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Words of the Week
Brain Teasers

Words of the Week

Herman Melville once wrote, "a fool thinks that by mouthing hard words he understands hard things." Never were there truer words - especially when it comes to preparing for the SAT. Real mastery of vocabulary comes not from just mouthing words, but from understanding them, using them - and knowing when not to use them.

Each day, devote yourself to learning a new word - one you normally wouldn't use in conversation. Here are some suggestions:

February 4, 2010

Root
DIC, DICT – to speak or tell; to declare

This week’s root is derived from the Latin words dicere, meaning “to speak,” and dicare, meaning “to declare or devote.”  Many common English words come from this root, among them dictionary, which is literally a reference that helps us “speak.”  Other common words from this root include verdict (literally, “declaration of truth”), addict (literally, “one who is devoted”), dedicate (“to devote oneself to”), and indicate (“to speak about; to point out”).  The word index, which is related to indicate, also comes from this root.  It literally means “something that points out information.” Along these lines, the “index finger” is the one that you use to “point” with.

Words
abdicate (v.) [ab-, “away from” + dic, “declare” + -ate] – to give up a claim, right, position of power, etc., especially in a formal manner
 After more than 20 years as the CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates abdicated his position to concentrate on his charitable foundation.
Noun form: abdication – the act or process of giving up power
Related noun form: abdicator – one who has given up a position of power
Adjective form: abdicative

contradict (n.) [contra-, “against” + dict, “speak”] – to specifically deny; to state the opposite; to indicate an inconsistency
            The politician, who was known for frequently changing his opinion, contradicted his past positions several times during the debate.
Noun form: contradiction – a denial; a statement or action that is inconsistent with others from the past
Adjective form: contradictory

dictate (v.) [dict, “speak” + -ate] – to say aloud for the purposes of recording; to give orders
            The chairwoman dictated the fundraising letter as her secretary diligently wrote down every word.
Noun form: dictation – words that are spoken aloud so as to be recorded or written down; the act of speaking such words
Related noun form: dictator – one who holds absolute power (literally, “one who gives orders”)
Adjective form: dictatorial – of or related to a dictator; overbearing; unlimited or absolute (power)

diction (n.) [dict, “to speak” + -(t)ion] – style of speaking or writing; word choice; enunciation
            This sentence contains two diction errors: “Their going to be sure and arrive 10 minutes early.”

dictum (n.) [dictum, “something spoken” (Latin)] – an authoritative statement; a common saying
            The judge’s dictum required Lorraine to pay her landlord $500 plus the cost of repairing the broken window.

 

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Brain Teasers

Forget what the anatomy books tell you. The brain is indeed a muscle, and the only way it gets stronger is through exercise. Train yourself to become the intellectual equivalent of Arnold Schwarzenegger with a daily brain workout. Check back regularly for the C2 Brain Teaser of the Week, and push yourself.

February 4, 2010

Brain Teaser of the Week

Cross-Equation: (written and contributed by: Jacob Peterson)

Fill in the empty white boxes in the grid below so that all 5 equations (3 across and 2 down) are true.  Use only the numbers 2 through 10 and do not repeat a number.

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