LATIN ROOT -VERS-/-VERT-

LATIN ROOT -VERS-/-VERT-

"to turn"

LATIN ROOT -VERS-/-VERT-

The Latin roots -vers- and -vert- mean “to turn.” Many English words containing these roots carry the same meaning. For example, the word obvert means “to turn so as to present a different surface.” Obvert derives from the Latin overtere meaning “to turn toward.” Some English words with the Latin roots -vers- or 

-vert- refer more to movement in general, as in the word traverse.

Open Ended

Think about the meaning of the italicized word. Then, answer the question.

Would you say that a machine had great versatility if it only had two functions? Explain.

Open Ended

Think about the meaning of the italicized word. Then, answer the question.

Maya told her version of events, while Rex gave his version. Are they giving the same exact account of what happened? Explain.

Open Ended

Think about the meaning of the italicized word. Then, answer the question.

Would you describe someone who needed to recharge by being around people as an introvert? Explain.

Open Ended

Think about the meaning of the italicized word. Then, answer the question.

Though Brianna has a fear of heights, she climbed to the top of the Empire State Building. Would you say that, in this instance, Brianna overcame adversity? Why or why not? Explain.

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word from the box on the right to complete each sentence.

I can’t climb up a ladder because it triggers my ___.

• CONVERSION

• VERTIGO

• IRREVERSIBLE

• CONVERTIBLE

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word from the box on the right to complete each sentence.

They feared that dumping all the chemicals in the lake had caused ___ damage.

• CONVERSION

• VERTIGO

• IRREVERSIBLE

• CONVERTIBLE

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word from the box on the right to complete each sentence.

We put down the top of the ___, cranked up the radio, and drove until we hit the mountains.

• CONVERSION

• VERTIGO

• IRREVERSIBLE

• CONVERTIBLE

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word from the box on the right to complete each sentence.

In a bold move, the Jaguars went for a two-point ___.

• CONVERSION

• VERTIGO

• IRREVERSIBLE

• CONVERTIBLE

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word to complete each sentence.

Emma’s entire (universe/versation) seemed to consist of her school and her neighborhood.

• UNIVERSE

• VERSATION

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word to complete each sentence.

The director was pleased that such a (diverse/traverse) group of people showed up for the auditions and that she would have a wide selection from which to cast.

• DIVERSE

• TRAVERSE

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word to complete each sentence.

Deon’s (aversion/reversion) back to prepubescent behavior was irritating.

• AVERSION

• REVERSION

Multiple Choice

Select the correct word to complete each sentence.

The weather was miserable but the conditions were not so (advert/adverse) as to be dangerous.

• ADVERT

• ADVERSE

Open Ended

Use inadvertently in a complete sentence.

Open Ended

Use verses in a complete sentence.

Open Ended

Use incontrovertible in a complete sentence.

Open Ended

Use adversary in a complete sentence.

Open Ended

Use divert in a complete sentence.

Open Ended

The words revert and reverse both stem from the Latin root meaning “to turn” but have slightly different meanings.

Using the space below, describe their differences.