In English grammar, a root is a word or portion of a word from which other words grow, usually through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. By learning root words, you can decipher unfamiliar words, expand your vocabulary, and become a better English speaker.
The Roots of Words
Most words in the English language are based on words from ancient Greek and Latin. The root of the word «vocabulary,» for example, is voc, a Latin root meaning «word» or «name.» This root also appears in such words as «advocacy,» «convocation,» «evocative,» «vocal,» and «vowel.» By dissecting words such as these, etymologists can study how a word has evolved over time and tell us about the cultures they came from.
In some cases, root words might be slightly transformed en route to becoming part of words that we’re familiar with. In the above example, «vowel» is a word that’s clearly related to the voc root and its family of derivative words, and yet the «c» in «voc» is not present. There are several reasons for this sort of pattern, and the changes often depend on what language each individual word comes from, but it serves as a reminder that not every word with the same root will look exactly the same.
Root words are also useful for creating new words, especially in technology and medicine, where new innovations occur frequently. Think of the Greek root word tele, which means «far,» and inventions that traverse long distances, such as the telegraph, telephone, and television. The word «technology» itself is a combination of two other Greek root words, techne, meaning «skill» or «art,» and logos, or «study.»
Because several modern languages share some of the same ancestor languages, it’s not entirely uncommon for several related languages to share root words. For instance, the Latin root voc, described above, is shared by several Romance languages. Connections between languages can be found in the shared roots between them, although one always has to be wary of false cognates — that is, words that sound like they have the same roots (and thus related meanings) but actually don’t.
Greek Root Words
The table below defines and illustrates 25 of the most common Greek roots.
| Root | Meaning | Examples |
| anti | against | antibacterial, antidote, antithesis |
| ast(er) | star | asteroid, astronomy, astronaut |
| auto | self | automatic, automate, autobiograph |
| biblio | book | bibliography, bibliophile |
| bio | life | biography, biology, biodegradable |
| chrome | color | monochromatic, phytochrome |
| chrono | time | chronic, synchronize, chronicle |
| dyna | power | dynasty, dynamic, dynamite |
| geo | earth | geography, geology, geometry |
| gno | to know | agnostic, acknowledge |
| graph | write | autograph, graphic, demographic |
| hydr | water | dehydrate, hydrant, hydropower |
| kinesis | movement | kinetic, photokinesis |
| log | thought | logic, apologize, analogy |
| logos | word, study | astrology, biology, theologian |
| narc | sleep | narcotic, narcolepsy |
| path | feel | empathy, pathetic, apathy |
| phil | love | philosophy, bibliophile, philanthropy |
| phon | sound | microphone, phonograph, telephone |
| photo | light | photograph, photocopy, photon |
| schem | plan | scheme, schematic |
| syn | together, with | synthetic, photosynthesis |
| tele | far | telescope, telepathy, television |
| tropos | turning | heliotrope, tropical |
Latin Root Words
The table below defines and illustrates 25 of the most common Latin roots.
| Root | Meaning | Examples |
| ab | to move away | abstract, abstain, aversion |
| acer, acri | bitter | acrid, acrimony, exacerbate |
| aqu | water | aquarium, aquatic, aqualung |
| audi | hear | audible, audience, auditorium |
| bene | good | benefit, benign, benefactor |
| brev | short | abbreviate, brief |
| circ | round | circus, circulate |
| dict | say | dictate, edict, dictionary |
| doc | teach | document, docile, doctrinal |
| duc | lead, make | deduce, produce, educate |
| fund | bottom | founder, foundation, funding |
| gen | to birth | gene, generate, generous |
| hab | to have | ability, exhibit, inhabit |
| jur | law | jury, justice, justify |
| lev | to lift | levitate, elevate, leverage |
| luc, lum | light | lucid, illuminate, translucent |
| manu | hand | manual, manicure, manipulate |
| mis, mit | send | missile, transmit, permit |
| omni | all | omnivorous, omnipotent, omniscent |
| pac | peace | pacify, pacific, pacifist |
| port | carry | export, import, important |
| quit | silent, restive | tranquil, requiem, acquit |
| scrib, script | to write | script, proscribe, describe |
| sens | to feel | sensitive, sentient, resent |
| terr | earth | terrain, territory, extraterrestrial |
| tim | to fear | timid, timorous |
| vac | empty | vacuum, vacate, evacuate |
| vid, vis | to see | video, vivid, invisible |
Understanding the meanings of the common word roots can help us deduce the meanings of new words that we encounter. But be careful: root words can have more than one meaning as well as various shades of meaning. In addition, words that look similar may derive from different roots.
In addition, a handful of root words can stand on their own as whole words in and of themselves. This list includes words such as photo, kinesis, chrome, port, and script. Words like this tend to have related meanings on their own, then can also act as roots for longer, more complex words.
Sources
- Bryant, Alice, and Robbins, Jill. «Grow Your Vocabulary by Learning Root Words.» VOANews.com, 28 November 2017.
- Grammarly staff. «Why You Should Learn Roots.» Grammarly.com, 6 February 2016.
- McCammon, Ellen. «50 GRE Words You Should Know.» PrepScholar.com, 8 February 2017.
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Root Words In English Vocabulary PDF: List, Prefix And Suffix With Meaning and Examples
Root Words In English Language PDF: The majority of English words are created by starting with simple words and embellishing them with various prefixes and suffixes. Learning the root words in English with meaning and examples PDF will help you remember things easily. These root words in English examples will help you score well in the verbal ability section of all competitive exams. Learn this list of root words in English for bank exams, SSC, RRB, and UPSC exams. Also, aspirants who want to ace their verbal ability section and those who aspire to improve their English vocabulary skills and those who are in search of root words in English grammar, root words in English PDF download, root words in English with Hindi meaning, English root words list PDF, prefix and suffix words in English PDF, list of all root words in English PDF, root word PDF in Hindi, root word meaning in English grammar, total root words in English language, greek root words in English language, the example of root word in English grammar, most common root words in English language, the origin of words in English language, Latin origin words in English language, french origin words in English language, greek origin words in English list can proceed through this article for complete details on root words for vocabulary PDF, prefix and suffix words in English list.
Moreover, it is possible to define root words in english vocabulary as whole words that cannot be divided further. It can develop its meaning without using the English language’s suffixes and prefixes. Learn root words for English vocabulary PDF and enhance your vocab skills by understanding the meaning of the root words in English grammar definition. In order to create several English words, basic words are combined with various prefixes and suffixes. Given the depth and Comprehensive nature of the English language, it is challenging to learn every word’s definition. Hence, root words in English vocabulary PDF can make it simple for you to comprehend what all of the words mean with this root words in english pdf. As a result, the root words in English list provided in this article will include root words in English with meaning. For easy preparation, candidates will also be able to download the root words pdf. Get to know the root words in English prefix and suffix lists with meaning and examples in this article. Also, root words in English with Hindi meaning given helps you understand the concept at your convenience.
English Language Free PDF
What Are Root Words In English Language?
Check the root words in english pdf along with the origin of root words in English vocabulary below.
Origin Of Words In English Language
Each word’s background must be understood in order to comprehend language. Because it is a synthesis of all widely spoken languages, including Spanish, Latin, Greek, and others, English is regarded as a world language. The aspirants’ ability to decipher the meaning of new terms as they are encountered will be made easier by having knowledge of the fundamental words. Check out the list of prefixes suffixes root words and their meanings with Latin origin words in English language, french origin words in English language, greek origin words in English, etc., by referring to the details provided below.
Root Words In English Language
A root word is a word that, when combined with other words, creates new words (prefixes or suffixes). It is the word’s most fundamental component. The fundamental components of roots are either added or removed to create new words. Knowing the common root terms will let you to make educated guesses about the meaning of unfamiliar words, which will improve your vocabulary. The root meaning in English word is a word in its own right.
A list of root words in English PDF is provided with prefix words in English list. Candidates can get to know the English root words prefixes and suffixes and root words in English with Hindi meaning through the root words in English with meaning and examples PDF given below. Utilize these root words in English for SSC CGL, CHSL, bank exams, and other competitive exams. Also, get to know the root words in English with meaning and examples in this PDF. Aspirants preparing for competitive exams can improve their vocabulary by learning the most common root words in English language given here in this list of root words of English PDF. Candidates in search of English root words list PDF, prefix and suffix words in English PDF, root words of English PDF, list of all root words in English PDF, root words for vocabulary PDF, how to learn root words for English vocabulary PDF, root words in English with meaning and examples PDF can utilize this root words in English PDF given below.
List Of Root Words In English PDF Download
Root Words In English List
Here we have added the prefix and suffix words in English list for understanding the root words in English in detail. The root word for English words can be found by keeping in mind the basic Root Words In English and their meanings. Also, download the root words in english pdf provided above for effective preparation. Refer to the example of root word in english grammar with the list of words and their meanings tabulated below.
1. Root Words In English: «Cent»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «one hundred»
| List Of Prefixes Suffixes Root Words And Their Meanings With Examples | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Root Words In English Examples |
| century | any period of 100 years | It took more than a century to complete the cathedral. |
| percent | one part in every hundred. | If a goalie saves 96 out of 100 shots, his save percentage is 96 percent. |
| centenarian |
a person who is a hundred or more years old. |
One centenarian continues to march for peace. |
|
centrifugal |
moving away from a centre point | Centrifugal machines are connected to the motor drive directly instead of through a gearbox. |
| centimeters | a measure of length | He is 1 meter 80 centimeters tall. |
| centroids | the centre of mass of a geometric object of uniform density | The entire census tract population will be included only if the centroid is included in the cylinder. |
2. Root Words In English: «Mal»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «bad or evil»
| Most Common Root Words In English Language — Prefix Words In English List — Suffix Words In English List | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Example of root word in english grammar |
| Malfunction | working badly | According to some sources, the crash was due to a technical malfunction. |
| Malignment | defame something badly | He has been much maligned by those who have not bothered to find out his antecedents. |
| Malice | evil intention | Actions done with malice have no good intention. |
| Dismal | A gloomy situation | The last six or seven weeks have been truly dismal. |
| Maltreat | Treat someone/something badly | He said that he was not tortured or maltreated during his detention. |
| Maleficent | Someone who deliberately try causing harm to someone | He denied any maleficent intent. |
3. Root Words In English: «Phobia»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «Fear or dislike»
| Words With Prefix Suffix And Root — Root Words And Their Prefixes | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Root Words In English Examples |
| acrophobia | fear of heights | Because I have acrophobia, I never ride anything other than the Ferris wheel at the amusement park. |
| aerophobia | fear of flying | He has not toured since his rebirth in popularity, apparently due to his dislike of traveling and aerophobia. |
| aquaphobia | fear of water | He went snorkelling and was jubilant at overcoming his aquaphobia. |
| astraphobia | fear of storms | In 2007 scientists found astraphobia is the third most prevalent phobia in the US. |
| claustrophobia | fear of closed spaces | In the claustrophobia of her parents’ house she had no stimulus for creativity. |
| enochlophobia | fear of crowds | Depending on the length of the original exposure to the painting, subjects may suffer from this condition until death, resulting in severe paranoia and enochlophobia. |
4. Root Words In English: «fort»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «strength»
| Root Words In English Grammar — Root Word Meaning In English Grammar | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Example of root word in english grammar |
| fortress | “strong” building. | He lamented that even this fortress was no longer safe from the epidemic. |
| effort | a putting of “strong” work forth | He put a lot of effort into finishing the project on time. |
| fortify | to make “strong” | They hurriedly fortified the village with barricades of carts. |
| fortuity | a chance occurrence | It all rested on the fortuity of her getting five minutes alone with him. |
| pieforts | any coin struck on an unusually thick planchet as a trial piece or essay | He saw pieforts in the presentation piece. |
| fortune | luck | She inherited a fortune from her grandmother. |
5. Root Words In English: «Anti»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «Opposite or against»
| Prefix Words In English List — Suffix Words In English List | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Root Words In English Examples |
| Antiseptic | a liquid or cream that prevents a cut, etc. from becoming infected | She bathed the cut with antiseptic. |
| Antidote | a medical substance that is used to prevent a poison or a disease from having an effect | There is no antidote to this poison. |
| Antisocial | harmful or annoying to other people | My neighbor is antisocial. |
| Antioxidants | man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage | C is an important antioxidant and good for all-round health. |
| Antipathy | dislike | Declarations of racial antipathy against ethnic minorities will not be tolerated. |
| Anticipating | expect something to happen | We don’t anticipate any snags with the negotiations. |
| Antibiotic | a medicine which is used for destroying bacteria and curing infections | I’m taking antibiotics for a throat infection. |
6. Root Words In English: «Dict/Dic»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «Say»
| List Of Prefixes Suffixes Root Words — Root Words In English With Meaning And Examples | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Example of root word in english grammar |
| Prediction | say something beforehand. | Weather prediction has never been a perfect science. |
| Dictated | say something to someone | Circumstances dictated that they played a defensive rather than attacking game. |
| Verdict | speaking or saying the truth | The verdict was not guilty. |
| Indicate | make known about something by saying | Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here. |
| Contradict | say something against | He contradicted the charges of his critics. |
| Dictionary | a book that tells us how to say a certain word correctly. | He bought me a new dictionary. |
| Addicted | when we want to say or declare that we are in love with certain things. | After about three months, I was no longer addicted to using my mobile. |
7. Root Words In English: «Logy»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «to study something»
| Root Words In English Grammar And Their Meanings With Examples | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Root Words In English Examples |
| Analogy | the study of comparison of two or more things | He submitted his analogy of the science experiment. |
| Anthropology | the study of human beings as ‘anthrop’ means human. | She has a year until her final exams and hopes to study anthropology at university. |
| Theology | ‘theo’ means God/religion so theology is the study of religion | He has an interest in theology and pastoral work. |
| Morphology | the study of structures is morphology. Morph means structures. | Of particular interest is the finding that motile cells switch surface morphologies reversibly between ruffles and blebs. |
8. Root Words In English: «Phil»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «to Love»
| Root Words In English Vocabulary And Their Meanings With Examples | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Example of root word in english grammar |
| Bibliophile | the one who loves books | As a child, he was an intense bibliophile and avid collector of old books. |
| Philologist | word lover who is a scholar of language | He is a philologist, specialising in American poetry. |
| Philanthropist | is a person who loves mankind. | He has been the most extraordinarily generous philanthropist. |
| Philosopher | A person who will love wisdom | This wise old philosopher was counselor to Bishop Ambrose. |
| Philodendron | A tree that curls up while growing and are called love trees. | A greenhouse was built to house the philodendron and other plants during renovation and afterwards used for expansion and keeping more exotic plants. |
9. Root Words In English: «port»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «to carry»
| Root Words In English Prefix And Suffix And Their Meanings With Examples | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Root Words In English Examples |
| portable | that can be moved or carried easily | There was a little portable television switched on behind the bar. |
| transportation | intentional movement | The company will provide transportation. |
| deport | ‘carry’ from. | The refugees were deported back to their country of origin. |
| important | ‘carried’ in. | In his editorial, he made several important points. |
| reporter | one who ‘carries’ back. | He leaked the story to a news reporter. |
10. Root Words In English: «spect»
Root Words In English With Meaning: «to look»
| Prefix And Suffix Words In English List And Their Meanings With Examples | ||
| Root Words In English List | Root Words In English With Meaning | Example of root word in english grammar |
| inspection | the act of looking at something carefully | Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects. |
| spectator | one who “sees” an event. | The spectators lining the road cheered the racers on. |
| spectacular | impressive enough to be worthy of “seeing” | He has just walked out into a spectacular summer storm. |
| spectacles | glasses which allow wearers to “see” better. | He always wore tinted spectacles, as you can see in photographs. |
| spectacle | something which is “seen,” such as a public event or show. | It was a strange spectacle to see the two former enemies shaking hands and slapping each other on the back. |
List Of Other Root Words In English
Here we have added the list of other root words in englishwith meanings and sample words.
| List Of Root Words In English | |||
|
S.No |
Root Words In English |
Meaning |
Sample Words |
|
1 |
Fid |
Trust/Faith |
|
|
2 |
Loc/Loq |
To speak/talk |
|
|
3 |
Plac/Plais |
To soothe/please/calm down |
|
|
4 |
Pathy |
Emotions, Feelings |
|
|
5 |
Nov/Neo |
New |
|
|
6 |
Luc |
Light,Bright,Clear |
|
|
7 |
Bell |
War/Tight |
|
|
8 |
Acri/Acer |
Bitter, Sour, Sharp |
|
|
9 |
Pan |
All, Everywhere |
|
|
10 |
Dict |
Say, Tell, Announce |
|
|
11 |
Bene |
Good, Well |
|
|
12 |
Mal |
Bad |
|
|
13 |
Gre |
Group, Gathering |
|
|
14 |
Viv |
Life, Live |
|
|
15 |
Mag |
Huge, Big, Grand |
|
|
16 |
Ambul |
Move, Walk |
|
|
17 |
Eu |
Good, Well, Pleasant |
|
|
18 |
San |
Cleanliness, Health, Pure |
|
|
19 |
Mort |
Death, Decay, Weak |
|
|
20 |
Vor |
To eat |
|
|
21 |
Dem |
People |
|
|
22 |
Omni |
All, Throughout |
|
|
23 |
Soli/Sol |
Alone, Single |
|
|
24 |
Ambi |
Both, Around |
|
|
25 |
Cide |
Killing, Murder |
|
|
26 |
Phobia |
Fear, Panic |
|
|
27 |
Cracy |
Rule, Government |
|
|
28 |
Cre |
Believe, Belief |
|
|
29 |
Phil |
Love, Liking |
|
|
30 |
Ami/Amo |
Friendly, Loveable, Peaceful |
|
|
31 |
Alter/ Ali/ Allo |
Other, Change |
|
|
32 |
Zo/o |
Animal Life |
|
|
33 |
Acro |
Top, Height, Tip, Beginning |
|
|
34 |
Andr/o |
man, male |
|
|
35 |
Arbour |
tree |
|
|
36 |
Art |
skill |
|
|
37 |
Auto |
self, same, one |
|
|
38 |
bio |
life, living matter |
|
|
39 |
Cata |
down, against completely intensive according to |
|
|
40 |
caust, caut |
to burn |
|
|
41 |
ceive, cept |
take |
|
|
42 |
cert |
sure |
|
|
43 |
circum |
around, about |
|
|
44 |
claim, clam |
shout, speak out |
|
|
45 |
Com |
together, common |
|
|
46 |
Counter |
opposite, contrary, opposing |
|
|
47 |
Cred |
believe |
|
|
48 |
Cumul |
mass, heap |
|
|
49 |
De |
reduce, away, down, remove |
|
|
50 |
Deci |
one tenth |
|
|
51 |
Act-, -act |
do |
|
|
52 |
alg/o |
pain |
|
|
53 |
Ana |
up, back, against, again, throughout |
|
|
54 |
ann/enn |
year |
|
|
55 |
Ante- |
before, in front |
|
|
56 |
apo, apho |
away, off, separate |
|
|
57 |
Arbour |
tree |
|
|
58 |
Crypt |
to hide |
|
|
59 |
bell/i |
war |
|
|
60 |
Legal |
related to the law |
|
|
61 |
phon |
sound |
|
|
62 |
hypo |
below; beneath |
|
|
63 |
cardil/o |
heart |
|
|
64 |
Non |
no, not, without |
|
|
65 |
Cata |
down, against completely intensive according to |
|
|
66 |
homo |
same |
|
|
67 |
cede, ceed, cess |
go, yield |
|
|
68 |
Poli |
City |
|
|
69 |
gram |
thing written |
|
|
70 |
aster |
star |
|
|
71 |
biblio |
book |
|
|
72 |
dyna |
power |
|
|
73 |
Poly |
Many, many more than one |
|
|
74 |
dys |
bad; hard; unlucky |
|
|
75 |
chrome |
color |
|
|
76 |
logy |
Study of |
|
|
77 |
graph |
writing |
|
|
78 |
Kinesis |
movement |
|
|
79 |
Nym |
Name |
|
|
80 |
centi |
hundred, hundredth |
|
|
81 |
anthrop |
man; human; humanity |
|
|
82 |
photo |
light |
|
|
83 |
syn |
together, with |
|
|
84 |
schem |
Plan |
|
|
85 |
cerebr/o |
brain |
|
|
86 |
chrom/o chromat/o, chros |
colour, pigment |
|
|
87 |
circum |
around, about |
|
|
88 |
Clar |
clear |
|
|
89 |
Cline |
lean |
|
|
90 |
Co |
with, together, joint |
|
|
91 |
cogn/i |
know |
|
|
92 |
contra/o |
against opposite |
|
|
93 |
cosm/o |
universe |
|
|
94 |
Cranio |
skull |
|
|
95 |
Cumul |
mass, heap |
|
|
96 |
Cycl |
circle, ring |
|
|
97 |
dec/a. deka |
Ten |
|
|
98 |
dendr/o/i |
tree |
|
|
99 |
dent |
tooth |
|
|
100 |
derm/a |
skin |
|
|
101 |
di |
two, twice |
|
|
102 |
Dia |
through, between, apart, across |
|
|
103 |
Domin |
master |
|
|
104 |
dys- |
abnormal, bad |
|
|
105 |
enn/I, anni |
years |
|
|
106 |
ep/i |
on, upon, over, among, at, after, to, outside |
|
|
107 |
erg/o |
work |
|
|
108 |
esth/aesth |
feeling, sensation, beauty |
|
|
109 |
Eu |
good, well |
|
|
110 |
Ex |
from, out |
|
|
111 |
Funct |
perform, work |
|
|
112 |
Hetero |
different, other |
|
|
113 |
hex/a |
six |
|
|
114 |
histo |
tissue |
|
|
115 |
hygr/o |
moisture, humidity |
|
|
116 |
iatr/o |
medical care |
|
|
117 |
icon/o |
image |
|
|
118 |
Idio |
peculiar, personal, distinct |
|
|
119 |
il, in |
in, into |
|
|
120 |
imag |
likeness |
|
|
121 |
intra, intro |
within, inside |
|
|
122 |
Iso |
Equal |
|
|
123 |
Junct |
jin |
|
|
124 |
Juven |
young |
|
|
125 |
lact/o |
milk |
|
|
126 |
Lex |
word, law, reading |
|
|
127 |
Liber |
Free |
|
|
128 |
Loc |
place |
|
|
129 |
loqo, luco |
speak |
|
|
130 |
lud, lus |
to play |
|
|
131 |
man/i/u |
hand |
|
|
132 |
Mand |
to order |
|
|
133 |
mar/i |
sea |
|
|
134 |
Max |
greatest |
|
|
135 |
Mega |
great, large |
|
|
136 |
memor/i |
remember |
|
|
137 |
Meso |
middle |
|
|
138 |
Mob |
move |
|
|
139 |
Mut |
change |
|
|
140 |
Nat |
born |
|
|
141 |
Ocu |
eye |
|
|
142 |
Pan |
all, any, everyone |
|
|
143 |
Quart |
fourth |
|
|
144 |
Radio |
radiation, ray |
|
|
145 |
Scend |
climb, go |
|
|
146 |
tact, tang |
touch |
|
|
147 |
Un |
not, opposite of, lacking |
|
|
148 |
Vac |
empty |
|
|
149 |
vor, vour |
Eat |
|
|
150 |
zo/o |
animal life |
|
Most Common Root Words In English Language
Here we have added the words with prefix suffix and root for your reference. Aspirants in search of greek origin words in English list, Latin origin words in English language, french origin words in English language.
Latin Origin Words In English Language
|
English Root Words From the Latin Language — English Root Words List |
||
|
Latin Root |
Root Words With Meaning |
Root Words In English Examples |
| ambi | both | ambiguous, ambidextrous |
| aqua | water | aquarium, aquamarine |
| aud | to hear | audience, audition |
| bene | good | benefactor, benevolent |
| cent | one hundred | century, percent |
| circum | around | circumference, circumstance |
| contra/counter | against | contradict, encounter |
| dict | to say | dictation, dictator |
| duc/duct | to lead | conduct, induce |
| fac | to do; to make | factory, manufacture |
| form | shape | conform, reform |
| fort | strength | fortitude, fortress |
| fract | to break | fracture, fraction |
| ject | throw | projection, rejection |
| jud | judge | judicial, prejudice |
| mal | bad | malevolent, malefactor |
| mater | mother | material, maternity |
| mit | to send | transmit, admit |
| mort | death | mortal, mortician |
| multi | many | multimedia, multiple |
| pater | father | paternal, paternity |
| port | to carry | portable, transportation |
| rupt | to break | bankrupt, disruption |
| scrib/scribe | to write | inscription, prescribe |
| sect/sec | to cut | bisect, section |
| sent | to feel; to send | consent, resent |
| spect | to look | inspection, spectator |
| struct | to build | destruction, restructure |
| vid/vis | to see | video, televise |
| voc | voice; to call | vocalize, advocate |
Greek Origin Words In English List
|
Greek Origin Words In English List — English Root Words List |
||
|
Root Words from the Greek Language |
Root Words With Meaning |
Root Words Examples |
| anthropo | man; human; humanity | anthropologist, philanthropy |
| auto | self | autobiography, automobile |
| bio | life | biology, biography |
| chron | time | chronological, chronic |
| dyna | power | dynamic, dynamite |
| dys | bad; hard; unlucky | dysfunctional, dyslexic |
| gram | thing written | epigram, telegram |
| graph | writing | graphic, phonograph |
| hetero | different | heteronym, heterogeneous |
| homo | same | homonym, homogenous |
| hydr | water | hydration, dehydrate |
| hypo | below; beneath | hypothermia, hypothetical |
| logy | study of | biology, psychology |
| meter/metr | measure | thermometer, perimeter |
| micro | small | microbe, microscope |
| mis/miso | hate | misanthrope, misogyny |
| mono | one | monologue, monotonous |
| morph | form; shape | morphology, morphing |
| nym | name | antonym, synonym |
| phil | love | philanthropist, philosophy |
| phobia | fear | claustrophobia, phobic |
| phon | sound | phone, symphony |
| photo/phos | light | photograph, phosphorous |
| pseudo | false | pseudonym, pseudoscience |
| psycho | soul; spirit | psychology, psychic |
| scope | viewing instrument | microscope, telescope |
| techno | art; science; skill | technique, technological |
| tele | far off | television, telephone |
| therm | heat | thermal, thermometer |
Prefix And Suffix Words In English List
Affixes are morphemes that are added to a base word to change its meaning. They consist of prefixes and suffixes. Prefixes are placed at the beginning of a word, while suffixes are placed at the end. The majority of prefixes and suffixes in English are one or two syllables long, with the exception of the three-syllable suffix -ology. The -s and -‘s suffixes only add the ess sound to the end of a word; they are not even full syllables. Prefixes and suffixes both aid in vocabulary growth and writing proficiency, but only suffixes are employed for grammatical operations like verb conjugation and noun pluralization.
Prefix Words In English List
A prefix is a one- to three-syllable affix that is used to modify the meaning of a base word. For instance, the word impossible, which signifies «not possible,» is created by prefixing the basic word possible with the im- prefix. Understanding prefixes can significantly increase your vocabulary and reading comprehension because they are a common component of English.
Prefix Words In English Grammar
|
Prefix Words In English Grammar With Examples — Root Words And Their Prefixes |
||
|
Prefix Words In English List |
Prefix Words In English With Meaning |
Prefix Words In English Examples |
| a- | not, without | amoral, atheist, asexual |
| anti- | against | anticlimax |
| after- | following something | afterlife, aftermath, aftereffect |
| all- | including everything or completely | all-knowing, all-American, all-encompassing |
| ambi- | both | ambidextrous, ambiguous, ambivalence |
| back- | behind or reverse | backflip, background, backward |
| bio- | life or relating to life | biology, biotechnology, biopsy |
| circum- | around | circumference, circumvent, circumstantial |
| contra- | against or opposing | contradiction, contraceptive, contrarian |
| de- | opposite | devalue |
| dis- | not; opposite of | discover |
| down- | moving from higher to lower | downgrade, download, downplay |
| en-, em- | cause to | enact, empower |
| ex- | former or in the past | ex-boyfriend, ex-wife, ex-president |
| extra- | outside of | extradite, extraterrestrial, extracurricular |
| fore- | before; front of | foreshadow, forearm |
| geo- | relating to the earth | geology, geography, geofence |
| hetero- | different | heterosexual, heterogeneous, heteromorph |
| hind- | in the back or behind | hindsight, hindquarters, hinder |
| homo- | same | homosexual, homogeny, homophone |
| hydro- | relating to water | hydroelectric, hydrophobic, hydroplane |
| in-, im- | in | income, impulse |
| in-, im-, il-, ir- | not | indirect, immoral, illiterate, irreverent |
| inter- | between; among | interrupt |
| intra- | on the inside, within | intramural, intravenous, intracellular |
| micro- | very small | microscope, microaggression, microcosm |
| mid- | middle | midfield |
| mis- | wrongly | misspell |
| neo- | new iteration of something | neoclassical, neonatal, neoliberal |
| non- | not | nonviolent |
| over- | over; too much | overeat |
| omni- | encompassing all | omnipotent, omnibus, omnivore |
| out- | surpassing or going outside the normal | outperform, outmaneuver, outlier |
| pre- | before | preview |
| re- | again | rewrite |
| semi- | half; partly; not fully | semifinal |
| sub- | under | subway |
| super- | above; beyond | superhuman |
| trans- | across | transmit |
| un- | not; opposite of | unusual |
| under- | under; too little | underestimate |
Suffix Words In English List
Suffixes are letters that are appended to a base word to alter its word type, conjugation, or other grammatical characteristics like plurality. In English, suffixes are important for writing and reading comprehension in addition to grammar.
Suffix Words In English Grammar
|
Suffix Words In English Grammar With Examples — Root Words And Their Suffixes |
||
|
Suffix Words In English List |
Suffix Words In English With Meaning |
Suffix Words In English Examples |
| -able, -ible | is; can be | affordable, sensible |
| -ate | showing | congratulate, enunciate, regulate |
| -al, -ial | having characteristics of | universal, facial |
| -ed | past tense verbs; adjectives | the dog walked, the walked dog |
| -en | made of | golden |
| -er, -or | one who; person connected with |
teacher, professor |
| -er | more | taller |
| -est | the most | tallest |
| -ful | full of | helpful |
| -ic | having characteristics of | poetic |
| -ing | verb forms; present participles |
sleeping |
| -ion, -tion, -ation, -tion |
act; process | submission, motion, relation, edition |
| -ity, -ty | state of | activity, society |
| -ive, -ative, -itive |
adjective form of noun | active, comparative, sensitive |
| -less | without | hopeless |
| -ly | how something is | lovely |
| -ment | state of being; act of | contentment |
| -ness | state of; condition of | openness |
| -ous, -eous, -ious | having qualities of | riotous, courageous, gracious |
| -s, -es | more than one | trains, trenches |
| -self, -selves | creates reflexive pronouns that refer back to the subject | myself, ourselves, oneself |
| -y | characterized by | gloomy |
Additional Root Words In English Vocabulary
Candidates in search of 20 root words with prefixes and suffixes and are looking for additional root words in English grammar can refer to the root words in English prefixes and suffixes with meaning and examples provided here in this article.
Root Words In English With Meaning
- pater — father (paternal, paternity, patriarch)
- script — to write (manuscript, postscript, scripture)
- acri — bitter (acrid, acrimony, acridity)
- astro — star (astronaut, astronomy, astrophysics)
- aud — hear (audience, audible, audio)
- ambul — to move or walk (ambulance, ambulate)
- cardio — heart (cardiovascular, electrocardiogram, cardiology)
- cede — to go or yield (intercede, recede, concede)
- counter — against or opposite (counteract, counterpoint, counterargument)
- dem — people (democracy, democrat, demographic)
- sect — cut apart (dissect, sectional, transect)
- tele — far (telephone, telegraph, television)
- fac — to do (factory, faculty, faction)
- gen — birth (genesis, genetics, generate)
- lum — light (lumen, luminary, luminous)
- micro — small (microbiology, microcosm, microscope)
- multi — many (multilingual, multiple, multifaceted)
- port — carry (portal, portable, transport)
- sen — old (senator, senile, senior)
- sent — to feel (consent, sensation, sensing)
- vor — to eat (herbivore, omnivore, voracious)
- auto — self (autonomy, autocrat, automatic)
- bene — good (benefactor, benevolent, beneficial)
- carn — flesh (carnal, carnivorous, reincarnate)
- corp — body (corporal, corporate, corpse)
- cred — believe (credible, credence, incredible)
- dict — say (diction, dictate, edict)
- derm — skin (dermatitis, dermatology, epidermis)
- equi — equal (equity, equilateral, equidistant)
- hypno — sleep (hypnosis, hypnotic, hypnotism)
- intra — within or into (intrapersonal, intramural, intravenous)
- ject — to throw (reject, eject, inject)
- magni — big or great (magnificent, magnify, magnitude)
- mal — bad (malignant, malfunction, malice)
- omni — all (omnipotent, omnipresent, omnivore)
- vis, vid — to see (envision, evident, vision)
FAQs — Root Words In English List
Q. What are the examples of root words?
The examples of root words are bene, act, ly, sen, omni, vis, vid, mal, phobia,etc., For more root words in english refer to the article given here.
Q. What are root words in English / Define root word in English grammar?
A root word is a word that, when combined with other words, creates new words (prefixes or suffixes).
Q. How many English root words are there / How many root words in English language?
In the English language, there are almost 100+ root words that have been identified, which are commonly originated from Greek and Latin.
Q. How to find prefixes suffixes and root words?
Prefixes function as modifiers and occur before root words. A word’s root determines its primary meaning and can be joined to other roots, prefixes, and suffixes. After the root word, suffixes function as modifiers.
Q. Where can I download the list of prefixes suffixes and root words PDF?
Candidates can download the root words in english vocabulary PDF, english root words list PDF, prefix and suffix words in english PDF, root words of english pdf, list of root words in english pdf, root word pdf in hindi and list of prefixes suffixes and root words PDF can refer to the article given here.
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Word roots, along with
prefixes and
suffixes, are a useful way to
build vocabulary. This page explains
what word roots are and gives examples of some
common roots. At the end there are some
exercises to help you practise.
As noted in the section on
vocabulary building, word roots are the base of the word
which gives the word its main meaning. Prefixes and suffixes can be added, respectively, to the beginning and end of the root.
Many words in English are based on words from ancient Greek and Latin. For example, the root phon, from Greek, means sound,
and can combine with prefixes tele- (distant, from Greek) and micro- (small, from Latin) to make the words
telephone and microphone. Likewise, the root vis or vid, from Latin, means see, and leads to words like
vision (sight) and video (visual media with moving images). This Latin root can also combine with the Greek prefix
tele- to make television.
The following table shows some common roots, along with their meaning and some example words. There are fifty roots in total.
The majority of these are of Latin or Greek origin. They are colour-coded according to language of origin:
Greek roots in green, Latin roots
in red, other roots in black.
The following checklist summarises the information on this page. Use it to check your understanding.
By
Last updated:
April 2, 2023
How do you feel about shortcuts?
By learning short and simple pieces of English words, also known as word roots, you can unlock an understanding of thousands of words and boost your English vocabulary!
In this post, we’re going to share 30 English word roots from Latin and Greek to help you improve your comprehension of English by providing a shortcut to learning.
Contents
- What is a Root?
- 30 Common English Word Roots from Greek and Latin
-
- Roots of Greek Origin
- Roots of Latin Origin
- How to Use Roots to Form and Understand English Words
-
- The Top 10 Suffixes You’ll See with Roots
- The Top 10 Prefixes You’ll See with Roots
- The Matching Game for Practicing English Roots, Suffixes and Prefixes
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
What is a Root?
First, we should talk about what “root” means.
A root is the basic unit of a word.
Linguists, scientists who study language, refer to the root as the base or foundation of a word. If you really think about it, the name “root” makes sense. A real, literal root is the base of a tree, connecting the tree to the ground. The root of a word connects that word to some meaning.
To learn about other parts of words and their relationships with roots, check out this informative page.
30 Common English Word Roots from Greek and Latin
If you aren’t sure that you want to memorize hundreds of roots, then memorize just these 30 roots. These are some of the most useful and common roots that you’ll learn!
You’ll see these popping up everywhere in words you both know and don’t know. If you wouldn’t have had any idea what they meant before you had learned the roots, then you’ll see the value of learning roots.
Roots of Greek Origin
| Greek Root | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Psych | Mind | Psychology (the study of the mind) |
| Phil | Love | Cinephile (movie lover) |
| Mega | Great, large | Megaphone (a large device which makes your voice louder) |
| Mono | Single | Monochromatic (having only one color) |
| Chron | Time | Chronological (organized by time of occurrence) |
| Bio | Life | Biology (the study of living things) |
| Theo | God | Theology (the study of religion) |
| Phone | Sound | Telephone (a device used to talk with other people) |
| Auto | Self | Automatic (happens on its own) |
| Poly | Many | Polyglot (person who can speak many languages) |
Roots of Latin Origin
| Latin Root | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Struc | Build | Structure (parts or pieces built into something complex) |
| Vac | Empty | Vacuous (having an empty mind, not thinking) |
| Ver | True | Veritable (real, true, authentic) |
| Scrib/Scrip | Write | Prescription (a written note signed by a doctor which provides instructions for medicine or treatment) |
| Luc | Light | Lucid (bright, clear) |
| Mal | Bad | Malevolent (wanting to do bad or evil things) |
| Mar | Sea | Marina (a port or harbor for boats and ships) |
| Manu/Mani | Hand | Manicure (a treatment to make your hands look clean, neat and polished) |
| Min | Small | Miniscule (very small in size) |
| Fort | Strong | Fortitude (strength) |
| Mort | Death | Mortician (someone who prepares dead bodies to be buried) |
| Nas/Nat | Birth | Nascent (coming into existence, something just recently created) |
| Trans | Across | Transatlantic (something which crosses the Atlantic Ocean) |
| Voc/Vos | Voice | Vociferous (loud, someone who speaks loudly or talks a lot) |
| Aqua | Water | Aquarium (a tank of water where fish are kept as pets) |
| Bene | Good | Benevolent (wanting good things for people, generous, kind) |
| Omni | All | Omniscient (knowing everything) |
| Sens/Sent | Feel | Sentimental (emotional, attaching emotional value to things) |
| Terr | Earth | Terrarium (a container for land animals kept as pets, often containing rocks, dirt or sand) |
| Vid/Vis | See | Visible (able to be seen) |
How to Use Roots to Form and Understand English Words
Now that you have a list of great roots to memorize, you’ll need a list of the most common prefixes and suffixes to go with it.
Why?
Prefixes and suffixes are two things that can be attached to roots to form words.
Suffixes can be attached at the ends of roots to change either the definition or the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) of the word. So, suffixes can change verbs into nouns, nouns into adjectives and so on.
To create words you put a root together with either a suffix or prefix. Examples:
photo (root for light) + graph (suffix for written) = photograph (light that is written)
re (prefix for again) + flect (root for bend) = reflect (to bend again)
Now you might think these are funny ways to define the words “photograph” and “reflect.” This is because using Latin to define words means that you’re using very direct, literal translations.
However funny these translations might sound, there’s always a clue there that shows what the true meaning is in English.
The Top 10 Suffixes You’ll See with Roots
Top Greek Suffixes
| Greek Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| phil/phile | fear, fearing |
| chrome | color |
| logy | study of |
| ism | act, practice or result of |
| some | body |
| meter | a measurement |
| nomy | systematized knowledge of |
Top Latin Suffixes
| Latin Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| able | is, can be |
| act | state, quality |
| cidal/cide | killer, a killing |
The Top 10 Prefixes You’ll See with Roots
Top Greek Prefixes
| Greek Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| amphi | both, about, around |
| andro | man, male |
| anti | against, opposed |
| mono | one, single, alone |
Top Latin Prefixes
| Latin Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ad | to, attached to |
| semi | half |
| non | not |
| pre | before |
| inter | between |
| co | with, together |
As you can see, learning roots, suffixes and prefixes is a quick shortcut to learn and understand words in English.
Immersing yourself in the language and seeing how it’s used by native speakers is a great way to learn vocabulary and see word roots. There are many great TV shows in English that you could watch, or you could even try a language-learning program like FluentU.
FluentU features an array of bite-sized authentic English videos, like inspiring talks and movie trailers, each with interactive subtitles that you can hover over to see more information about the words used. The subtitles will help you identify new vocabulary that you can add to your personalized flashcard decks to practice.
By immersing yourself in native media, not only will you be able to expand your vocabulary by identifying roots and common trends, but you’ll also get to see them used in context!
The Matching Game for Practicing English Roots, Suffixes and Prefixes
As you know, practice makes perfect, and this also applies when learning roots, suffixes and prefixes.
Play this with a partner to see who can win the most points!
a. Make flashcards of the roots, suffixes and prefixes you want to memorize. You’ll also need a dictionary.
b. Mix up the flashcards into two groups, keeping suffixes and prefixes together in one group with the roots in another separate group.
c. Place the two groups in two separate piles face down in their separate groups. You’ll now have all the roots on the right side and prefixes/suffixes on the left side.
d. Pick a card from each group and turn both cards face up.
e. Form a word and write down what you think the definition should be according to the meaning of the root and the suffix or prefix you chose. Also write down whether you believe it is or isn’t a real word in the English language.
f. Once you’ve made your two guesses, look the word up in the dictionary to see if it really exists. If it does and the meaning you guessed is correct, then two points for you! If it’s not a real word, but you got the root and prefix/suffix meanings correct, then one point for you.
So there you have it, folks.
You’ve got a great guide to English word roots and how to use them!
Get out there and see how much English you understand now.
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Many words in the English language are formed by taking base words or root words and adding combinations of prefixes and suffixes to them.
A root word is the primary form of a word. While root words may contain the core meaning of the word, they cannot stand alone. For example, “bene” is the root in the word “beneficial.”
A base word is slightly different from a root because a base is the basic form of a word that can stand on its own. For example, “commit” is the base in the word “commitment.” To differentiate the two, just remember that a base can have affixes attached to it, but it does not have to; a root must have an affix (prefix or suffix), or another root, attached to it in order to make it a whole word.
A prefix is a word part that is placed at the beginning of a word to change or enhance its meaning. For example, “dis—” is the prefix of the word “disagree.”
A suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change or enhance its meaning. For example, “—ful” is the suffix of the word “thankful.”
Most English words are actually derivatives of ancient Greek and Latin words. Knowing Greek and Latin roots is an essential reading comprehension strategy for students because they could determine the meaning of an unknown word if they were familiar with any of the prefixes, suffixes, or root words attached to it. When context clues fail, breaking down words into their smallest parts can ensure your students will be successful.
For example, students might not know what the word “contradict” means, but if they know that “contra” means against and “dict” means speak, they can determine that contradict means: to assert the opposite against what someone has said. Another example is the word “incredulous.” If students know that “in” means not, “cred” means believe, and “ous” means having, then they could conclude incredulous means: not having a readiness to believe things easily.
Greek and Latin word parts are a tool you want your students to have in their academic tool belt because having a strong vocabulary helps students tremendously with reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Below you can find a FREE, downloadable copy of the 300 most commonly used Greek and Latin root words, suffixes, and prefixes. You can choose particular word parts from the list below to use in your classroom or provide students with this comprehensive list to keep for reference.
