Y08W11VC Word Roots — -sol / -solv- (loosen / resolve)

The root -sol- / -solv- comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of 'to loosen' or 'to resolve'. It appears in words that describe the act of releasing, dissolving, settling a problem, or freeing something from constraint. 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 -sol / -solv-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'loosen / resolve' can help you infer unfamiliar words and use them with more control.

resolve

/rɪˈzɒlv/

re‑solve

verb | [resolve – resolved – resolved]

To find a solution to a problem or difficulty; or to make a firm decision to do something.

Word Breakdown: re- (prefix meaning ‘again’ or ‘thoroughly’) + -solve (root meaning ‘loosen’) — to resolve is to ‘thoroughly loosen’ a problem

Example: The two sides were unable to resolve their differences through negotiation and the matter went to court.

Synonyms: settle, solve, determine

Collocations: resolve a conflict, resolve the issue, fully resolve

dissolve

/dɪˈzɒlv/

dis‑solve

verb | [dissolve – dissolved – dissolved]

To cause something to break up or disperse into a liquid; or to bring something formally to an end.

Example: The government voted to dissolve parliament and call an early election.

Synonyms: break up, disband, melt

Collocations: dissolve parliament, dissolve a substance, dissolve into

absolute

/ˈæbsəluːt/

ab‑so‑lute

adjective

Complete and total; not limited, conditional, or relative in any way.

Example: The judge stated that no one has an absolute right to free speech — all rights come with corresponding responsibilities.

Synonyms: total, unconditional, complete

Collocations: absolute certainty, absolute power, in absolute terms

Academic Vocab

acknowledge

/ækˈnɒlɪdʒ/

ac‑knowl‑edge

verb | [acknowledge – acknowledged – acknowledged]

To recognise and accept that something is true, or to express gratitude or recognition for something.

Word family: acknowledgement (n.)

Example: A strong essay acknowledges counterarguments before explaining why the writer’s own position is stronger.

Synonyms: recognise, admit, accept

Collocations: acknowledge a point, acknowledge that, acknowledge the contribution

cite

/saɪt/

cite

verb | [cite – cited – cited]

To refer to a source, example, or authority as evidence or justification for a point.

Word family: citation (n.), cited (adj.)

Example: The researcher cited three peer-reviewed studies to support her central argument.

Synonyms: quote, reference, mention

Collocations: cite evidence, cite a source, widely cited

compare

/kəmˈpɛə/

com‑pare

verb | [compare – compared – compared]

To examine two or more things in order to identify similarities and differences.

Word Breakdown: com- (prefix meaning ‘together’)

Word family: comparison (n.), comparative (adj.)

Example: The essay compared the policies of two countries to determine which had been more effective in reducing emissions.

Synonyms: contrast, analyse, evaluate

Collocations: compare with, compare to, compare and contrast

define

/dɪˈfaɪn/

de‑fine

verb | [define – defined – defined]

To state clearly what something means or what its limits are.

Word family: definition (n.), definitive (adj.)

Example: Before beginning her analysis, the writer carefully defined the key terms she would be using.

Synonyms: explain, specify, clarify

Collocations: define a term, clearly define, define the scope

propose

/prəˈpəʊz/

pro‑pose

verb | [propose – proposed – proposed]

To put forward an idea, plan, or suggestion for others to consider.

Word family: proposal (n.), proposed (adj.)

Example: The report proposed a series of reforms to make the health system more accessible and equitable.

Synonyms: suggest, put forward, recommend

Collocations: propose a solution, propose that, propose a change

this demonstrates

/ðɪs ˈdɛmənstrɛts/

this dem‑on‑strates

phrase

A writing function phrase used to show that the evidence just presented clearly proves or illustrates the point being made.

Example: Attendance rates increased by 18% after the intervention; this demonstrates that targeted support can produce significant results.

Synonyms: this shows, this proves, this illustrates

Collocations: this demonstrates that, this clearly demonstrates, this demonstrates the

Confusing Words

therefore vs consequently / thus / hence

Therefore, consequently, thus, and hence all signal that a conclusion or result follows from the preceding reasoning, but they differ slightly in register and emphasis.

  • therefore — Therefore introduces a logical conclusion and is the safest choice in most academic writing: 'The evidence is reliable; therefore, the claim is convincing.'
  • consequently — Consequently stresses cause and effect. It shows that one thing happened as a result of another: 'Funding was reduced; consequently, the programme was delayed.'
  • thus — Thus is more formal and is often used in academic or technical writing to show a conclusion: 'The sample was too small; thus, the result should be treated carefully.'
  • hence — Hence is also formal and means 'for this reason' or 'from this point': 'The data was incomplete; hence, no final judgement was made.'

Memory rule: A useful rule: therefore is your safest all-purpose conclusion word. Use consequently for direct results, and use thus or hence when a more formal academic tone is needed.