The Latin root -bell-means "war." In the play, Ross describes a battle, saying it was "rebellious arm against arm." Beginning with the Latin prefix re., which means "back" or "against," the word rebellious means "warring against" or "resisting authority." Use a dictionary to discover how the Latin root -bell- contributes to the meanings of the following words: belligerent, bellicose, antebellum. Write your findings.

The Latin root "-bell-" meaning "war" is a key component in understanding the meanings of several English words. Here's how it contributes to the meanings of the words "belligerent," "bellicose," and "antebellum":

Belligerent

• Definition: Belligerent refers to a person or nation engaged in war or conflict, or someone who is aggressive and hostile.
• Analysis: The root "-bell-" indicates a connection to war, while the suffix "-gerent" comes from the Latin "gerere," meaning "to carry on." Thus, "belligerent" literally means "carrying on war."

Bellicose

• Definition: Bellicose describes a person or behavior that is aggressive and willing to fight.
• Analysis: The root "-bell-" again signifies war, and the suffix "-ose" is used to form adjectives indicating a fullness or abundance of a quality. Therefore, "bellicose" means full of warlike or aggressive tendencies.

Antebellum

• Definition: Antebellum refers to the period before a war, especially the American Civil War.
• Analysis: The prefix "ante-" means "before," and combined with the root "-bell-," it denotes "before the war."

Summary

The Latin root "-bell-" plays a crucial role in conveying the concept of war or conflict in these words, shaping their meanings to reflect aggression, warlike behavior, or historical periods related to war.