Y08W07VC Word Roots — -pend / -pens- (hang / weigh)

To hang or hold something from above; or to delay or stop something temporarily.

Word Breakdown: sus- (a variant of sub-, prefix meaning ‘under’) + -pend (root meaning ‘hang’) — literally to ‘hang under’ or hold something in a state between

Example: The school suspended the usual timetable during the exam period to allow for more focused study time.

Synonyms: halt, pause, delay

Collocations: suspend judgement, suspend a rule, temporarily suspend

To make up for something negative by providing something of equal or greater value; to offset a disadvantage.

Example: The school offered extra support sessions to compensate for the weeks of learning that had been disrupted.

Synonyms: offset, make up for, counterbalance

Collocations: compensate for, compensate workers, fully compensate

Relying on something or someone else for support, survival, or outcome.

Example: The success of the project was dependent on the availability of adequate funding from the government.

Synonyms: reliant, contingent, conditional

Collocations: dependent on, financially dependent, heavily dependent

Clearly visible or obvious; or seeming to be true based on appearances, though it may not actually be so.

Word family: apparently (adv.)

Example: It was apparent from the data that the new approach had produced significantly better results.

Synonyms: obvious, clear, evident

Collocations: it is apparent that, apparent lack of, become apparent

To dedicate yourself to a course of action, a belief, or a responsibility; to pledge yourself to something.

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

Word family: commitment (n.), committed (adj.)

Example: A writer who commits to a clear argument from the outset is more likely to produce a focused and persuasive essay.

Synonyms: dedicate, pledge, devote

Collocations: commit to, commit resources, remain committed

To share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings with others through speech, writing, or other means.

Word family: communication (n.), communicative (adj.)

Example: The essay communicated the writer’s argument clearly and persuasively to a general audience.

Synonyms: convey, express, share

Collocations: communicate effectively, communicate ideas, communicate with

A serious disagreement, struggle, or clash between people, groups, ideas, or values.

Word family: conflicting (adj.)

Example: The essay explored the conflict between individual freedom and the responsibility to protect public health.

Synonyms: disagreement, tension, struggle

Collocations: armed conflict, internal conflict, in conflict with

Exact, accurate, and clearly defined, with no room for ambiguity or vagueness.

Word Breakdown: pre- (prefix meaning ‘before’, suggesting careful planning ahead of time)

Word family: precisely (adv.), precision (n.)

Example: In formal writing, it is important to choose precise language rather than vague or approximate expressions.

Synonyms: exact, accurate, specific

Collocations: precise language, precise definition, be precise about

A writing function phrase used to introduce an important question, concern, or issue that the evidence or argument prompts.

Example: The study found no correlation between the two variables; this raises questions about the validity of the original hypothesis.

Synonyms: this prompts, this highlights, this points to

Collocations: this raises the question, this raises concerns, this raises important issues