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(A proofreader's note regarding “enervate” and “innervate”)
Innervate and enervate, rooted in Latin,
Share nervus as venerated one.
With “nerve” as a meaning, like “sinew” and “tendon,”
It spoke of the “strong” and not wan.
Its offspring though similar in general appearance
Do differ in meaning and sound;
The “en” as with “end” and the “in” like “instill”
Put a contrast in emphases found.
Here, prefixes Latin distinguish the meanings
Of these verbs of energy and force;
The “en” seen in “enervate” offers us “out of”
To tell of a purpose, of course.
Thus “enervate” came from a verb that enacted
“Removal of sinew to weaken”:
“To lessen the strength or vitality of” something,
Including the mental as stricken.
With emphasis given to syllable second,
“Innervate” doth mean “to supply
With nerves” or “to fire up by impulses various,”
“To energize” truly or nigh.
“She said the descriptor 'enervate' was different:
'It enervates “en”—and with grace.'
If only this insight would serve to innervate,
The team its first win might embrace.”
“'Innervate' may sound like word 'inner' in starting
For those who don't enervate 'in.'
Enjoying this option innervates some people,
Though others may think it a sin.”
“The cross-country race was their way to test stamina
And enervate all but the fit.
The band would be there to innervate the winner,
Reducing the chance of a sit.”