IXL | Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to the meanings of words

The root mal means bad or evil. What does the word malevolent mean?

rash or impulsive

intending to cause harm

wielding great power

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question

The root bel means war. What does the word belligerent mean?

having a negative and hopeless attitude

having an aggressive and hostile character

having a dutiful and law-abiding attitude

key idea

A root is a part of a word that has a certain meaning. Words that share the same root often have similar meanings that are related to the meaning of the root. For example:

The root bel means war.

A rebel is a person who rises up in armed opposition to the government.

Belligerence is the tendency to seek out or engage in conflict and hostility.

In the United States, the Antebellum Era refers to the period before the Civil War.

All of these meanings relate to the concept of war.

You can use your knowledge of roots to figure out the meaning of words you haven't seen before. For example:

The root bene means good.

The root fac means do or make.

A benefactor is a person who helps others by contributing money or aid. He or she does good for others.

solution

The word belligerent contains the root bel, which means war.

So, the word belligerent means having an aggressive and hostile character.

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