inert
UK[ɪˈnɜːt]US[ɪˈnɜːrt]
adj
lacking the ability or strength to move or act
adj
(of matter) without active chemical or biological properties; unreactive
Morpheme Breakdown
in
ert
in
not
ert
skill, art
Etymology
The word inert originates from the Latin iners, meaning "unskilled, inactive", which is itself a compound of the negative prefix in- and ars (genitive artis), signifying "art, skill". The literal sense of "lacking skill" evolved in Latin to describe a general lack of vigor or force, implying inactivity. This semantic shift from "unskilled" to "inactive" or "sluggish" was complete by the time the word entered English in the early 17th century, where it later acquired specialized scientific meanings describing substances that do not react chemically.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + ert (skill, art)
in- is a Latin prefix meaning "not, opposite of". -ert is from the Latin root ars, art- meaning "skill, art".
Examples
the inert figure of a man lay in the alley.
nitrogen is largely an inert gas in the atmosphere.
she felt inert and unable to make a decision.