This week, we’d like to focus on the root word ject, which means “to throw.” A lot of common English words have their roots in the word ject, and if you think about what they mean, they usually have something to do with something being thrown in one way or another.
If you’ve ever studied a language, even briefly (for a short time), or participated (took part) in a Spelling Bee, it is very likely that you have encountered root words. A root word is the main word that a series of words are based off of (founded on, built on). Many root words in the Romantic languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Romanian, and Portuguese) come from Latin, which is why many think it’s important to take Latin in school. Knowing a lot of root words makes it easier to learn many language, including English, for example, the root word Err!
We’ve compiled a list of words with the root word ject, along with definitions from Merriam-Webster, to help you remember these words that are often “thrown about!”
Object (v): to oppose something firmly and usually with words or arguments, to throw your opposition to something
- For example: The politician objected to the changes in the proposed law.
Project (v): to throw or cast forward, to put or set forth: present for consideration, to cause to jut out
- For example: The house seemed to project from the cliff face (edge of the cliff), which would be bad news if an earthquake hit.
Projectile (n): a body projected (thrown) by external force (energy) and continuing in motion by its own inertia; especially: a missile for a weapon (gun, etc.)
- For example: The boy threw the projectile in the middle of class to distract the teacher.
Projector (n): a device for projecting a beam of light or throwing an image on the wall.
- For example: If you could all please turn your attention to the projector image on the screen, I’d like to show you some charts.
Reject (v): to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use. To throw out an idea.
- For example: She rejected his offer of marriage.
Inject (v): to introduce into something forcefully, to force a fluid into (as for medical purposes), to throw something into something.
- For example: I hate shots. Last time I went to the doctor, she gave me an injection of vitamin B12.
Trajectory (n): the curved path along which something (such as a rocket) moves or is thrown through the air or through space
- For example: You can follow our flight’s trajectory on the screens in your seats.
Interject (v): to throw in between or among other things
- For example: “Excuse me,” she interjected. “Can someone help me, please?”
Conjecture (n): an opinion or idea formed (thrown together) without proof or sufficient evidence
- For example: Well, without any evidence to support your claims, this all just seems like conjecture.
Jet (n): an airplane powered (thrown in the air) by one or more jet engines
- For example: What’s your favorite part of flying in a jet?
Jettison (v): to get rid of (something): to reject (something, such as a plan or idea), to throw out and idea
- For example: He jettisoned the idea after his boss complained about it.
Eject (v): to throw out especially by physical force, authority, or influence
- For example: I can’t eject the CD! It’s stuck in my computer.
Dejected (v): sad because of failure, loss, or being thrown away (as in rejected or put aside)
- For example: Don’t look so dejected! You’ll do better on your test next time.
Can you think of any other words with the root word ject? Share them with us in the comments below!
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Erin Duffin lives in Hamburg, is an English teacher, blogger, yoga instructor, and hopes the blog doesn’t leave you feeling dejected, but rather injected with motivation and ready to project your excitement for the root word ject on the world today!