|Do you know what 'desultory' means? To understand this word, it helps you to know what the root word of 'desultory' is.
A root or base word is the word that is left after you take off any prefixes and suffixes in the word. A root word cannot stand on its own, whereas a base word can stand on its own.
The root word in 'desultory' is 'sult'. 'Sult' means to to jump or leap. Sault, sil, and sal are variations of the same root word 'sult'. They all mean the same thing, jump or leap.
Here are a few examples of words derived from the root words sil, sal, sault, and sult:
Insult - To jump on someone (with words), i.e., offend someone with words
Directions: Find the meanings of the words given in the questions. After you check your answers, use each word in a sentence. As a homework, find at least three more root words and words derived from them. Write the words, their roots, definitions, parts of speech, and example sentences on a sheet paper. Discuss your work at the next class.