Honors English I Vocabulary Lesson 13: The root –CUR-

-CUR- Derived from the Latin verb currere, meaning “to run,” many English words use this root.

Concurrent (adjective)Occurring at the same time; simultaneous. Example: Often times in Honors English, students must juggle several assignments concurrently.

Courier (noun) A messenger, typically one involved in a diplomatic transaction. Example: In Harry Potter’s magical world, owls are couriers of information.

Cursory (adjective) a. Hasty b. Not thorough Example: Because Jim only gave a cursory look at the question, he chose the wrong answer.

discursive (adjective) a. Rambling; digressive. b. Covering a wide range of subjects. Example: The student’s discursive essay had good points, but it was difficult to follow.

Incur (trans verb) a. To bring something upon oneself; become subject to. Example: Because she snuck out, took the car, and came home late, Jenny incurred many consequences.

incursion (trans verb) a. An attack on or an invasion of enemy territory; a raid. b. An act of entering another’s territory or domain. Example: Due to Mike’s little sister’s frequent incursions on his room, he purchased a lock for his door.

Precursor (noun) Something or someone that precedes something else; a forerunner. Example: Batman Begins is the precursor to The Dark Night.

Recourse (noun) a. A turning to someone or something for aid or support. b. A source of help or strength. Example: People often find recourse during difficult times in their loved ones.

Recurrent (adjective) Happening repeatedly; occurring over and over. Example: The recurrent symbol in the novel led to its strong theme.

succor (noun) Help in time of distress. (trans verb) To give aid or comfort in time of distress. Example: Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession, provided succor to soldiers wounded in the Crimean War (1853-1856).