Greek and Latin Vocabulary

Nunc/Nounc Latin “to announce”

Enunciate (v) “To pronounce or articulate” The spelling bee contestant was asked to enunciate so that the judges could understand what she was saying. Syn: articulate Ant: mumble

Renounce (v) “To reject by declaration” In order to become a member of the fraternity, Jeff had to renounce his membership in other organizations. Syn: disavow Ant: reaffirm

Pronouncement (n) “A declaration of opinion; judgement” Fred’s pronouncement that the party was a disaster drew agreement from the whole group. Syn: declaration Ant: concealment

Voc/Vok Latin “to call”

Invoke (v) “to call on for support” Amy invoked the First Amendment when Bill tried to silence her. Syn: appeal to Ant: --

Provocative (adj) “causing disturbance or excitement” The film’s provocative ending had people talking for months. Syn: challenging; aggravating Ant: pleasing; unexciting

Revoke (v) “to make invalid; deactivate” If you don’t pay your traffic tickets, the state may revoke your driver’s license. Syn: recall; cancel Ant: activate

Fa Latin “to speak”

Ineffable (adj) “unutterable; indescribable” Many religious writers speak of the ineffable wisdom of the divine being. Syn: unspeakable Ant: definable; describable

Infantile (adj) “childish; immature” Although some people find practical jokes funny, Didi finds them infantile. Syn: juvenile Ant: mature

Affable (adj) “easy to converse with; friendly” The principal was an affable fellow who got along well with all the children. Syn: courteous Ant: surly

Dic/Dict Latin “to say, to tell”

Edict (n) “an official order” The palace issued an edict forbidding the rebel prince from entering the country. Syn: decree Ant: request

Indict (v) “to charge with a crime; accuse” The jury indicted Richard on seven counts of burglary. Syn: charge Ant: excuse

Dictum (n) “a formal or authoritative statement” When asked to defend his argument, Luther cited a dictum of his favorite poet. Syn: -- Ant: --