-ment
mənt
-ment is what is left behind when the doing is done
The picture The work finishes, the person steps back, and exactly one thing is left in that spot for a hand to pick up. -ment is what is left after the doing; -tion is the name given to the doing itself as a block.
Where the picture shows up in -ment
-
one line left after money moved
We received your payment this morning.
wiː rɪˈsiːvd jʊr ˈpeɪmənt ðɪs ˈmɔːrnɪŋ
Your money reached us this morning.
After the money crosses over, one line with a date and an amount is left on the bank screen.
pay + -ment.
-
one slot left after a time was fixed
I have an appointment at three.
aɪ hæv ən əˈpɔɪntmənt æt θriː
I'm booked in at three.
The call ends and a name stays written in the three o'clock slot of a diary.
appoint + -ment.
-
a sheet left after two people agreed
Please sign the agreement here.
pliːz saɪn ði əˈɡriːmənt hɪr
Sign the contract here, please.
Two heads finish nodding and a sheet with two name lines is left on the desk between them.
agree + -ment.
-
the gear left after fitting out
The kitchen equipment is all new.
ðə ˈkɪtʃən ɪˈkwɪpmənt ɪz ɔːl nuː
Everything in the kitchen is brand new.
The fitters leave and nothing stays in the kitchen but a row of gleaming machines.
equip + -ment.
-
one paragraph left after speaking
Read the statement before you sign.
riːd ðə ˈsteɪtmənt bɪˈfɔːr juː saɪn
Read this note before you sign.
Words that left a mouth cool and set into a single paragraph on a page.
state + -ment.
All of it in one picture
-ment is one trace left after the doing. Pay finishes and a line on a bank screen is left: payment. Appoint finishes and three o'clock is left written in a diary: appointment. Agree finishes and a sheet with two names is left: agreement; equip finishes and gleaming machines stand in the kitchen: equipment; state finishes and one paragraph is left on paper: statement. So whenever you see -ment, look for what the doing left behind.