Greek/Latin Affixes
This suffix, found in words like pollution and introduction, indicates the result of an action.
-tion
The root ject, as in eject, means to do this action with force.
to throw
This verb mood is used to express statements of fact or opinion, like “The sky is blue.”
indicative
Henry comments on the “terrible” dumplings while continuing to eat them, suggesting a meaning opposite to his words. Which type of irony is this?
sarcasm
When Wyatt’s pencil broke, he said the test became “pointless.” What double meaning does this joke have?
“pointless” means both having no point (literally) and seeming without purpose?
This word uses the suffix -ize and means “to treat or view something as being of high importance or to arrange by levels of importance.”
prioritize
Found in words like fracture, this root means “to break.”
-fract
This mood gives commands or requests, often with an implied subject, as in “Please sit down.”
imperative
Jon sees he has 3,000 macaron orders and says, “We might need a bigger kitchen,” when he actually means a much bigger space. What type of irony is he using?
understatement
Hank says he’s worried about the calendar because “its days are numbered.” What’s the double meaning here?
“its days are numbered” refers both to the numbers on a calendar and the idea that its time is running out?
This -ous word describes a person or action that is impulsive and without planning, demonstrating a carefree nature.
spontaneous
In the word mimic, this Greek root means “to copy.”
-mim
For expressing a question such as “Is this your book?” this mood applies.
interrogative
Ruby’s reaction to cleaning her cat’s litter box was “Lucky me.” What type of irony is this, considering her displeasure?
sarcasm
A bucket of batteries is labeled as “free of charge.” What two meanings could this phrase have?
it could mean the batteries are free of cost, or that they have no electrical charge
This word, combining the prefix omni- with a root meaning “power,” describes an attribute of having all-encompassing power or influence.
omnipotent
The root onym, as found in antonym, refers to these elements of language.
words
To show that something could happen depending on another event, like “If it snows, school will be closed,” use this mood.
conditional
“Wow, you’ve been up there for ages!” Sam says, though Hallie was only gone a few minutes. Which type of verbal irony does Sam’s comment show?
exaggeration
When Jazmyn “breaks into song because she can’t find the key,” what double meaning is being used here?
“finding the key” refers to both musical pitch and locating an actual key?
This word combines the -tude suffix and means “the quality or state of being far from others,” often used to describe remote locations or an uninhabited state.
solitude
The root crat, as in aristocrat, refers to those who do this.
to rule
In a sentence like “If I were a billionaire, I’d travel the world,” which verb mood are you using?
subjunctive
The meteorologist says it’s going to be “a bit nippy” for a week of freezing weather. Which type of irony does this statement show?
understatement
This breakfast choice is described as “hard to beat,” both as a high standard and for its firmness.
hard-boiled egg