Y07W21VC Word Roots — -mit / -miss- (send)

The root ‑mit‑ / ‑miss‑ comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of ‘send’. It appears in words that describe transmitting, allowing through, or putting something forward — from scientific emissions to personal commitments. 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 -mit / -miss-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'send' helps you unlock each word and use it more accurately.

transmit

/trænzˈmɪt/

trans‑mit

verb | [transmit – transmitted – transmitted]

To send, convey, or pass something from one place or person to another.

Example: Scientists transmit data between research stations via satellite.

Synonyms: send, broadcast, convey

Collocations: transmit data, transmit information, transmit a signal

submit

/səbˈmɪt/

sub‑mit

verb | [submit – submitted – submitted]

To send in or present for consideration; to yield or give in to someone or something.

Example: Students must submit their essays by the deadline.

Synonyms: hand in, present, yield

Collocations: submit an assignment, submit evidence, submit to authority

commission

/kəˈmɪʃ.ən/

com‑mis‑sion

noun, verb | [commission – commissioned – commissioned]

A formal request or instruction to do something (noun); or to give someone the authority to do something (verb).

Example: The council will commission a study on urban planning.

Synonyms: task, instruction, order

Collocations: commission a report, commission an artist, commission research

Academic Vocab

challenge

/ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/

chal‑lenge

noun, verb | [challenge – challenged – challenged]

A difficult task or problem; or to question, dispute, or resist something.

Word family: challenger (n.), challenging (adj.)

Example: The research challenges the old assumptions about the subject.

Synonyms: question, dispute, contest

Collocations: challenge the idea, challenge assumption, challenge evidence

contest

/ˈkɒn.test/ (noun) /kənˈtest/ (verb)

con‑test

noun, verb | [contest – contested – contested]

A competition or fight (noun); or to dispute, challenge, or compete (verb).

Word family: contestant (n.)

Example: The student will contest the mark if she disagrees with the assessment.

Synonyms: dispute, challenge, compete

Collocations: contest a decision, contest the result, enter a contest

reject

/rɪˈdʒekt/

re‑ject

verb | [reject – rejected – rejected]

To refuse to accept, consider, or use something.

Word family: rejection (n.), rejecting (adj.)

Example: The team will reject any proposal that lacks evidence.

Synonyms: refuse, decline, dismiss

Collocations: reject the idea, reject the offer, reject the proposal

critique

/krɪˈtiːk/

cri‑tique

noun, verb | [critique – critiqued – critiqued]

A detailed analysis and assessment; or to evaluate or assess critically.

Word family: critical (adj.), critically (adv.)

Example: The essay provides a thorough critique of current research methods.

Synonyms: assessment, evaluation, appraisal

Collocations: offer a critique, detailed critique, harsh critique

undermine

/ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/

un‑der‑mine

verb | [undermine – undermined – undermined]

To weaken or gradually destroy something; to damage the foundation or support of something.

Word family: undermined (adj.)

Example: Poor evidence can undermine the credibility of a research paper.

Synonyms: weaken, damage, sabotage

Collocations: undermine authority, undermine confidence, undermine the argument

this challenges

/ðɪs ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪz/

this chal‑len‑ges

phrase (discourse marker)

A connecting phrase used to introduce evidence or reasoning that questions, disputes, or opposes a previous idea.

Example: Many people believe technology always improves life. This challenges that assumption and examines potential drawbacks.

Synonyms: this questions, this disputes, this contradicts

Collocations: this challenges the idea, this challenges the assumption, this challenges the claim

Confusing Words

cite vs site vs sight

These three words sound identical (homophones) but have completely different meanings. 'Cite' means to refer to a source; 'site' means a location; 'sight' means the ability to see or something seen. This is a challenging set because all three are pronounced the same.

  • cite — cite' means to refer to or quote a source of information. It is used in academic writing when acknowledging sources. Example: 'Cite your sources in the bibliography. Please cite the research that supports your argument.'
  • site — site' means a location, place, or plot of land where something is built or happens. Example: 'The construction site was very busy. The archaeological site contained ancient artefacts.'
  • sight — sight' means the ability to see (vision) or something that is seen or observed. Example: 'The view was a beautiful sight. Her eyesight is excellent. An amazing sight greeted us.'

Memory rule: Remember: cite = quote (both end with 'e'); site = place (both end with 'e'); sight = light (you need eyes for both). Or: cite ends like 'write' (you write citations); site = where; sight = what you see with eyes.