Y06W01VC Word Roots — non- (not)

The prefix -non- comes from Latin and means 'not' or 'without'. Adding it to the front of a word reverses or negates its meaning, describing something that lacks a quality or is the opposite of the base word. Recognising -non- helps students quickly decode unfamiliar words across many subject areas. This module explores six academic vocabulary words alongside three Word Families entries that all carry this prefix.

Word Families

These three words all contain non-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'not' helps you work out each word.

nonfiction

/ˌnɒnˈfɪkʃən/

non‑fic‑tion

noun

Writing that is based on real events, real people and facts, rather than imagined stories.

Word Breakdown: non- (prefix meaning 'not')

Example: The library has a large nonfiction section with books about science, history and true events.

Synonyms: factual writing, informational text, documentary writing

Collocations: nonfiction text, read nonfiction, write nonfiction

nonstop

/ˌnɒnˈstɒp/

non‑stop

adjective / adverb

Without any pauses or breaks; continuing without stopping.

Example: The student worked nonstop for an hour to finish her assignment before dinner.

Synonyms: continuous, uninterrupted, without a break

Collocations: nonstop flight, work nonstop, nonstop action

nonsense

/ˈnɒnsəns/

non‑sense

noun

Words, ideas or behaviour that have no meaning or make no logical sense.

Example: The teacher reminded the class that leaving out evidence makes an argument sound like nonsense.

Synonyms: rubbish, gibberish, drivel

Collocations: talk nonsense, complete nonsense, that's nonsense

Academic Vocab

approach

/əˈprəʊtʃ/

ap‑proach

noun / verb | [approach – approached – approached]

A way of thinking about or dealing with a task or problem. As a verb, it means to begin working on something in a particular way.

Word family: approach (n./v.), approachable (adj.), unapproachable (adj.)

Example: She used a step-by-step approach to plan her essay before writing her first sentence.

Synonyms: method, strategy, way

Collocations: take an approach, a different approach, approach a task

method

/ˈmeθəd/

meth‑od

noun

A planned, organised way of doing something. Using a clear method makes it easier to complete tasks correctly and efficiently.

Word family: method (n.), methodical (adj.), methodology (n.)

Example: The class followed a specific method for solving long division that made each step easier to understand.

Synonyms: approach, procedure, technique

Collocations: a clear method, use a method, follow a method

process

/ˈprəʊses/

pro‑cess

noun / verb | [process – processed – processed]

A series of actions or steps taken in a particular order to achieve a result. As a verb, it means to work through or handle something using a set of steps.

Word family: process (n./v.), processed (adj.), processing (n.)

Example: Writing a good argument involves a process of planning, drafting and reviewing your ideas.

Synonyms: procedure, sequence, method

Collocations: follow a process, a step-by-step process, work through the process

strategy

/ˈstratədʒi/

strat‑e‑gy

noun

A careful plan or method designed to achieve a particular goal. A good strategy helps you think ahead before taking action.

Word family: strategy (n.), strategic (adj.), strategically (adv.)

Example: The team came up with a strategy to divide the research evenly before beginning their project.

Synonyms: plan, approach, method

Collocations: develop a strategy, a clear strategy, use a strategy

technique

/tekˈniːk/

tech‑nique

noun

A particular skill or way of doing something successfully. Different techniques work better in different situations.

Word family: technique (n.), technical (adj.), technically (adv.)

Example: She practised a highlighting technique to identify key words when reading difficult texts.

Synonyms: method, approach, skill

Collocations: a writing technique, use a technique, develop a technique

therefore

/ˈðeəfɔː/

there‑fore

adverb

‘Therefore’ is used to introduce a result or conclusion that follows from the idea before it.

Example: The evidence was clear; therefore, the class could make a strong conclusion.

Synonyms: so, as a result, consequently

Collocations: therefore, this shows; therefore, we can; therefore, it is

Confusing Words

their vs there vs they're

These three words all sound the same but have completely different meanings and uses, which makes them easy to mix up.

  • their — Their' shows that something belongs to a group of people — for example, 'The students packed their bags before the bell rang.'
  • there — There' refers to a place or introduces something that exists — for example, 'She left her book over there on the desk.'
  • they're — They're' is a contraction of 'they are' — for example, 'They're going to present their project tomorrow.'

Memory rule: If you are unsure which word to use, try replacing it with 'they are' — if the sentence still makes sense, use they're. If it refers to a place or introduces something that exists, use there. If it shows that something belongs to a group of people, use their.