A. Verbs based on Latin words

Many words in English are formed from Latin roots. These words are often considered fairly formal in English. Here are some examples of the more common Latin roots, with some of the English verbs derived from them.

DUC, DUCT – lead

• He conducted the orchestra with great vigour. [led]
• Nothing would induce me to join their organisation. [persuade / lead]
• The railway goes over a high viaduct. [a high bridge across a river or valley]

PONE, POSE – place, put

• The meeting has been postponed until next week. [put off to a later date]
• The President was deposed by his own son. [put out of office]
• The government have imposed a sizeable tax increase. [put into force]
• Beethoven composed some beautiful pieces of music. [created, put together]
• She deposited some money in her bank account. [placed, put in]

PORT – carry, take

• How are you going to transport your things to the States? [send across]
• Britain imports cotton and exports wool. [buys in | sells out]
• Our opinions are supported by a considerable amount of research. [held up / backed]
• Foreigners who commit crimes are usually deported. [taken/sent away to another country]

PRESS – press, push

• She was impressed by his presentation. [filled with admiration and respect]
• This weather depresses me. [fills me with miserable feelings]
• She always expresses herself very articulately. [puts her thoughts into words]

SPECT – see, look

• You should respect your parents / the laws of a country. [look up to]
• The police officer inspected the mysterious package. [looked into / examined]
• Many pioneers travelled west in America to prospect for gold. [look for / search]

VERT – turn

• I tried the new make of coffee but I soon reverted to my old favourite brand. [went back]
• Can you convert this document to a pdf? [change from one form to another]
• The police diverted the traffic because there was a demonstration. [sent it a different way]

B. Nouns based on Latin words

The examples above are of verbs only. Note that for all the verbs listed, there is usually at least one noun, sometimes a different one for a person and an idea. Here are some examples.