Root Words Definitions: Spec Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the root word 'spec' mean?

To feel

To see (correct)

To hear

To taste

What is the meaning of 'inspect'?

to look or to look at

What does 'circumspect' mean?

cautious, prudent, or watchful

What does 'introspection' refer to?

looking within Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'perspective' relate to?

look through or perceive Signup and view all the answers

What does 'retrospective' mean?

directed to the past; contemplative of past situations Signup and view all the answers

Define 'spectacle'.

a visually striking performance or display Signup and view all the answers

What are 'spectacles'?

glasses or lenses for aiding vision Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'spectator'?

a person who watches something Signup and view all the answers

What does 'speculate' mean?

to spy out or to examine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Root Word: Spec

Means "see" or "look" in Latin.
Origin of multiple English vocabulary words such as spectator, respect, auspicious, and suspicion.

Inspect

Meaning "to look" or "to look at."
Derived from roots spec, spic, and spect, associated with observation.
A spectator refers to someone who watches events like sports.

Circumspect

Describes someone who is cautious, prudent, or watchful.
Formed by combining CIRCUM- (around) and SPEC- (look), indicating careful observation in all directions.

Introspection

Combines "intro" (within) with "spec" (look), meaning looking within oneself.

Perspective

Root translates as "look through" or "perceive."
All meanings align with the act of observation or viewpoint.

Respect

Similar roots, spect and spic, reinforce the meaning of seeing and acknowledging value in others.

Retrospective

Pertains to being directed toward the past.
Involves contemplation of earlier situations or events.

Spectacle

Relates to the act of seeing or observing.
Often used to describe visually striking displays or events.

Spectacles

Relates to vision aids designed to help people see clearly.
Shares roots with other words meaning to see.

Spectator

Defined as a person who watches an event, such as a sports competition.
Direct connection to the Latin specere, emphasizing an observational role.

Speculate

Meaning "to spy out" or "to examine."
Originates from speculari (to look out) and specula (lookout post), highlighting the act of observing and assessing situations.

Description

Explore the meanings of root words related to 'spec', which means 'see'. This quiz provides definitions and examples of words derived from these roots, enhancing your vocabulary skills. Understand how roots influence the meaning of various English words.