1. Latin and Greek Root Words Unit 5
PARI, PHAN, SPEC, VID, VIS
Apparition, Aspect, Diaphanous, Envisage, Epiphany, Introspective, Phenomenon, Perspicacious, Retrospective, Sycophant, Visage

2. VID/VIS Latin VIDERE, VISUM “to see”
1. Envisage v. To imagine; to conceive of
L. in, “in,” + visum (VIS) = to see into
No matter how she tried, Larraine could not envisage anywhere but California.
Syn: perceive
2. Visage n. Face; facial expression
The twisted visage of the monster costume frightened the toddlers in the room.
Syn: expression

3. PARI Latin PARERE, PARITUM “be visible, appear”
3. Apparition n. An unreal figure; a ghost
L. ad, “to,” + parere (PARI) = appear to
The first time Hamlet sees the apparition of his dead father, he can hardly believe his eyes.
Syn: specter

4. SPEC Latin SPECERE, SPECTUM “to look”
4. Perspicacious adj. Wise; insightful; acutely intelligent
L. per, “through,” + specere (SPEC) = seeing through
Having praised Kate for her perspicacious decisions as treasurer, Nigel went on to warn her of the obstacles ahead.
Syn: perceptive Ant: dim-witted; short-sighted
5. Retrospective adj. Looking backward over a period of time
L. retro, “backwards,” + spectum (SPEC) = looking backward
The museum will be showcasing a retrospective exhibit of the sculptor’s works.

5. SPEC Cont’d 6. Aspect n. A part that can be considered or viewed
L. ad, “toward,” + spectum (SPEC) = seen toward
Not every aspect of this situation is negative; though we have made mistakes, we can learn from them.
Syn: facet
7. Introspective adj. Contemplating one’s own thoughts and feelings
L. intro, “within,” + spectum (SPEC) = looking within
The introspective poet enjoyed taking long walks alone.
Syn: meditative Ant: shallow

6. PHAN Greek PHANEIN “to appear, to show”
8. Phenomenon n. A fact or event which can be observed and/or documented
We observed the same phenomenon numerous times among the songbirds.
9. Diaphanous adj. Lightweight and transparent
G. dia, “through,” + phanein (PHAN) = to show through
The diaphanous curtains were lightly lifted by any breeze, not matter how slight.
Syn: opaque

7. PHAN Cont’d 10. Epiphany n. A moment of great insight; revelation
G. epi, “near to,” + phanein (PHAN) = appearing near to
The doctor’s epiphany eventually led to a breakthrough vaccine.
11. Sycophant n. A person who flatters; a yes-man
G. sukos, “fig,” + phanein (PHAN) = fig-displayer
The new president of the company was surrounded by sycophants who never disagreed with him.