Building Vocabulary from Word Roots Lesson 8 Latin Bases solv, solut, and string, strict, strain

The Latin base solv, solut mean to “free, loosen.” The Latin base string, strict, strain mean “tie, bind, squeeze.” These bases can be used in both the literal and figurative sense.

Both of these Latin bases attach to five familiar Latin prefixes: ab- “away from” con- “with, together, very” di-, dis- “apart” in- “not” re- “back, again” solv, solut, and string, strict, strain

solv, solut = “free, loosen” ab- (“away from”) + solve = absolve—(“free” “away from”) When someone absolves you from wrongdoing, they “free” you “away from” charges or accusations. ab- (“away from”) + solut = absolute –(“freed” “away from”) When you are absolutely sure of something, you are “freed” “away from” the slightest doubt. If you are absolutely forbidden to do something, the refusal is “freed” “away from” any exceptions.

solv, solut = “free, loosen” dis- (“apart”) + solv = dissolve (“loosened” “apart”) When we dissolve sugar in water, we literally “loosen” the granules “apart” as they melt into the solution. in- (“not”) + solut = insoluble(“not” “loosened”) When a problem is insoluble, the problem “cannot” be “loosened” or solved (“loosen” a problem by finding the solution).

string, strict, strain= “tie, bind, squeeze” strict (“tie, bind, squeeze”) A teacher who is strict binds the students to her rules. con- (“with, together, very”) + strict = constrict (“squeeze” “together”) A boa constrictor “squeezes” its muscles “together” to devour its prey whole. con- (“with, together, very”) + strain = constrain (“squeeze” (“very”) When you lose your job, there are constraints on your budget, “very” much “squeezing” your financial resources.

Think of a problem you solved. Describe how you arrived at a solution. Now connect solve and solution with “loosen, free.” What happens when you dissolve sugar in water? How does dissolve mean “loosen, free”? Strict parents impose severe restrictions when rules are broken. How do strict and restrictions mean “tie, bind, squeeze”? Describe how a boa constrictor eats its prey. How does constrictor mean “tie, bind, squeeze”? Practice: Consider the meaning of the bases and respond to the following questions, making sure to include the base meaning in your answer.

How do the bolded words use the meanings of the bases? Use context clues and knowledge of the prefixes to help create a definition. It’s sad to say, but Mr. Hyde has led a dissolute existence by ignoring all restrictions of the law and only indulging in his evil desires. Even Jekyll realizes that this being is beyond absolution, and his only solution is to end both of their lives. Practice

It’s sad to say, but Mr. Hyde has led a dissolute existence by ignoring all restrictions of the law and only indulging in his evil desires. Even Jekyll realizes that this being is beyond absolution, and his only solution is to end both of their lives. dissolute— basic: “loosened” “apart” better: living in way that does not follow any moral code restrictions— basic: “bind” “back” better: something that keeps people within limits or rules absolution— basic: “free” “away from” better: released from guilt through forgiveness solution— basic: “free” better: something that is an answer to a problem or how a person can get out of a bad situation Practice

How do the bolded words use the meanings of the bases? Use context clues and knowledge of the prefixes to help create a definition. Some plant extracts, such as witch hazel, are used in astringents to reduce swelling. When using it, you should exercise constraint and only use the recommended amount because some researchers believe that too much could cause cancer, which we all know is insolvable. You should always follow the recommended dosage stringently. Practice

Some plant extracts, such as witch hazel, are used in astringents to reduce swelling. When using it, you should exercise constraint and only use the recommended amount because some researchers believe that too much could cause cancer, which we all know is insolvable. You should always follow the recommended dosage stringently. astringents— basic: “bind” or “squeeze” better: a substance that cleans skin and tightens it constraint— basic: “very” “squeezed” better: holding firm to prevent or avoid doing something insolvable— basic: “not” “free” better: when something cannot be fixed stringently— basic: “bind” better: closely following or adhereing to something (directions, rules, or regimens) Practice

Use the definitions of the bases, prefixes and suffixes, if provided, and the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the bolded word. – Whenever the schools redistrict, it is a long process because they examine the number of students it affects. These decisions are important because they determine which school a student will attend. (the prefix re- means “again” and di- means “apart”) Test Prep

string, strict, strain –this base means tie, bind, squeeze Whenever the schools redistrict, it is a long process because they examine the number of students it affects. These decisions are important because they determine which school a student will attend. (the prefix re- means “again” and di- means “apart”) redistrict—basic: “bind” “apart” “again” better: to redraw the boundaries of an area Test Prep

Use the definitions of the bases, prefixes and suffixes, if provided, and the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the bolded word. I strained my eyes to see if the boat off in the distance was my dad’s, but no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t bring it into focus. Test Prep

I strained my eyes to see if the boat off in the distance was my dad’s, but no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t bring it into focus. strained—basic: “squeeze” better: to draw something together tightly Test Prep

Use the definitions of the bases, prefixes and suffixes, if provided, and the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the bolded word. The musician signed a stringent contract, which did not allow him to perform his music unless it was in a venue the record company approved. Should he violate this, the musician would have to pay millions to the company as a consequence. Test Prep

The musician signed a stringent contract, which did not allow him to perform his music unless it was in a venue the record company approved. Should he violate this, the musician would have to pay millions to the company as a consequence. stringent—basic: “bind” better: tightly bound to something (rules and regulations) Test Prep

Use the definitions of the bases, prefixes and suffixes, if provided, and the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the bolded word. It became clear that the governor was irresolute on the matter. He listened to both sides present their case, and afterwards, he declared that they had “given him a lot to think about” and he “needed more time before making a final decision.” (The prefix ir- is a form of in- that has been assimilated to make it easier to pronounce. This prefix means “not”). Test Prep

solv, solut –this base means free, loosen It became clear that the governor was irresolute on the matter. He listened to both sides present their case, and afterwards, he declared that they had “given him a lot to think about” and he “needed more time before making a final decision.” (The prefix ir- is a form of in- that has been assimilated to make it easier to pronounce. This prefix means “not”). irresolute—basic: “not” “loosened” or “freed” better: uncertain or wavering as to what to do Test Prep

Use the definitions of the bases, prefixes and suffixes, if provided, and the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the bolded word. Doing the dishes twice a week certainly does not absolve you from stealing money from your parents. The family rule is that the punishment must fit the crime, so you are expected to get a job and pay them back. (the prefix ab- means “away from”) Test Prep

Doing the dishes twice a week certainly does not absolve you from stealing money from your parents. The family rule is that the punishment must fit the crime, so you are expected to get a job and pay them back. (the prefix ab- means “away from”) absolve—basic: “free” “away from” better: relief from consequences and guilt Test Prep