid‑er
verb | [consider – considered – considered]
To think carefully about something before making a decision or forming a judgement.
Word family: consider (v.), consideration (n.)
Example: When revising a draft, it is important to consider whether each paragraph serves the overall argument.
Synonyms: think about, weigh up, take into account
Collocations: consider carefully, consider the evidence, take into consideration
examine
/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
ex‑am‑ine
verb | [examine – examined – examined]
To look at something carefully and in detail in order to understand it better.
Word family: examine (v.), examination (n.)
Example: She examined her draft closely, looking for any sentences that could be made more precise.
Synonyms: inspect, analyse, review
Collocations: examine closely, examine the argument, carefully examined
review
/rɪˈvjuː/
re‑view
noun / verb | [review – reviewed – reviewed]
A careful examination or assessment of something. As a verb, to look at something again to assess or improve it.
Word family: review (n./v.)
Example: Students were asked to review their drafts before submitting the final version for assessment.
Synonyms: assessment, evaluation, reassessment
Collocations: peer review, review a draft, review the evidence
revisit
/ˌriːˈvɪzɪt/
re‑vis‑it
verb | [revisit – revisited – revisited]
To return to something — a text, idea or decision — in order to reconsider or improve it.
Word family: revisit (v.)
Example: Good writers often revisit their opening paragraphs after completing a full draft to check for consistency.
Synonyms: reconsider, return to, reread
Collocations: revisit the draft, revisit an idea, revisit the argument
upon reflection
/əˈpɒn rɪˈflekʃən/
u‑pon re‑flec‑tion
phrase
‘Upon reflection’ means after thinking carefully about something.
Example: Upon reflection, I realised that my first plan was too rushed.
Synonyms: after thinking, after reflection, looking back
Collocations: upon reflection, I; upon reflection, it became clear; upon reflection, the
Confusing Words
complement vs compliment
Complement and compliment sound identical but have different meanings. Complement means to complete, enhance or go well with something — for example, 'The choice of music perfectly complemented the mood of the film.'
- complement — Complement' means to go well with something or complete it — for example, 'The image complements the paragraph.'
- compliment — Compliment means to express admiration or praise — for example, 'The teacher complimented the student on her thoughtful and well-structured essay.'
Memory rule: A helpful way to remember: complement is about completion — think of the word 'complete', which shares the same root. Compliment is about praise — think of 'I' in compliment, because a compliment comes from 'I think you did well'. If you can replace the word with 'go well with', use complement.
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