Roots & Prefixes
What does the prefix pre- mean?
before
Give a synonym for happy.
joyful, glad
What is the main character of a story called?
protagonist
The student was diligent in completing homework.
hard-working
Define adjacent
next to, nearby
The root bene means good. What does beneficial mean?
helpful, good for you
Give an antonym for scarce.
plentiful
What do we call the struggle between opposing forces in a story?
conflict
Her speech was so eloquent that the audience gave a standing ovation.
fluent, persuasive
Define inevitable.
unavoidable, certain to happen
The root bio means life. What is a biography?
a written account of someone’s life
Give a synonym for reliable.
trustworthy, dependable
What is the time and place of a story called?
setting
The teacher tried to mitigate the stress of finals by offering review games.
lessen, reduce
Define arbitrary.
based on random choice or personal whim
The root scrib/script means to write. What does manuscript mean?
a handwritten or typed document
Give an antonym for vivid.
dull, faint
What’s the difference between simile and metaphor?
Simile uses “like/as”; metaphor does not
Despite his ambiguous answer, we guessed the truth.
unclear, vague
Define ephemeral.
lasting a very short time
The root phon means sound. What does cacophony mean?
a harsh, jarring sound
What’s a synonym for meticulous?
careful, precise
What is dramatic irony?
When the audience knows something the characters don’t
She showed resilience after failing the test, studying harder next time.
ability to recover
Define juxtapose.
to place side by side for comparison