The Latin root for "breath" is spir.
Exploring the Root "Spir"
The root "spir" appears in many English words related to breathing and life. Understanding this root can significantly expand your vocabulary and comprehension of related terms.
Words Derived from "Spir":
Here's a table illustrating words derived from the root "spir" and their meanings:
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire | To breathe in; to fill with a feeling of wanting to do something. | The beautiful scenery inspired her to paint. |
| Respiration | The act of breathing. | Respiration is essential for survival. |
| Expire | To breathe out; to come to an end. | His passport will expire next year. |
| Perspiration | Sweat, which is produced by the skin "breathing." | He wiped the perspiration from his forehead. |
| Aspire | To direct one's hopes or ambitions toward achieving something. | She aspired to become a doctor. |
| Conspiracy | A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful, "breathing together" the same purpose. | The conspiracy involved several high-ranking officials. |
| Spirit | The nonphysical part of a person; the vital principle animating living beings, originally associated with breath. | Her spirit was strong despite her illness. |
As you can see, the root "spir" fundamentally relates to the act of breathing, and its derivatives often carry connotations of life, energy, and purpose.
