Y06W25VC Word Roots — -ven / -vent- (come)
The root -ven- or -vent- comes from Latin and means 'to come' or 'to arrive'. It appears in words that describe things that come about, come together or intervene in a situation. Understanding this root helps students decode unfamiliar words in formal, academic and social contexts. This module explores six key academic words built with this root alongside three Word Families examples.
Word Families
These three words all contain -ven / -vent-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'come' helps you work out each word.
invent
/ɪnˈvent/
in‑vent
verb | [invent – invented – invented]
To create something new that has never existed before.
Word Breakdown: -ven- / -vent- (root meaning 'to come')
Example: The engineer worked for years to invent a device that could convert waste heat into electricity.
Synonyms: create, devise, develop
Collocations: invent a solution, invent a device, credited with inventing
prevent
/prɪˈvent/
pre‑vent
verb | [prevent – prevented – prevented]
To stop something from happening.
Example: Regular exercise and a balanced diet can prevent many common health conditions from developing.
Synonyms: stop, avoid, avert
Collocations: prevent a problem, prevent from happening, measures to prevent
convention
/kənˈvenʃən/
con‑ven‑tion
noun
A traditional way of doing something that is widely accepted within a community or field.
Example: Following the conventions of academic writing — such as citing sources — shows respect for the reader.
Synonyms: tradition, norm, custom
Collocations: follow a convention, a literary convention, by convention
Academic Vocab
contribute
/kənˈtrɪbjuːt/
con‑trib‑ute
verb | [contribute – contributed – contributed]
To give something — an idea, effort or resource — as part of a shared effort or result.
Word family: contribute (v.), contribution (n.)
Example: Every member of a community can contribute to its wellbeing through small, consistent acts of care.
Synonyms: add, give, provide
Collocations: contribute to, make a contribution, contribute ideas
participate
/pɑːˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
par‑tic‑i‑pate
verb | [participate – participated – participated]
To take part in an activity or event.
Word family: participate (v.), participation (n.), participant (n.)
Example: Students who participate actively in class discussions tend to develop stronger critical thinking skills.
Synonyms: take part, engage, join in
Collocations: participate in, participate actively, encourage participation
involve
/ɪnˈvɒlv/
in‑volve
verb | [involve – involved – involved]
To include someone or something as a necessary part; to cause someone to take part.
Word family: involve (v.), involvement (n.), involved (adj.)
Example: Writing a strong research report involves planning, drafting, revising and editing over several stages.
Synonyms: include, require, encompass
Collocations: involve planning, actively involved, involvement in
include
/ɪnˈkluːd/
in‑clude
verb | [include – included – included]
To make something or someone part of a group or activity.
Word family: include (v.), inclusion (n.), inclusive (adj.)
Example: A strong argument should include evidence from more than one source to avoid appearing one-sided.
Synonyms: incorporate, contain, encompass
Collocations: include evidence, include a range, be included
community
/kəˈmjuːnɪti/
com‑mu‑ni‑ty
noun
A group of people who live in the same place or share common interests, goals or values.
Word family: community (n.)
Example: The school's community of learners worked together to raise funds for the local wildlife shelter.
Synonyms: group, society, neighbourhood
Collocations: the local community, a community of, community involvement
in addition
/ɪn əˈdɪʃən/
in ad‑di‑tion
phrase
‘In addition’ introduces another point that adds to what has already been said.
Example: The article explains the cause of the problem. In addition, it suggests a solution.
Synonyms: also, furthermore, as well
Collocations: in addition to; in addition, this; in addition, the
Confusing Words
every day vs everyday
Every day and everyday are often confused because they sound identical but serve different grammatical roles. Every day (two words) is an adverbial phrase meaning 'each day' or 'on each day' — for example, 'She reads for thirty minutes every day.'
- every day — Every day' means each day. It tells how often something happens — for example, 'I read every day.'
- everyday — Everyday (one word) is an adjective meaning 'ordinary', 'routine' or 'happening as part of normal daily life' — for example, 'Digital technology has become part of everyday life.'
Memory rule: A simple test: if you can replace the phrase with 'each day', use every day (two words). If you can replace it with 'ordinary' or 'routine', use everyday (one word). You can also check by inserting 'single' — 'every single day' works but 'everyday single' does not.
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