Lesson 36: PEL / PULS
The Root
PEL and PULS come from Latin pellere, meaning "to push" or "to drive."
When you see these roots in a word, think about pushing—driving forward, pushing away, or being driven by force.
Word List
| Word | Parts | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| pulse | PULS (push, beat) | a rhythmic push of blood; a beat |
| compel | COM- (together, intensive) + PEL (push) | to push together; to force someone to act |
| repel | RE- (back) + PEL (push) | to push back; to drive away |
| propel | PRO- (forward) + PEL (push) | to push forward; to drive ahead |
| expel | EX- (out) + PEL (push) | to push out; to force out |
| dispel | DIS- (apart, away) + PEL (push) | to push apart; to drive away (fears, doubts) |
| impel | IM- (in, into) + PEL (push) | to push into action; to urge forward |
| impulse | PULS (push, beat) | a sudden push to act; an urge |
| repulsive | RE- (back) + PULS (push) + -IVE | pushing away; causing disgust |
| compulsive | COM- (intensive) + PULS (push) + -IVE | driven to act by inner force |
| propulsion | PRO- (forward) + PULS (push) + -ION | the act of pushing forward |
| expulsion | EX- (out) + PULS (push) + -ION | the act of forcing out |
| impulsive | IM- (into) + PULS (push) + -IVE | acting on sudden urges without thinking |
| compulsory | COM- (intensive) + PULS (push) + -ORY (relating to) | required; pushed to do something |
| pulsate | PULS (push, beat) + -ATE (to do) | to beat or throb rhythmically |
Practice 1: Multiple Choice
Choose the word that best completes each sentence.
- The jet's __________ system pushes it through the air at tremendous speed.
a) expulsion
b) propulsion
c) compulsion
d) repulsion
- Strong evidence __________ the jury to reach a guilty verdict.
a) repelled
b) expelled
c) compelled
d) dispelled
- The student faced __________ after repeated violations of school rules.
a) compulsion
b) propulsion
c) expulsion
d) impulsion
- His rude behavior was utterly __________ to everyone at the dinner.
a) impulsive
b) compulsive
c) repulsive
d) propulsive
- She made an __________ decision to quit her job and travel.
a) repulsive
b) compulsory
c) expulsive
d) impulsive
- The new evidence helped __________ myths about the historical figure.
a) compel
b) dispel
c) expel
d) repel
- Education is __________ for children up to age sixteen.
a) impulsive
b) compulsory
c) repulsive
d) propulsive
- The music __________ through the speakers, making the floor vibrate.
a) repelled
b) expelled
c) pulsated
d) compelled
- The nurse checked the patient's __________ to monitor heart rate.
a) impulse
b) pulse
c) compulsion
d) expulsion
- Her kindness __________ him to return the favor.
a) repelled
b) impelled
c) expelled
d) dispelled
- The spray is designed to __________ insects.
a) propel
b) repel
c) expel
d) compel
- A __________ urge to check his phone interrupted his concentration.
a) repulsive
b) compulsive
c) expulsive
d) propulsive
Practice 2: Fill in the Blank
Use each word from the word bank exactly once.
Word Bank: pulse, compel, repel, propel, expel, dispel, impel, impulse, repulsive, compulsive, propulsion, impulsive
Her __________ shopping habits left her in debt.
The sight of the rotting food was __________.
Rockets use thrust and __________ to escape Earth's gravity.
The teacher threatened to __________ any student caught cheating.
What inner motivation could __________ someone to such sacrifice?
The doctor checked my __________ and blood pressure.
His __________ comments landed him in trouble.
I felt a sudden __________ to call my old friend.
Strong magnets __________ objects with the same charge.
Powerful engines __________ the ship through the water.
Evidence should __________ any remaining doubts about his innocence.
The circumstances __________ her to take action.
Practice 3: Reading Passage
When the scandal broke, Marcus felt an impulse to run. His compulsive need to control situations had finally failed him. The truth would soon propel itself into public view, and nothing could repel what was coming.
His lawyer was direct. "The board will expel you," she said. "That's compulsory under the bylaws. But how you leave matters. You can let this repulsive chapter define you, or you can dispel it."
"Dispel it how?" Marcus asked.
"By being honest now. Let the truth impel your next move."
Marcus's pulse quickened. For years, he had operated on impulse—impulsive decisions that felt bold but were often reckless. Now, something different compelled him: accountability.
The propulsion of events moved faster than he expected. By week's end, the expulsion was official. But Marcus had spoken first, taking responsibility publicly. His statement didn't repel the consequences—they came anyway—but it did something else: it pulsated with honesty.
Years later, people remembered not the scandal but the response. Marcus had learned that what propels you forward isn't always ambition. Sometimes it's the willingness to stop running.
Questions
- Marcus felt an "impulse" to run. This means:
a) He ran a marathon
b) He had a sudden urge to flee
c) He was expelled immediately
d) He was propelled forward
- The truth would "propel itself" into view. This means:
a) The truth would be hidden
b) The truth would push forward and become visible
c) The truth would repel attention
d) The truth would be dispelled
- The board would "expel" Marcus. This means:
a) They would promote him
b) They would force him out
c) They would compel him to stay
d) They would pulse his record
- His lawyer said to let truth "impel" his next move. This means:
a) Let truth push him from within
b) Let truth expel him
c) Let truth repel his critics
d) Let truth pulsate
- His statement "pulsated with honesty." This means:
a) It was dishonest
b) It throbbed with genuine truth
c) It was repulsive
d) It expelled his guilt
Answer Key
Practice 1: Multiple Choice
- b
- c
- c
- c
- d
- b
- b
- c
- b
- b
- b
- b
Practice 2: Fill in the Blank
- compulsive
- repulsive
- propulsion
- expel
- impel
- pulse
- impulsive
- impulse
- repel
- propel
- dispel
- compel
Reading Passage Questions
- b
- b
- b
- a
- b