Honors English I Vocabulary Lesson 19: Roots –Sent- and –path-

Apathy (noun) a. Lack of feeling or emotion; impassiveness b. Lack of interest in things generally found exciting, interesting, or moving; indifference Example: This week’s editorial focuses on the public’s apathy to many urgent and safety problems.

Assent (noun) Acceptance, as of a proposal or statement; compliance. (intrans verb) To agree to something, especially after thoughtful consideration Example: The architect needed her client’s assent before making expensive structural modifications.

Empathy (noun) a. Understanding, concerned identification with another’s situation or feelings b. The attribution of one’s own feelings to an object Example: The author did an excellent job of creating empathy for the villain.

Pathetic (adjective) a. Expressing or arousing pity, sympathy, or tenderness; sad b. Distressing and inadequate Example: The weak and pathetic cries for help finally attracted the attention of a pedestrian.

Pathology (noun) a. The scientific and medical study of a disease, its causes, its processes, and its effects b. The physical changes in the body and its functioning as a result of disease or disorder Example: My cousin did a five-year residency in pathology after finishing his internship.

Presentiment (noun) A sense of something about to occur; premonition; foreboding Example: Grandmother awoke the morning of the accident with a presentiment of danger.

Sensational (adjective) a. Arousing great interest or excitement b. Designed to shock or thrill spectators or readers c. Outstanding; spectacular Example: Helen hasn’t stopped talking about the outfielder’s sensational catch in last night’s game.

Sensibility (noun) a. The ability to feel, sense, or perceive; mental or emotional responsiveness toward something b. Refined awareness and appreciation in matters of feeling and perception Example: His loud clothing and bizarre hair style offended his grandparents’ sensibilities.

Sententious (adjective) a. Inclined to give advice in a self-righteous way. b. Inclined to wise sayings; abounding in proverbs c. Brief and pointed in meaning or expression saying much in few words Example: Larry’s sententious remarks about life and education amused some members of the audience.

Sentiment (noun) a. A thought, view, or attitude based more on feeling than on reason b. General cast of mind regarding something c. Tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling Example: The referendum will indicate increased public sentiment for better roads.