The English language uses many Greek and Latin roots, stems, and prefixes. These roots are listed alphabetically on three pages:
- Greek and Latin roots from A to G
- Greek and Latin roots from H to O
- Greek and Latin roots from P to Z.
Some of those used in medicine and medical technology are listed in the List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.
See alsoEdit
- Classical compound
- English words of Greek origin
- English prefixes
- Greek language
- Hybrid word
- Interlingua
- International scientific vocabulary
- Latin
- Latin influence in English
- Lexicon Mediae et Infimae Latinitatis Polonorum
- List of Greek phrases
- List of Latin abbreviations
- List of Latin and Greek words commonly used in systematic names
- List of Latin legal terms
- List of Latin phrases
- List of Latin words with English derivatives
- List of Latinised names
- Romanization (cultural)
- Help:IPA/Latin
External linksEdit
- List of Latin Derivatives
- Index of Latin and Greek Roots from the University of Alberta
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.
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclosure.
The English language contains over one million words, most of which the average speaker will never even know. Stacker identified the 50 most important Latin roots to help English speakers better comprehend the extensive English lexicon.
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Anyone who has ever studied a stack of GRE vocabulary words or invested in a word-a-day calendar to try to expand their lexicon can attest to the fact that the English language is incredibly expansive. Data has shown that the average adult knows somewhere around 40,000 words in total, and that includes active (i.e., regularly used) and passive (i.e., familiar, but not utilized) vocabulary. Put that number up against the more than one million total words in the English language, and it becomes clear that the percentage of terms in English speakers’ everyday rotation is only a small fraction of the English language as a whole.
Looking at the sheer volume of the English vocabulary, one thing that helps make sense of the words is the notable patterns that emerge in light of its etymological roots; particularly, its Latin roots. Though Latin itself has often been referred to as a dead language, it is very much alive in the 80% of English terms that are borrowed directly from the ancient language and the over 60% of English words that have roots in Latin and Greek. In the same way that a new reader may try to sound out a word phonetically, looking at English through the lens of Latin etymology allows us to obtain a new grasp on the language, such that we can more actively deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words. This is the secret behind amazing spellers at the Bee!
To identify key linguistic elements from Latin that appear throughout the English language today, Stacker sorted through educational resources and online databases and compiled a list of 50 important Latin roots that shape the English language as we know it. Read on to get a better understanding of how some of the words you use regularly—and a few perhaps you’ve never seen before—all share a common foundation in Latin.
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Ann
– Meaning in English: Yearly
The Latin root “ann”—which means “yearly”—can be found in countless words that reference events and occurrences that happen on a yearly basis. For example, an anniversary celebration marks the passing of another year of a relationship, a business, or a birthday. Then there are yearly events that are characterized as annual, such as award ceremonies (e.g., the Academy Awards), sporting events (e.g., Super Bowl), and holidays (e.g., Halloween).
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Aqu
– Meaning in English: Water, sea
Whether it’s being used in reference to a color such as aqua, a blueish-green hue, or to describe sea life, i.e., aquatic, the Latin root “aqu” is familiar in its relationship to water and large bodies of water. The mainstream familiarity of the Latin root was on full display in the 2006 coming-of-age film “Aquamarine,” where the titular character is a mermaid washed ashore.
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Audi
– Meaning in English: Hearing, listening, sound
Those who prefer the convenience of listening to their books rather than reading them may recognize this Latin root from the name of Audible, Amazon’s audiobook and entertainment platform. The root also makes an appearance in the English terms audience, as in a group of people gathered together to listen to or receive a performance, and auditorium, the room in which said audience sits to listen.
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Bene
– Meaning in English: Good
Derived from a Latin term meaning “well,” bene is most commonly used as a prefix in the English language. The word benign means harmless or favorable, and in pathology is used to describe a condition that is not life-threatening. A benefit is something that is considered favorable or advantageous, and the term can also be used to describe a charitable event. A benefactor gives help to a person or a cause. Perhaps the most famous example of a benefactor is Miss Havisham from “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens.
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Bi
– Meaning in English: Two
The Latin prefix “bi” means two, as does the closely related, Greek-derived prefix “di.” A bifurcation describes the act of something splitting off into two distinct branches. In anatomy, the bicep is a muscle of the arm that runs between the shoulder and the elbow, so-named because it splits off into two branches where the muscle connects at the scapula. The word bicep translates to “two-headed muscle of the arm.”
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Bibl
– Meaning in English: Book
The Latin root “bibl” may sooner remind college students of having to create bibliographies—detailed lists of the books and sources referenced in academic work—than anything else. However, the root’s connection to the English language has a far deeper history: “bibl” is also the root for the name of the Bible, the collection of Judeo-Christian texts and scripture.
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Cent
– Meaning in English: Hundred
The term “cent” likely conjures up thoughts of money—i.e., dollars and cents—before anything else, but that ties back perfectly to the Latin root from which the term comes. One cent is 1/100th of a dollar. Pennies aside, the Latin root also makes an appearance in terms like “century” and “centennial,” which pertain to 100-year timespans and a hundredth anniversary, respectively.
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Circum
– Meaning in English: Around
The Latin root “circum”—meaning “around”—appears in terms like “circumnavigate,” which is the act of traveling all the way around something. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan is remembered for successfully circumnavigating the globe in the early 16th century. This root also appears in terms like “circumvent,” which describes the act of getting around a problem, and “circumstance,” which pairs this root with another Latin root—“stance,” meaning “stand”—to reference a situation that focuses on a core cause.
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Civ
– Meaning in English: Citizen
“Civility” is characterized by respect towards others, and “civics,” which refers to the infrastructure in place that is intended to facilitate civility, are both rooted in the Latin “civ,” meaning “citizen.” The root also makes an appearance in the name of the Honda Civic, a car that––as the brand puts it––is meant to improve the lives of citizens.
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Clar
– Meaning in English: Clear
The term “clarity”—which comes from the Latin root “clar,” meaning “clear”—is the property of being both pure and clean, as well as being lucid and coherent. The root has seen a variety of modern uses alluding to its Latin translation, including the brand Clarisonic, a beauty company that develops products meant to provide clearer-looking skin, and Claritin, an allergy medication that promises clarity and relief from chronic allergies.
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Cred
– Meaning in English: Believe
Credibility is the characteristic of being believable, and it’s a term that comes from the Latin root “cred,” meaning “believe.” While the term may appear in the case of legal proceedings—e.g., a court case requires credible witnesses—it also ties into the idea of credit and credit cards. Since credit cards work by allowing users to acquire items before paying for them in full, they operate on a system of trust and good faith—belief, essentially—that payments will be made in full at a later time.
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Dict
– Meaning in English: Say/speak
The Latin root “dict” appears in words like dictate, meaning to read something aloud; dictation, the act of speaking aloud with the intention of having your words recorded or transcribed; and predict, the act of stating something that will happen before it actually happens. Of all the instances in which “dict” appears in the English language, though, one of the most important may be the dictionary, which offers a comprehensive guide to all of the officially-recognized words in the English language. Some of the most respected and trusted dictionaries in the U.S. include the Oxford English Dictionary, Collins English Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster.
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Ex
– Meaning in English: Out
The Latin root “ex” means “out,” while related roots, including “exter” and “extrem,” offer additional variations of the same translation. The word extreme, for example, may refer to something that falls out of a normal expected range, as was the case with weather extremities, including record rainfall and high/low daily temperatures across the U.S. in 2019, which broke more than 120,000 records across the country.
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Fract
– Meaning in English: Break
The Latin “fract” is closely related to fellow Latin roots “frang,” “fring,” and “frag,” all of which mean “break.” A few of its familiar appearances may include infringe, as in the breaking of a legal agreement or violation of copyright, and fragment, a small piece of an item that has been broken. The root also appears in the word fragile, which can be used to describe items that are easily breakable.
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Inter
– Meaning in English: Between
The premise of the film “Interstellar” starring Matthew McConaughey is that a NASA physicist travels the universe via a wormhole in a quest to find a new home for mankind. The plot––and the flick’s title––reference the Latin root “inter,” meaning “between,” as McConaughey’s character essentially travels between cosmic stars. This root also appears in terms like international, which may refer to travel or political relations between nations, and interpersonal, which may refer to communication happening between different people (as opposed to intrapersonal, which uses the Latin root meaning “within”).
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Jur
– Meaning in English: Law
Legal systems are intended to act as a source of order and justice in society, and it turns out that a lot of the legal terminology that we’re familiar with today stems from the Latin “jur”—as well as the related roots “jus” and “judic”—meaning “law.” This includes the word jury, as in the body of citizens meant to come to a verdict in legal cases; judicial, as in something pertaining to the court or judge; and justice, as in fairness.
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Lax
– Meaning in English: Not tense
There are a number of ways that someone may choose to relax—yoga, unwinding with a good book, taking a bath, etc. Regardless of the method, the practice of relaxation just comes down to letting go of stress and releasing tension. The root origin of the term—the Latin “lax,” meaning “not tense”—is echoed in this way. The root also appears in the word laxative, which describes an agent used to relieve constipation by reducing tension in the bowels.
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Liber
– Meaning in English: Free
Liberty—which is defined as freedom from oppression in regards to one’s belief systems and way of life—is a fundamental tenet on which democracy is built. As for the Latin word “liber,” this is a fundamental root from which the term “liberty” stems. Further examples of “liber” in mainstream English language include the words liberate and liberation.
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Lumin
– Meaning in English: Light
This Latin root meaning “light” appears in a number of common English words including luminous, which means that something is bright and shining. However, the Latin root has seen several linguistic iterations that go beyond these everyday terms as well, including brand names such as Luminary, a podcast streaming platform that may be considered to be bringing new and creative ideas “to light,” and fictional terms such as “lumos maxima,” the incantation used in the “Harry Potter” universe to generate a bright flash of light.
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Magn
– Meaning in English: Big, great
The Latin root “magn,” meaning “big” or “great,” can be used either in reference to something physically large in size or something that big in its presence, such that it’s striking. In regular use today, the root appears in words like magnificent, which simply refers to something that’s amazing or awe-inspiring, and magnitude, which is used to characterize the large size or impact of something (e.g., a 3.2 magnitude earthquake).
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Mal
– Meaning in English: Bad
“Mal” is a Latin root meaning “bad,” and appears in such English terms as malicious, which is defined as having the intention to cause harm, as well as malevolent, which combines this root with another Latin root “volent,” which means “wishing.” Mal is defined as wishing evil or ill will upon another. Perhaps one of the most common pop culture affiliations with the root is “Maleficent,” the Disney film starring Angelina Jolie as the villainous fairy known for cursing Sleeping Beauty.
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Migr
– Meaning in English: Wander
This Latin root is perhaps most prevalent in its connection to current events. Namely, “migr”—meaning “wander”—appears in the terms immigration and migrant, both of which have become majorly familiar in the collective consciousness as a result of such issues as the European migrant crisis as well as the U.S. border crisis and questions surrounding the country’s immigration policies.
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Multi
– Meaning in English: Many
There are a multitude of examples in the English language of the Latin root “multi,” meaning “many,” in use (with multitude being one of them). The root is perhaps most notable for its role in arithmetic, as it occurs in multiplication, which is a mathematical process for growing a number in size and count. The root also appears in the title of the 1996 comedy “Multiplicity,” which stars Michael Keaton as a man who clones himself numerous times to manage the demands of his day-to-day life.
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Neg
– Meaning in English: Say no
The Latin root “neg” appears in English words that are defined by a lack of positive or affirmative response. For example, the word negate means that something is being nullified or shut down, or, it’s being “said no to,” essentially. Negativity, a quality often associated with pessimism and naysaying, is another example of the root in action.
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Non
– Meaning in English: Not
When something is described as nonsensical, it means that it doesn’t make sense. When something or someone is characterized as noncommittal, it means that they won’t commit. These words—along with others that include “non” as a prefix—pull from the Latin root’s definition meaning “not.” It’s important to keep in mind that the line between “non” and “un” can get a little troublesome when navigating common vocabulary. For example, while unprofessional refers to behavior that isn’t professional, nonprofessional refers to lines of work that don’t require professional training.
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Nov
– Meaning in English: New
The allure of novels comes from their imaginative stories that can take readers away from the ordinary and mundane. A novel concept or innovative idea is characterized by offering something fresh and new, which all ties back to the Latin root “nov.”
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Ov
– Meaning in English: Egg
While there are some English words beginning with “ov” that don’t tie back to this Latin root such as “oven,” which actually comes from Germanic origins, there are others that reference the root’s original definition: “egg.” Examples include oval, as in the egg-like shape, and ovary, as in the female reproductive organ that produces eggs.
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Pre
– Meaning in English: Before
“Pre” is a Latin-derived prefix that clarifies chronological order by signifying that something came before something else. For example, predict means that you talk about something happening before it actually happens. The word preliminary is another example and means that something occurs prior to something else in preparation for the main event. Of course, “pre” also occurs in the word prefix itself, which by definition is a grammatical add-on to the beginning of a word—i.e., it comes “before” the original word—that changes its meaning.
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Prim
– Meaning in English: First
In addition to words that reflect this root’s origins in its most literal sense such as primary, primordial, and primitive, there are also words derived from this Latin root that more loosely mean best-in-class, or top-tier. One such example is the word prime, most commonly used in reference to Amazon Prime, the membership service that provides expedited shipping and a catalog of member-only streaming content for Amazon customers.
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Proxim
– Meaning in English: Nearness
When one makes an approximation of something, they’re making an educated guess about the count, measurement, or quantity of something based on information that allows them to come close—though maybe not exact—to the correct value. This word, along with others like proximity or proximal, comes from the Latin root “proxim,” meaning nearness.
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Ques
– Meaning in English: Seek
A Latin root that means “to seek” or “to look for,” “ques” appears in a number of words that English speakers use on a daily basis. Besides the very literal quest, which basically refers to a long search for something, there are also the terms question and request, both of which attempt to elicit some kind of response, information, or action.
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Re
– Meaning in English: Again, backward
This Latin root is one that could refer to something happening over and over again, as is the case with such words as repeat or recur. It may also, however, be used to reference something that moves backward by being withdrawn, as is the case with the words renege and revert.
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Retro
– Meaning in English: Backward, behind
Retro has been a standalone word since the mid-1970s when it started getting used in reference to fashion nostalgia. Before that, though, the word existed in the Latin vocabulary as a prefix meaning “backward” or “behind.” Of all the words that include the prefix—e.g., retrogress, retroactive, retrospective—one of the most familiar nowadays may be retrograde, as in Mercury Retrograde (when Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit).
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San
– Meaning in English: Healthy
This Latin root appears throughout the English language in a few different ways. For starters, it has a very literal and practical application in words like sanitize and sanitary, which simply refer to the eradication of bacteria so as to make something healthier and safer. However, the same root also occurs in the term sanity—and the opposite, insanity—which refers to mental health.
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Sci
– Meaning in English: Know
The Latin root “sci” (meaning “know”) has a few different roles in English. For one, it can refer to the actual act of knowing things, as is the case with terms like omniscience (meaning all-knowing), conscience (knowing right from wrong), and prescience (knowing things before they happen). Beyond that, “sci” also ties into the accumulation of knowledge, as it is a key root in the term science and is thus connected to all scientific branches (formal, natural, and social sciences).
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Scrib
– Meaning in English: Write
While a young child’s doodles on a piece of paper might be dismissed as nothing but a little scribble, it turns out that scribble has some roots in the Latin language. The root “scrib” actually means “write,” and appears in such terms as transcribe, the act of copying down words from a recording or dictation, and describe, the act of writing down (or saying) what something looks, feels, tastes, sounds, or smells like.
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Semi
– Meaning in English: Half
The Latin root “semi” (meaning “half”) is central to a lot of the traditions that we consider to be commonplace. For example, there’s the idea of a semi-final, where two sports teams face off in a match directly before the final and only one—such as half of the two teams—moves on to the final. A lot of brands, most notably, Victoria’s Secret, are also known for having semi-annual sales: one at the start of the year in January and one around the half-way mark in June.
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Senti
– Meaning in English: Feel
The Latin root “senti,” which is also close to the root “sens,” means “feel”—which is evident when looking at the English terms that have stemmed from the original root. The root is at the heart of our sensory system, which allows us to feel and experience things through our different senses. The classic book “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen interestingly juxtaposes two words that stem from this same Latin root in its title; here, sense is the ability to act with sound judgment and without being overly emotional, while sensibility refers to the ability to act from the heart or with feelings as a guide.
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Soci
– Meaning in English: Group
In the most basic sense, the Latin root “soci” appears in the term society, which is very literally a group of people who coexist in some capacity, whether they’re connected by a common government, neighborhood, or even just common interests (e.g., the National Audubon Society). This Latin root is also at the core of one of the biggest trends to have shaped modern culture: social media and the rise of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.
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Sol
– Meaning in English: Alone
While social networks bring people together—even if only virtually—togetherness isn’t always the name of the game. “Sol,” the Latin root for “alone,” is also a big player in the English language, and is used in words that refer to loneliness or lack of connection. For example, solitude and isolation are two words that pull from the root, as is the name for Solitaire, the computer card game meant to be played solo.
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Sub
– Meaning in English: Under
When The Beatles released “Yellow Submarine,” they may not have realized that they were incorporating some Latin-based lyrics in their hit song. “Sub” is the Latin root meaning “under,” and beyond showing up in the name of the underwater warship, the root also occurs in terms like submerge, which is the act of putting something underwater. The New York City subway system also employs the Latin root for the name of its network of underground trains and tracks.
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Surg
– Meaning in English: Rise
Not to be confused with the root for surgery, which comes from the Greek words meaning “hand work,” the Latin “surg” means “rise.” For example, there’s been a “resurgence”: This combines the Latin root “re” with “surg”. Anyone who has attempted to call an Uber during rush hour or an “extreme” (if we’re using Latin) rainstorm is also likely familiar with the phenomenon of surge pricing, where rates increase as a result of heightened demand.
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Tempor
– Meaning in English: Time
Musicians understand that tempo is the speed of a song’s underlying beat, and thus that the tempo helps determine the timing of a piece of music. For those less musically-inclined, however, this Latin root may feel more familiar in words like temporary, meaning something that only lasts for a given period of time, and contemporary, meaning that something is of the current time.
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Test
– Meaning in English: Witness
Though the term “test” is a word on its own, the Latin root “test” is unrelated to the term meaning exam. Instead, the Latin here means “witness,” as in testimony, where someone shares their account of what they saw in a court trial. Legal proceedings aside, the root also appears in the word testament, which reflects a reliable account of something, such that it can be used as evidence to make a point.
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Trans
– Meaning in English: Across
English terms that include the root “trans” are generally referring to something that has traversed a physical or imaginary border in some way. For example, the first trans-Atlantic flight was completed in 1919 by Charles Lindbergh when he spent 34 hours traveling from New York to Paris. A common use of the root is also in reference to transgender individuals, whose gender identity does not align with their birth sex.
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Vac
– Meaning in English: Empty
The Latin root “vac” appears in several highly-used English words, including what may be a collective favorite: “vacation.” Unlike certain terms that have a more literal tie to this root’s definition––e.g., “vacancy” means there are empty rooms in a space, “vacate” means emptying out a space, etc.––“vacation” is more of a loose derivative of the root, alluding to an empty schedule.
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Vag
– Meaning in English: Wander
Of the Latin roots on this list, “vag” is one of the more unique in that it has a few different derivative words that reflect the term in unique ways. For example, while vagabond is a pretty literal extension of the Latin root, one of the other common derivative words—vague—reflects the meaning of the Latin root in a less direct way (i.e., it alludes to ideological “wandering” from the main topic).
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Ver
– Meaning in English: True
“Ver” is one of the more common Latin roots to appear in the English language. There are some terms that include the root—verdict and veracity—that may be less frequently utilized in everyday jargon, but that’s hardly the case with one of the most popular words that stems from this root: very. Whenever something is described as very soft, for example, the intention of the speaker is to communicate that something is “truly” soft.
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Vid
– Meaning in English: See, visual
While videotapes might have become obsolete, this Latin root, meaning “see,” is still kept alive in plenty of other key terms in the English language. One of the biggest, of course, is video, and though people’s sources of video entertainment have changed over the years, their affinity for it certainly has it. According to recent data, people watch an average of 16 hours of online video per week.
defotoberg // Shutterstock
Uni
– Meaning in English: One
This root, meaning “one,” is incredibly prevalent throughout the English language. It appears in a wide range of words, including unicorn (a one-horned mythical horse), unity (one entity), uniform (one outfit), unicycle (one-wheeled bike), and unibrow (one eyebrow).
This article originally appeared on Stacker.com. The article has been re-published pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 License.
I’m an Irish tutor and founder of TPR Teaching. I started teaching in 2016 and have since taught in the UK, Spain, and online.
I love learning new things about the English language and how to teach it better. I’m always trying to improve my knowledge, so I can better meet the needs of others!
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Did you know that the English language is made up of many words derived from other languages? In fact, over 60% of English words are derived from Latin, French, and Greek. This article will explore Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Not sure what they are? No worries, we will look at a definition of each of these terms, along with some examples and English words that use them.
Latin Roots, Suffixes, and Prefixes Definition
It’s important to be aware of what roots, prefixes, and suffixes are, as they all help to determine the meaning of words. If you haven’t heard of these terms before, here are some definitions and examples:
Roots Definition
A root (also known as a base) refers to the core form of a word. It has a distinct meaning and can make sense on its own.
An example of a root word is ‘child.’ This word makes sense on its own and has its own definition. Nothing has been added to it.
A root carries most of a word’s meaning. Once you learn the root of a word, you will be able to construct new words. For example, take the verb ‘slow.’ This is a root word. You can add ‘ly’ to the end to turn it into the adverb ‘slowly.’ The ending ‘ly’ is known as a suffix.
Here’s a definition of suffix:
Suffix Definition
A suffix refers to a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word to create a new meaning. Suffixes can be added to a root word for a variety of reasons, such as:
1. To change tense
Take the root word ‘paint‘ (e.g., I paint a picture). To change this to the past tense, you would add the ‘ed‘ suffix, which changes it to ‘painted.’
It is important to be aware that the grammar rules in English are not always consistent, and words are not always ‘regular.’ This means that the suffixes and prefixes added to words will not always be the same or follow the exact same pattern. For example, if you wanted to turn the verb ‘run‘ into the past tense, you would not add an ‘ed‘ suffix, as ‘runned‘ does not make grammatical sense. Instead, you would say ‘ran.’
2. To express plurality (more than one of something)
Take the singular root word ‘cup.’ If you want to make it plural, you would add the suffix ‘s‘ at the end, which changes it to ‘cups.’ This shows there is more than one cup.
The addition of ‘s/es‘ suffixes to create a plural does not always work… Take ‘sheep‘ as an example — the plural of ‘sheep‘ is still ‘sheep.’
3. To change the word class
Take the root word ‘agree’ (verb). To change this to an adjective, you would add the suffix ‘able,’ which changes it to ‘agreeable’ (adjective).
When ‘able‘ is used, sometimes letters from the root words get dropped. For example, adding ‘able‘ to the root ‘adore‘ does not make it ‘adoreable‘ — instead, it’s ‘adorable.’
Prefix Definition
A prefix refers to a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a root word to create a new meaning. Prefixes can be used for a couple of reasons, including:
1. To negate a word (make the meaning negative)
Take the root word ‘legal.’ To make this negative, you would add the prefix ‘il’, changing it to ‘illegal.’
Fig. 1 — Illegal has negative connotations, whereas legal has positive connotations.
Other prefixes used to create a negative meaning are:
-
in- (e.g., incorrect)
-
im- (e.g., impossible)
-
ir- (e.g., irresponsible)
-
un- (e.g., unimpressed)
-
dis- (e.g., disapprove)
2. To show repetition
Adding the ‘re‘ prefix to the root ‘do‘ creates the word ‘redo‘, which means to do something again/more than once.
Sometimes, prefixes can be hyphenated so as to not be misread or mispronounced. This is often the case if the last letter of the prefix and the first letter of the root word are the same. For example, the word ‘re-enter‘ is often written with a hyphen — otherwise, it may be pronounced as ‘reen-ter.’
Latin Roots, Suffixes, and Prefixes Example
Let’s look at some examples of roots, suffixes, and prefixes derived from Latin. Did you know these words came from Latin?
Latin Roots Examples
Latin Root | Meaning |
Audire | To hear |
Pac | Peace |
Mens | Mind |
Annus | Year/yearly |
Cavus | Hollow |
Densus | Thick |
Frater | Brother |
Lingua | Language |
Solus | Alone/only |
Latin Suffixes Examples
Latin Suffix | Meaning |
able/ible | capable/worthy of (used to form adjectives) |
ation | used to turn verbs into nouns |
ty/ity | used to turn adjectives into nouns |
fy/ify | to cause/make/become (used to form verbs) |
ment | used to turn verbs into nouns |
ic/tic | used to create adjectives |
ion | used to turn verbs into nouns |
arium | A place associated with a specified thing. |
Latin Prefixes Examples
Did you know the ‘pre’ in the word ‘prefix’ is a Latin prefix itself? It derives from the Latin ‘prae‘, which means ‘before/prior to.’
Latin Prefix | Meaning |
co- | together |
inter- | between |
dis- | not/not any |
sub- | under |
pre- | before |
post- | after |
re- | again |
de- | away/off |
non- | not |
Latin Roots, Suffixes, and Prefixes Words
Now that you know some Latin roots, suffixes and prefixes, let’s take a look at some English words that use them!
We’ll begin with the Latin root words and the English words that use these roots:
Latin Roots and English Words
Latin Root | Used in English words |
Audire (to hear) | audible, auditorium, auditory |
Pac (peace) | pacifism, pacify |
Mens (mind) | mental, mentality |
Annus (year/yearly) | annual, anniversary |
Cavus (hollow) | cave, cavity, excavation |
Densus (thick) | dense, density, condense |
Frater (brother) | fraternal, fraternity |
Lingua (language) | linguistics, bilingual |
Solus (alone/only) | solo, sole, desolate |
Latin Suffixes and English Words
Latin suffix | English words |
able/ible | predictable, accessible |
ation | information, imagination |
ty/ity | equality, loyalty |
fy/ify | intensify, purify |
ment | amazement, statement |
ic/tic | romantic, academic |
ion | collection, invention |
arium | aquarium, planetarium |
Latin Prefixes and English Words
Latin prefix | English words |
co- | co-occur, co-operate |
inter- | international, intertwine |
dis- | discomfort, disbelief |
sub- | subway, submarine |
pre- | preconceive, preview |
post- | post-war, post-natal |
re- | rearrange, remake |
de- | decompress, deactivate |
non- | nonsense, non-verbal |
The Influence of Latin on English
Why does English have so many Latin words? One important term to discuss is…
Loanwords
Loanwords are words that have been taken from one language and integrated into the vocabulary of another. This is often done when two countries/cultures come into close contact, usually due to migration, trade, and/or war between countries.
During the Roman Empire, Latin was the lingua franca in most of Europe — a lingua franca is a common language used between countries that have different native languages. This means it was widely spoken and other European countries were often exposed to Latin vocabulary. Many English words were either directly taken from Latin, or new words were created using Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes.
Below is a pie chart of the languages with the most influence on English. This shows the percentage of words in the English language that derive from each of these languages:
Fig. 2 — Pie chart showing the percentage of words in English that derive from other languages
Latin Roots, Suffixes, and Prefixes Review
So, what do we now know about Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes?
Here are a few key points:
-
A root is the core form of a word. It makes sense on its own.
-
A suffix is added to the end of a root word. This can be done to change the tense, express plurality, or change the word class.
-
A prefix is added to the beginning of a root word. This can be done to negate a word or show repetition.
If you are familiar with Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you can use them to help determine the meanings of unfamiliar English words.
For example:
The word ‘indescribable‘ is made up of:
- prefix: in
- root: describe
- suffix: able
From this, we can tell that:
- The root word ‘describe’ means to give a detailed description or account of something.
- But the prefix ‘in’ is used to negate the word — in this case meaning ‘not able to be described.’
- The suffix ‘able’ means that the word is an adjective, so is used to modify a noun.
Latin Roots, Suffixes, and Prefixes — Key Takeaways
- A root refers to the base form of a word.
- Examples of Latin root words include ‘audire’, ‘mens’ and ‘lingua’
- A suffix is a letter/group of letters added to the end of a root word, whereas a prefix is a letter/group of letters added to the beginning of a root word.
- Examples of Latin suffixes include ‘able,’ ‘ify,’ and ‘ment’
- Examples of Latin prefixes include ‘co,’ ‘dis,’ and ‘re’
As a language, English has been greatly influenced by Latin. To this day, many vocabulary words that English speakers use every day contain Latin roots.
Here is a list of some of the most common Latin-based roots which appear in English vocabulary words:
The Latin root “nav” comes from the word “navis,” which means “ship” in Latin. Examples of English words containing this root are naval, navy, and navigation.
The root “nat” originates from the Latin word “natus,” which means “born”. The English words natal, native and natality contain this root.
From the word filius, which means “son” in Latin. This root appears in English words such as filial and affiliation.
From the Latin word frater (which means “brother”), this root appears in words such as fraternal and fraternity
From the Latin word lumen (which means “a light”). Some examples of English words containing this root are the verb to illuminate, the adjective luminescent, and the noun luminary.
The word arbor means “tree” in Latin. This root appears in English vocabulary words such as arborescence (a tree-like structure) and arboretum (a place where different varieties of trees are planted), as well as the adjective arboreal.
From stella (the Latin word for “star”). This is the basis of the adjective stellar (which means having the characteristics of a star) and the noun constellation (an astronomy term referring to a formation of stars).
From the Latin adjective magnus meaning “great”. This root is found in English vocabulary words such as magnificent, magnanimous and the verb to magnify.
Derived from the Latin word mater which means “mother”. This root appears in the English words maternal and maternity.
From the Latin word luna which means “moon”. This is the root of the English adjective lunar (pertaining to the moon), and lunatic.
The Latin root “fort” is derived from the Latin word “fortis,” which means “strong” or “powerful.” This root has been used to form many English words that denote strength or power, such as “fortify,” “fortitude,” “fortress,” and “effort.” The concept of strength is inherent in this root and is reflected in its English usage. For example, the word “fortify” means to make something stronger or more resilient, while “fortitude” refers to the mental and emotional strength that enables a person to face adversity.
From lac, which is the Latin word for “milk”. Appears in the verb to lactate as well as the word lactose (a sugar found in milk).
From the Latin word lingua (which means “language”). This is the root of the English words linguistics, bilingual and multilingual.
The Latin root “annu” comes from the Latin word “annus,” which means “year.” This root has been used to form several English terms related to the concept of time and, specifically, the passage of years. One example of an English word derived from this root is “anniversary,” which refers to the yearly recurrence of a significant event. Another example is “annual,” which means something that occurs once a year. The root “annu” can also be found in words such as “annuity,” which is a financial term referring to a fixed sum of money paid out annually, and “perennial,” referring to a plant that lives for several years.
The Latin root “don” comes from the Latin word “donare,” which means “to give.” This root is commonly found in English terms related to giving, such as donation, donor, and condone. A donation is an act of giving something, often money, to a charity or cause. A donor is a person who gives something to a cause or organization. To condone means to approve or tolerate something that is wrong or inappropriate.
The Latin root «aqua» refers to water and can be found in many English words related to water or liquids. Understanding this root can help you recognize and understand terms like aquarium, aqueduct, and aquatic. An aquarium is a container filled with water in which fish and other water creatures can be kept. An aqueduct is a channel that carries water from one place to another, usually from a source of fresh water to a city. Something that is aquatic is related to water, such as aquatic plants or animals that live in water.
The Latin root “vac” originates from the Latin word “vacare,” which means “to be empty.” This root has been used to construct numerous English words, all of which have some connection to the idea of emptiness or absence. One example of an English word derived from this root is “vacant,” which means empty or not occupied. Another example is “vacuum,” which refers to a space that is devoid of matter. The root “vac” is also found in words like “evacuate,” which means to remove all contents from a space, and “vacation,” a period of time when a work schedule is empty and can be used for leisure activities.
From the Latin verb docere which means “to teach”. This is the root of the English words doctrine, doctorate, and document.
The word “liber” is a Latin root which can be found in English words such as liberty and liberalism. This word means “free” in the Latin language.
The Latin root “pater” is derived from the Latin word for “father.” Many English words have been derived from this root, and they all relate to the concept of fatherhood or authority figures. For example, the word “paternal” is an adjective that describes something relating to a father or a father’s side of the family. The term “paternity” refers to the state of being a father or the identity of a child’s father. Additionally, the word “patriarch” refers to the male head of a family or tribe..
From the word femina which means “woman” in Latin. Words such as female, feminine, and feminist have been derived from this common Latin root.
Words such as vivid, survive, and vivacious are all derived from the root “viv,” which comes from the Latin verb “vivere”, which means “to live”.
The Latin root “aev” is derived from the Latin word “aevum,” which means “age” or “era.” This root has been used to form many English words conveying the idea of a particular historical period or era. For example, the term “medieval” is derived from “aev,” and refers to the period in history between the 5th and 15th centuries. Another derivative of this root is the word “primeval,” which refers to the earliest period in history. The Latin root “aev” has also given rise to the term “longevity”.
The root anim comes from the word “anima,” which means “soul” in Latin. There are many English words that have been derived from this root, such as animal, animosity, and animation.
The Latin root “cept” is derived from the Latin word “capere,” meaning “to take” or “to seize.” In English, this root has been widely used to form words that convey the idea of taking or receiving something. One example is “accept,” which means to take something which is offered. Another word derived from this root is “conception,” which refers to the act of forming an idea or concept in the mind. The word “perception” is also derived from this root and describes the process of becoming aware of something through the senses. Additionally, the word “reception” comes from the Latin root “cept” and means receiving guests or visitors.
From the Latin verb credere, which means “to trust” or “to believe”. There are many English words that are derived from this root, such as accreditation, credentials, and to discredit.
The Latin word “cura,” meaning “care” or “concern,” has provided the root word “cur” in English, which is found in several words related to taking care of something or showing concern. One such word is “curator,” which refers to a person responsible for collecting and managing a collection, such as a museum or art gallery. Another word derived from this root is “curative,” which describes something that can heal or cure. The word “curious” is also derived from the Latin root “cur,” and originally meant “careful” or “attentive.” However, its meaning has evolved over time to express a strong desire to learn or know something.
The Latin root “dic” comes from the Latin word “dicere,” which means “to say” or “to speak.” It is found in numerous English words that relate to communication, speech, and language. For example, the word “dictionary” is derived from “dic,” and is a reference book that provides definitions of words and their usage. Another derivative of this root is the word “diction,” which refers to the style of speaking. The word “edict” is also related to this root, and refers to a formal proclamation or command issued by an authority figure. Additionally, the word “predict” is derived from “dic,” and refers to the act of foretelling or prophesying. The Latin root “dic” has also given rise to words such as “verdict,” “indictment,” and “benediction.”
English words such as to deduce, to produce and to reduce all come from the root “duc”. This root’s origin is the Latin verb “ducere,” which means “to lead”.
The Latin root “empt” is derived from the Latin word “emptus,” which means “bought” or “purchased.” Many English words are derived from this root, and they all relate to the act of buying or selling something. One common English word that is derived from the Latin root “empt” is “redemption.” This word refers to the act of buying back or recovering something that was lost or taken away. Another English word derived from this root is “exempt,” which means to be free or released from something, often from a tax or duty. The word “preempt” is also derived from the Latin root “empt.” It means taking action in order to prevent something from happening
The root “fac” (or “fact”) comes from the verb “facere,” which means “to make”. Other than it being the root of the commonly used English word “fact,” it can also be found in words such as benefactor, satisfaction, and artifact.
The root “fer” can be found in words such as conference, to prefer, and fertile. “Fer” comes from the verb “ferre,” which means “to carry” or “to bear” in Latin.
From the Latin verb facere (which means “to make” or “to do”). English language words such as magnificent, deficient, and sacrifice have all been derived from this common Latin root.
“Fin” comes from the word “finis,” which means “to end” in Latin. Words such as final, definition, and fine have been derived from this root.
While the word “flu” has meaning in English on its own, it is actually a Latin root as well. Flu can be found in many different English words that people use on a day-to-day basis, such as influence, fluid, and fluency. This root comes from the Latin origin word “fluere,” which means “to flow”.
The Latin root “gress” is derived from the Latin word “gressus” (or “gradus”), which means “step” or “way.” This root is found in many English words that convey the idea of movement or progress, both physical and abstract. For example, the term “progress” is derived from “gress,” and refers to the movement towards a goal or the advancement of something. Another derivative of this root is the word “congress,” which refers to a gathering of people for a specific purpose or to make progress in a particular field. The Latin root “gress” has also given rise to words such as “digress” and “transgress.”
The English words to inhale, to exhale, and exhalant come from the Latin root “hal”. The origin word of this root is the verb “halare,” which means “to breathe”.
“Insul” comes from the word “insula,” which means “island” in Latin. It is the root of English words such as insular and insulation.
“Jac” comes from the word “jaceo,” which means “to be thrown” in Latin. However, the root jac is often understood to mean “lie” in English. This root word can be found in English words such as adjacent and circumjacent.
The Latin root “ject” is derived from the Latin word “jacere,” meaning “to throw” or “to hurl.” This root has been used in English to form words that convey the idea of throwing or casting something. For example, the word “eject” means to throw something out or expel it from a place or situation. The word “project” also comes from this root and describes the act of throwing something forward or projecting it into the future.
In Latin, “junct” or “jung” comes from the verb “jungo,” which means “to join”. In English, many words are derived from this root. For example, junction, juncture, and subjunctive.
Words such as jury, to abjure, and to conjure come from the Latin root “jur”. The origin word of this root is “ius,” which means “law”.
“Lect” is a root that is used in English words such as collection, intellect, and election. It comes from the Latin verb “legere,” which means “to choose” or “to gather”.
Words such as manicure, manuscript, and to manipulate are all derived from the Latin root “man,” which comes from the word “manus,” meaning “hand”.
The root word “memor” means “remember” in Latin. There are many English words that have been derived from this root, such as to commemorate or memoir.
In Latin, “merge” comes from the verb “mergere,” which means “to plunge” or “to dip”. The verbs to emerge and to submerge are examples of English words which contain the root “merge”.
“Miser” is a Latin root that is used in many common English words. It means “unhappy” or “wretched” and can be found in words such as commiseration, misery, and miserable.
Derived from the Latin word “mittere,” which means “to send,” the root “mit” is found in many English words. Examples of terms with the “mit” root include “admit,” “submit,” “emit,” and “permit,” which all involve some aspect of sending, allowing, or putting forth.
“Mod” comes from the word “modus,” which means “measure” or “method” in Latin. Words such as immodest, mode, and model have all been derived from it.
“Pass” is a root word which comes from the word “passus,” meaning “pace”. Words such as passage come from this common root.
Pend (or “pens”) is an extremely common Latin root that many English words are derived from. These are, for example, words such as to append, to depend, pendant, and suspense. “Pend” comes from the Latin verb “pensare” (or “pendere”), which means “to hang” in Latin.
This root comes from the verb “plere,” and it means “to fill” in Latin. The words to deplete, complete, and supplementary are all examples of words which contain this common Latin root.
The Latin verb “plicare,” meaning “to fold,” gave rise to the root “plic” in English, which is found in several common words such as “replicate,” “application,” and “complicated.”
The Latin root “port” derives from the Latin word “portare,” meaning “to carry.” It has been used in English to create a variety of words that allude to the act of carrying or transporting something. For example, the term “portable” refers to something that is easy to carry. Another derivative of this root is the word “porter,” which describes a person who carries luggage for others. The word “transportation” is also derived from “port,” indicating the movement of people or goods from one place to another. Furthermore, the word “report” is also related to this root, as it originally meant to carry back information or news.
In the Latin language, posit comes from the verb “ponere,” which means “to put”. The words opposite, position, and deposit are all examples of English words which contain this common Latin root.
The words correct, director, and rectangle are all examples of English words which contain the Latin root “rect”. “Rect” comes from the verb “regere,” which means “to direct”.
In Latin, the root word “regul” comes from the noun “regula,” which means “rule”. Words such as regular and regulation come from this root.
The root “sacr” (or “secr”) comes from the verb sacrare, which means “to consecrate” or “to swear”. It can be found in English language words such as to consecrate, sacred, and sacrifice.
“Sequ” is a Latin root that can be found in many different English words. These are, for example, words such as subsequent, sequence, and sequel. “Sequ” comes from the verb “sequere,” which means “to follow” in Latin.
Words such as insolence, insolent, and obsolete come from the Latin root “sole,” which comes from “solere,” meaning “accustomed” or “in the habit of”.
Are you ready to get sleepy with the Latin root “somn”? This root comes from the Latin word “somnus,” meaning “sleep,” and it has made its way into many English words that relate to snoozing and slumber. For example, the word “insomnia” comes from this root and describes the inability to sleep. Another word derived from this root is “somnolent,” which means feeling drowsy or sleepy. You might also recognize the term “somnambulist,” which refers to a sleepwalker, someone who is up and about while still in a state of slumber.
The Latin root “son,” derived from the Latin word “sonus” meaning “noise” or “sound,” has contributed to a variety of English words. Some common examples include “unison,” “sonic,” and “consonant.”
“spect” comes from the verb “spectare,” which means “to look at” in Latin. It is the root of English words such as spectator and spectacular.
“Sper” comes from the verb “sperare,” which means “to hope” in Latin. Some English words that have been derived from this root include desperate and to prosper.
“Stru” comes from the verb “struere,” which means “to build” or “to construct” in Latin. There are many English words that contain this root, such as constructive, instruct, and structural.
The root “ten” comes from the Latin verb “tenere,” which means “to hold”. It is the root of English words such as tenant, maintenance, and tenor. Other words derived from this word include sustenance and tenure.
This root comes from the noun “terra,” which means “earth” or “land”. Words derived from this root include extra-terrestrial, terracotta, and subterranean.
The Latin root “tract” derives from the Latin verb “tractare,” which means “to draw or pull.” In English, this root has been used to create a plethora of words with a range of meanings, often related to the idea of drawing or pulling something. For example, the term “attract” is derived from this root and describes the ability of something to draw in or pull towards itself. Another example is the word “detract,” which means to draw away from or diminish the value of something. The term “tractable” is another derivative of this root, denoting something easily managed or controlled.
“Und” comes from the word “unda,” which means “wave” in Latin. You can find this root in English words such as to abound, to surround, and abundance.
The Latin word “usus,” meaning “use,” has given rise to the root “us” in English. This root is found in a variety of English words, including “abuse,” “usurpation,” and “peruse.”
Words such as extravagant, vagabond, and vague all come from the same Latin root – “vag”. This root comes from the verb “vagare,” which means “to wander” or “to rove” in Latin.
“Val” is a very common Latin root that appears in many different English words. For example, ambivalence, to validate, invalid, and value. “Val” comes from the verb “valere,” which means “to have strength”.
The English words verb and verbose are derived from the root “verb” which comes from the Latin noun “verbum,” which means “word”.
“Vers” comes from “versus,” which means “turn” in Latin. This root appears in many common English words, such as adverse, conversation, and anniversary.
This common Latin root comes from the verb “videre,” which means “to see”. Some frequently used English language words have been derived from this word. These are, for example, words such as evidence and video.
In Latin, “vil” comes from the word “vilis,” which means “cheap” or “vile”. There are some English words that are derived from this Latin root, including words such as to revile and to vilify.
The Latin root “vor” derives from the Latin word “vorare,” meaning “to devour.” This root has been used in English to create several words related to eating or consuming. For instance, the term “carnivore” stems from the Latin root “vor,” and describes an organism that mainly feeds on meat. Similarly, the word “omnivore” also has its roots in “vor,” and refers to an organism that consumes both plant and animal matter. Another example of a word derived from this root is “voracious,” which describes someone with an insatiable appetite.
In Latin, the root “vot” comes from the verb “vovere,” which means “to promise” or “to vow”. Words such as devoted, vote and votary have all been derived from this common Latin root.
Many English words come from Latin roots. While some of those roots may be obvious and self-explanatory to an English speaker, some are more difficult to comprehend.
Either way, Latin has undoubtedly had a significant influence on the English language.
LIST OF GREEK/LATIN ROOTS IN ENGLISH
Alphabetical List of GREEK/LATIN roots, stems,
& prefixes commonly used in English
A | |||||
SR | ROOTS | MEANINGS | ORIGIN (LANGUAG) | EXAMPLES (ENG) | |
1 |
ab:-, a:-, abs:- |
–LATIN– |
abnormal, abrasion, absent, abstain, abstract, aversion |
||
2 | ac:- | sharp / pointed | –LATIN– | Acupuncture | |
3 | acerb:- | sharp, bitter, sour | -LATIN– | acerbic, exacerbate | |
4 | acid:- | sour or acid | -LATIN– | acidosis | |
5 | acr:- | height, summit, tip | -GREEK– |
acrobatics, acromegaly, acronym, acrophobia |
|
6 | acr:- | bitter, pungent, sharp, sour | –LATIN– | acer, acris acrid, acrimony | |
7 | acu:- | sharp | –LATIN– | acupuncture, acute, acutifoliate | |
8 |
ad:-, a:-, ac:-, af:-, ag:-, al:-, ap:-, ar:-, as:-, |
atmovement to or toward; in addition to |
–LATIN– |
accept, adapt, affect, approximate, ascend |
|
9 | adip:- | fat | –LATIN– | adipose | |
10 | aer:- | air, atmosphere | –GREEK– | aeronautics, aerosol | |
11 | aesthet:- | feeling, sensation | –GREEK– | aesthetics, anaesthetic | |
12 | agr:- | field | –GREEK– | agronomy | |
13 |
agri:-, egri:- |
field | –LATIN– | agriculture, peregrine | |
14 | alb:- | dull white | –LATIN– | albedo, albino, albumen | |
15 |
am:-, amat:-, amor:- |
love, loved | –LATIN– | amateur, amorous | |
16 | ambi:- | both, on both sides | –LATIN– | ambidexterity, ambivalent | |
17 | amic:-, :-imic:- | friend | –LATIN– | amicable, inimical | |
18 | amph:-, amphi:- |
around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds |
–GREEK– | amphibian, amphibolic, amphoterism | |
19 | ampl:- | ample, abundant, bountiful | –LATIN– | amplification | |
20 | an:-, a:- | not, without | –GREEK– | anhydrous, atypical | |
21 | ana:-, an:- |
again, against, back, up |
–GREEK– |
anabaptist, anaphylaxis, anion, anode |
|
22 | andr:- | male, masculine | –GREEK– | androgen, android | |
23 | anem:- | wind | –GREEK– | anemometer | |
24 | anim:- | breath | –LATIN– | animal, animation | |
25 | ann:-, :-enn:- | year, yearly | –LATIN– |
anniversary, annual, biannual, millennium |
|
26 | ant:-, anti:- | against, opposed to, preventive | –GREEK– | antagonist, antibiotic, antipodes | |
27 | ante:-, anti:- | before, in front of, prior to | –LATIN– |
antebellum, antediluvian, anticipate, antiquarian |
|
28 | anth:- | flower | –GREEK– | anther, anthology | |
29 | anthrop:- | human | –GREEK– | anthropology, anthropomorphic | |
30 | ap:-, apo:- |
away from, separate, at the farthest point |
–GREEK– | apocrine, apogee, apostasy | |
31 | aqu:- | water | –LATIN– |
aquamarine, aquarium, aqueduct, aquifer |
|
32 | ar:- | plow, till | –LATIN– | arable | |
33 | ar:- | be dry | –LATIN– | arid | |
34 | arche:-, archi:- | ruler | –GREEK– | archangel, archetype | |
35 | archae:-, arche:- | ancient | –GREEK– | archaeology or archeology, archaic | |
36 | arct:- |
relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold; used as the scientific name of some bear species, e.g. Ursus arctos horribilis |
–GREEK– | Arctic Ocean | |
37 | argent:- | silver | –LATIN– | argent, Argentina | |
38 | arist:- | excellence | –GREEK– | aristocracy | |
39 | arthr:- | joint | –GREEK– | arthropod | |
40 | astr:- | star, star:-shaped | –GREEK– |
asterisk, astrology, astronomy, disaster |
|
41 | athl:- | prize | –GREEK– | athlete, pentathlon | |
42 | audi:- | hearing, listening, sound | –LATIN– | audible, auditorium, auditory | |
43 | aug:-, auct:- | grow, increase | –LATIN– | augend, augmentation | |
44 | aur:- | relating to gold, or gold:-colored | –LATIN– | aureate, aureole | |
45 | auri:- | relating to the ear | –LATIN– | auricle | |
46 | aut:-, auto:- | self; directed from within | –GREEK– | autograph, automobile, autonomy | |
47 | avi:- | bird | –LATIN– | aviary, aviation | |
48 | axi:- | axis | –LATIN– | axisymmetry | |
49 | axio:- | merit | –GREEK– | axiology | |
B | |||||
50 | bac:- | rod:-shaped | –LATIN– | bacilla, bacteria | |
51 | bar:- | weight, pressure | –GREEK– | barograph, barometer | |
52 | basi:- | at the bottom | –GREEK– | basic, basis | |
53 | bathy:-, batho:- | deep, depth | –GREEK– | batholith, bathyscaphe | |
54 | be:-, beat:- | bless | –LATIN– | beatification | |
55 | bell:- | war | –LATIN– | antebellum, bellicose, belligerent | |
56 | ben:- | good, well | –LATIN– | benefit, benignity | |
57 | bi:- | two | –LATIN– |
binary, binoculars, bigamy, biscotti |
|
58 | bib:- | drink | –LATIN– | imbibe | |
59 | bibl:- | book | –GREEK– | bible, bibliography | |
60 | bio:- | life | –GREEK– |
biography, biology, biologist, biosphere, bioluminescent |
|
61 | blenn:- | slime | –GREEK– | blennophobia, blennosperma | |
62 | blast:- |
germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus |
–GREEK– |
blastula, fibroblast, osteoblast, sideroblast |
|
63 | bon:- | good | –LATIN– (bonus) | bonify, bonitary | |
64 | bor:- | north | –GREEK– / –LATIN– | borealis | |
65 | botan:- | plant | –GREEK– | botany | |
66 | bov:- | cow, ox | –LATIN– | bovine | |
67 | brachi:- | arm | –GREEK– | brachial artery, brachiosaurus | |
68 | brachy:- | short | –GREEK– | brachydactyly | |
69 | brady:- | slow | –GREEK– | bradycardia | |
70 | branchi:- | gill | –GREEK– | branchiopod, nudibranch | |
71 | brev(i):- | brief, short (time) | –LATIN– | abbreviation, brevity | |
72 | briz:- | nod, slumber | –GREEK– | ||
73 | brom:- | oats | –GREEK– | Bromus ramosus | |
74 | brom:- | stench | –GREEK– | bromide | |
75 | bronch:- | windpipe | –GREEK– | bronchitis, bronchus, bronchiole | |
76 | bront:- | thunder | –GREEK– | Brontosaurus | |
77 | bucc:- | cheek, mouth, cavity | –LATIN– | buccinator muscle | |
78 | bulb- | bulbous | –LATIN– | bulbous, bulbule | |
79 | bull- | bubble, flask | –LATIN– | ebullient, ebullism | |
80 | burs:- | pouch, purse | –LATIN– | bursar, bursary, disburse | |
C | |||||
81 | cac:- | bad | –GREEK– | cacophony | |
82 |
cad:-, :-cid:-, cas:- |
fall | –LATIN– | accident, cadence, case | |
83 |
caed:-, :-cid:-, caes:-, :-cis |
cut | –LATIN– | caedere, caesus caesura, incisor | |
84 | calc:- | stone | –LATIN– &-GREEK– | calcite, calcium, calculus | |
85 | call:-, calli:- | beautiful | –GREEK– | calligraphy | |
86 | calor:- | heat | –LATIN– | Calorie | |
87 | calyp:- | cover | –GREEK– | Apocalypse | |
88 | camer:- | vault | –LATIN– | bicameral, camera | |
89 | camp:- | field | –LATIN– | champion, campaign | |
90 | can:- | dog | –LATIN– canis | canine, Canis Major | |
91 |
can:-, :-cin:-, cant:- |
sing | –LATIN– | Cantata, cantor, canto | |
92 |
cap:-, :-cip:-, capt:-, :- cept |
take ,hold, | –LATIN– |
capture, captive, conception, recipient |
|
93 | capit:-, cipit:- | head | –LATIN– |
capital, decapitation, precipitation |
|
94 | capr:- | goat | –LATIN– | caper, capri Capricorn, caprine | |
95 | caps:- | box, case | –LATIN– | capsule | |
96 | carbo:- | coal | –LATIN– | carbonis carbon | |
97 | carcer:- | jail | –LATIN– | incarceration | |
98 | carcin:- | cancer (disease) | –LATIN– –GREEK– | carcinoma | |
99 | cardi:- | relating to the heart | –GREEK– | cardiograph, cardiology | |
100 | cardin:- | hinge | –LATIN– | cardo, cardinis cardinal |
- carn:- flesh –LATIN– caro, carnis
carnal, carnival, carnivore - carp:- relating to fruit –GREEK–
καρπός (karpos) “fruit“ carpology - carp:- relating to the wrist –GREEK–
καρπός (karpos) “wrist“ carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome - cast:- pure –LATIN– from –LATIN–
castus “chaste“ caste, castigate, castrate - cata:-, cat:- down –GREEK–
from –GREEK– κατά (katá) “down“ catabolic,
catalyst, catastrophe, catatonia, cathode, cation - caten:- chain –LATIN– catena
catenary, concatenation - cathar:- pure –GREEK– καθαρός
(katharos) catharsis - caud:- tail –LATIN– cauda caudal
- caus:-, :-cus:-
cause or motive –LATIN– causa causative - cav:- hollow –LATIN– cavus “hollow“
cave, cavity, excavation - ced:-, cess:- go –LATIN–
cedere, cessus procession, recede, secede - celer:- quick –LATIN– celer,
celerare acceleration, celerity - cen:- new –GREEK– καινός (kainos)
Cenozoic - cen:- empty –GREEK– κενός (kenos)
cenotaph - cens:- –LATIN– censere “to
estimate“ census - cent:- hundred –LATIN– centum
cent, centennial, centurion - centen:- hundred each –LATIN–
centeni centenary - centesim:- hundredth –LATIN–
centesimus centesimal, centesimation - centr:- center –GREEK– κέντρον
(kéntron) “needle“, “spur“
eccentric - cephal:- head –GREEK– κεφαλή
(kephale) cephalic, cephalopod, encephalogram - ceram:- clay –GREEK– κέραμος
(keramos) ceramic - cerat:- horn –GREEK– κέρας,
κέρατος (keras, keratos) “horn“ keratin - cern:- sift –LATIN– cernere
discern, secern - cervic:- relating to the neck, relating
to the cervix –LATIN– cervix, cervicis “neck“
cervix, cervical - ceter:- other –LATIN– ceterus et
cetera - chir:- of the hand or hands –GREEK–
χείρ (kheir) “hand“ chiral, chiropractic, chiroptera - chelon:- relating to a turtle –GREEK–
χελώνη (khelōne) “tortoise“ chelonia - chlor:- green –GREEK– χλωρός
(khlōros) “green“ chlorine, chlorophyll, chloroplast - chore:- relating to dance –GREEK–
χορεία khoreia “dancing in unison“ from χορός khoros “chorus“
choreography - chord:- cord –LATIN– and –GREEK–
chorda “rope“ from χορδή (chordē) chordata chrom:-
color –GREEK– χρῶμα (chrōma) “color“ chromium,
chromosome, monochrome - chron:- time –GREEK– χρόνος
(chronos) chronic, chronology, chronometer - chrys:- gold –GREEK– χρυσός
(khrusos) “gold“ chrysolite - cili:- eyelash –LATIN– cilium
cilia, supercilious - cine:- motion –GREEK– κινέω
(kineō) cinema - ciner:- ash –LATIN– cinis,
cineris incineration - cing:-, cinct:- gird –LATIN–
cingere, cinctus succinct - circ:- circle –LATIN– circus
circus - circum:- around –LATIN– circum
circumcise, circumference, circumlocution, circumnavigate - cirr:- orange –GREEK– κιρρός
(kirros) cirrhosis - cirr:- curl, tentacle –LATIN–
cirrus cirrus - civ:- citizen –LATIN– civis
civility - clad:- branch –GREEK– κλάδος
(klados) clade - clar:- clear –LATIN– clarus,
clarare clarity, declaration - clast:- broken –GREEK– κλαστός
(klastos) iconoclast, osteoclast - claud:-, :-clud:-,
claus:-, :-clusclose –LATIN– claudere,
clausus clause, exclusion, include - clav:- key –GREEK– from –GREEK–
κλείς kleis “key“ from κλείειν, (kleiein) “to
close“ clavichord, clavicle, conclave - cl(e)ist:- closed –GREEK–
κλειστός (kleistos) - cleithr:- bar, key –GREEK–
cleithrum - clement:- mild –LATIN– clemens,
clementis clemency, inclement - clin:- bed, lean, recline –LATIN–
:-clinare declination, inclined - cochl:- shell –GREEK– κόχλος
(kochlos) cochlea - coel:- hollow –GREEK– κοῖλος
(koilos) blastocoel, coelom, spongocoel - cogn:- know –LATIN– cognoscere
cognitive, cognizant, recognize - col:- strain –LATIN– colare,
colum colander - coll:- hill –LATIN– collis coll:-
neck –LATIN– collum collar - color:- color –LATIN– color
coloration, coloratura, tricolor - con:-, co:-, col:-,
com:-, cor with, together –LATIN– cum coagulate, collide,
compress, connect, contain, corrode - con:- cone –GREEK– κῶνος (kōnos)
conic, conical, conoid - condi:- season –LATIN– condire
condiment - contra:- against –LATIN– contra
contradiction, contrast - copr:- dung –GREEK– κόπρος
(kopros) coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia - corac:- raven –GREEK– κόραξ,
κόρακος (korax, korakos) coracoid - cord:- heart –LATIN– cor, cordis
accord, cordial - corn:- horn –LATIN– cornu cornea,
cornucopia, unicorn - coron:- crown –LATIN– corona,
coronare corona, coronation - corpor:- body –LATIN– corpus,
corporis corporation, corpse, corpuscle - cortic:- bark –LATIN– cortex,
corticis corticosteriod - cosm:- universe –GREEK– κόσμος
(kosmos) cosmic, cosmonaut - cosmet:- –GREEK– κοσμητ:-
(kosmet:-) cosmetics, cosmetology - cost:- rib –LATIN– costa costal
- cotyl:- cup –GREEK–
κοτύλη (kotulē) cotyledon - :-cracy, :-crat
government, rule, authority –GREEK– κράτος (kratos) democracy - crani:- skull –GREEK– κρανίον
(kranion) cranium - crass:- thick –LATIN– crassus
crassitude - cre:- make –LATIN– creare,
creatus creation, creature - cred:- believe, trust –LATIN–
credere, creditus credentials, credibility, creditor, incredible - crep:- boot, shoe –GREEK– κρηπίς,
κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos) - cribr:- sieve –LATIN– cribrum,
cribrare cribble, cribrate ring –GREEK– κρίκος (krikos) - cris:-, crit:- judge –GREEK–
κρίσις (crisis) crisis, critic - crisp:- curled –LATIN– crispus
crispate - crist:- crest –LATIN– crista
cristate - cross:- fringe, tassel –GREEK–
κροσσός (krossos) - cruc:- cross –LATIN– crux, crucis
crucial, crucifix, crucify, excruciating - crur:- leg, shank –LATIN– crus, cruris
crural - crypt:- hidden –GREEK– κρυπτός
(kruptos) cryptic, cryptography - cten:- comb –GREEK– κτείς, κτενός
(kteis, ktenos) ctenophore - cub:- cube –GREEK– κύβος (kubos)
cubic, cuboid - cub:- lie –LATIN– cubare
incubation, succuba - culin:- kitchen –LATIN– culina
culinary - culp:- blame, fault –LATIN– culpa
culpable, exculpate - cune:- wedge –LATIN– cuneus
cuneiform - curr:-, curs:- run –LATIN–
currere, cursus concurrent, current, cursive, recursion - curv:- bent –LATIN– curvus
curvature - cuspid:- lance, point –LATIN–
cuspis, cuspidis bicuspid - cut:- skin –LATIN– cutis cuticle
- cyan:- blue –GREEK– κυανός
(kuanos) cyanide - cycl:- circular –GREEK– κύκλος
(kuklos) bicycle, cycle, cyclone - cylind:- roll –GREEK– κύλινδρος
(kulindros) cylinder - cyn:- dog –GREEK– κύων, κυνός
(kuōn, kunos) cynosure - cyst:- capsule –GREEK– κύστις
(kustis) cystic - cyt:- cell –GREEK– κύτος (kutos)
cytoplasm, cnidocyte
D
- dactyl:- finger, toe, digit –GREEK–
δάκτυλος (daktulos) dactylology, pterodactyl - damn:-, :-demn:-
to inflict loss upon –LATIN– damnāre condemn, damnation - de:- from, away from, removing, down –LATIN–
dē deletion, dementia, descend - deb:- owe –LATIN– debere, debitus
debit - deca:-, dec:-, deka:-,
dekten –GREEK– δέκα deka, ten decagram, decahedron - decim:- tenth part –LATIN–
decimus, tenth; from decem, ten decimal, decimate - delt:- –GREEK– δέλτα (delta)
deltoid - dem:- people –GREEK– δῆμος
(dēmos) demagogue, democracy - den:- ten each –LATIN– deni
denarius, denary - dendr:- resembling a tree –GREEK–
δένδρον (dendron): akin to δρύς, drys, “tree“ dendrite,
dendrochronology - dens:- thick –LATIN– densus
condense, density - dent:- tooth –LATIN–
dens, dentis dental, dentifrice, dentures - derm:- skin –GREEK– δέρμα (derma)
dermis, epidermis, hypodermic - deuter:- second –GREEK– δεύτερος
(deuteros) Deuteronomy, deuterostome - dexter:- right –LATIN– dexter
dexterity, dextrose - dexi:- right –GREEK– δεξιός,
right Dexiarchia - di:- two –GREEK– δι:-
dicot, diode, dipole - dia:- apart, through –GREEK– διά
(dia) dialysis, diameter, diagram - dict:- say, speak –LATIN– dicere,
dictus contradict, dictate, dictation, dictionary, edict, predict - digit:- finger –LATIN– digitus
digital - dino:- terrible, fearfully great –GREEK–
δεινός (deinos) dinosaur - dipl:- double; twofold –GREEK–
διπλός (diplos) diploid, diplosis doc:-, - doct:- teach –LATIN– docere,
doctus docile, doctor, indoctrinate - dodec:- twelve –GREEK– δώδεκα
(dodeka) dodecasyllabic dogmat:-, - dox:- opinion, tenet –GREEK– δόξα
dogmatic, orthodox - dom:- house –LATIN– domus dome
- don:- give –LATIN– donare
condone, donation - dorm:- sleep –LATIN– dormire
dormant, dormitory - dors:- back –LATIN– dorsum dorsal
- du:- two –LATIN– duo dual
- dub:- doubtful –LATIN– dubius
dubious - duc:-, duct:- lead –LATIN–
dux, ducis abduction, conductor, introduction, production, reduction, deduction - dulc:- sweet –LATIN–
dulcis dulcet - dur:- hard –LATIN–
durus durable, duration, duress, endure, obdurate - dy:- two –GREEK–
δυο (duo) dyad - dynam:- power –GREEK–
δύναμη (dunamē) dynamism, dynasty, dynamite - dys:- badly, ill –GREEK–
δυσ:- dysentery, dysplasia, dystrophy
E
- ec:- out –GREEK– ἐκ (ek)
eccentric - eco:- house –GREEK–
οἶκος (oikos) ecology, economics, ecumenism - ecto:- outside –GREEK–
ἐκτός (ektos) ectoderm - ed:-, es:-
eat –LATIN– edere, esus edible - ego:- self, I (first
person) –LATIN-, –GREEK– ego, ἐγώ egocentric - ego:-, eg:-
goat –GREEK– αἴξ (aix) egophony - em:-, empt:-
buy –LATIN– emere, emptus exemption, preempt, redeem - eme:- vomit –GREEK–
ἔμετος (emetos) emetic - emul:- striving to
equal, rivaling –LATIN– aemulus, aemulare emulator - en:-, em:-
in –GREEK– ἐν (en) emphasis - endo:- inside –GREEK–
ἔνδον (endon) endocrine, endocytosis - engy:- narrow –GREEK–
ἐγγύς (engys) - ennea:- nine –GREEK–
ἐννέα (ennea) ennead, enneagon - ens:- sword –LATIN–
ensis - eo:-, eos:-,
eoso:- dawn, east –GREEK– Ἠώς/Ἕως Eocene - ep:-, epi:-
upon –GREEK– ἐπί (epi) epicenter, epitaph, epoch - epistem:- knowledge or
science –GREEK– ἐπιστήμη (epistēmē) epistemic - equ:-, :-iqu:-
even, level –LATIN– aequus equal, equivalence - equ:- horse –LATIN–
equus equestrian - erg:- work –GREEK–
έργον (ergon) ergonomics - err:- stray –LATIN–
errare aberration, errant - erythr:- red –GREEK–
ἐρυθρός (eruthros) erythrocyte - eso:- within –GREEK–
ἔσω (esō) esoteric - etho:-, eth:-,
ethi:- custom, habit –GREEK– ἦθος (ēthos) ethology - ethm:- sieve –GREEK–
ἠθμός (hethmos); ἤθειν (hethein) ethmoid - ethn:- people, race,
tribe, nation –GREEK– ἔθνος (ethnos) ethnarch, ethnic - etym:- true –GREEK–
ἔτυμος (etumos) etymology - eu:- well, good –GREEK–
εὖ (eu) euphoria, euthanasia - eur:- wide –GREEK–
εὐρύς (eurus) Europe - ex:-, e:-,
ef:- from, out –LATIN– ex exclude, extend, extrude - exo:- outside –GREEK–
ἔξω (eksō) exoskeleton, exothermic - exter:-, extra:-
outer –LATIN– externus exterior - extrem:- outermost,
utmost –LATIN– extremus extremity, extremophile
F
- f:-, fat:-
say, speak –LATIN– fari, fatus fate, infant, preface - fab:- bean –LATIN–
faba faba bean - fac:-, :-fic:-,
fact, :-fect:- make –LATIN– facere, factus
defect, factory, manufacture - falc:- sickle –LATIN–
falx, falcis falciform - fall:-, :-fell:-,
fals:- deceive –LATIN– fallere, falsus falsity,
infallibility - fallac:- false –LATIN–
fallax, fallacis fallacy - famili:- a close attendant
–LATIN– famulus familiarity - fant:- to show –GREEK–
φαντάζω fantasy - fasc:- bundle –LATIN–
fascis fasciculation, fascism - fatu:- foolish, useless
–LATIN– fatuus fatuous, infatuation - feder:- treaty,
agreement, contract, league, pact –LATIN– foedus, foederis
confederation, federal - fel:- cat –LATIN–
feles, felis Felinae, feline - felic:- happy, merry –LATIN–
felix, felicis felicity - fell:- suck –LATIN–
fellare fellation - femin:- women, female –LATIN–
femina femininity - femor:- thigh –LATIN–
femur, femoris femoral - fend:-, fens:-
strike –LATIN– fendere, - :-fensus defend, offense fenestr
- :- window –LATIN– fenestra
defenestration - fer:- carry –LATIN–
ferre reference, transfer - feroc:- fierce –LATIN–
ferox, ferocis ferocity - ferr:- iron –LATIN–
ferrum ferrous - fet:- stink –LATIN–
fetere fetid, fetor - fic:- fig –LATIN–
ficus Ficus - fid:-, fis:-
faith, trust –LATIN– fides, fidere, fisus confidence, fidelity - fil:- thread –LATIN–
filum filament - fili:- son –LATIN–
filius affiliation - fin:- end –LATIN–
finis finish, final - find:-, fiss:-
split –LATIN– findere, fissus fission, fissures - firm:- fix, settle –LATIN–
firmus, firmare confirmation, firmament - fistul:- hollow, tube –LATIN–
fistula - fl:- blow –LATIN–
flare, flatus flatulence, inflation, insufflation - flacc:- flabby –LATIN–
flaccus, flaccere flaccid - flav:- yellow –LATIN–
flavus flavonoid - flect:-, flex:-
bend –LATIN– flectere, flexus flexible, flexile, flexor, inflection - flig:-, flict:-
strike –LATIN– fligere, flictus conflict, inflict - flor:- flower –LATIN–
flos, floris floral, florid - flu:-, flux:-
flow –LATIN– fluere, fluxus effluent, fluency, influx - foc:- hearth –LATIN–
focus focal - fod:-, foss:-
dig –LATIN– fodere, fossus fossil - foen:- hay –LATIN–
fenuculum - foli:- leaf –LATIN–
folium defoliant - font:- spring –LATIN–
fons, fontis font, fontal, fontanelle - for:- bore, drill –LATIN–
forare, foratus foralite, foramen, foraminifer, perforation - form:- shape –LATIN–
forma conformity, deformity, formation, reformatory - fornic:- vault –LATIN–
fornix, fornicis fornication - fort:- strong –LATIN–
fortis fortification - fove:- shallow round
depression –LATIN– fovea fovea - frang:-, :-fring:-,
fract:-, fragbreak –LATIN– frangere, fractus fracture,
fragment, frangible, infringe - frater:-, fratr:-
brother –LATIN– frater fraternity - fric:-, frict:-
rub –LATIN– fricare, frictus dentifrice, friction - frig:- cold –LATIN–
frigere frigid, frigorific - front:- forehead –LATIN–
frons, frontis confront, frontage, frontal - fruct:-, frug:-
fruit –LATIN– frux, fructis fructose - fug:-, fugit:-
flee –LATIN– fugere centrifuge, fugitive, refuge - fum:- smoke –LATIN–
fumus fume, fumigation - fund:- bottom –LATIN–
fundus, fundare fundamentalism, profundity - fund:-, fus:-
pour –LATIN– fundere, fusus diffusion, effusion, fusion, profuse,
profusion, transfusion, effusive - fung:-, funct:-
do –LATIN– fungi, functus function, fungibility - fur:-, furt:-
steal –LATIN– fur, furare furtive - furc:- fork –LATIN–
furca bifurcation - fusc:- dark –LATIN–
fuscus obfuscation
G
- galact:- milk –GREEK–
γάλα, γαλακτός (gala, galaktos) galactic - gastr:- stomach –GREEK–
γαστήρ (gaster) gastric, gastroenterology - geo:- earth –GREEK–
γῆ (gē), γεω:- (geō:-) geography, geology, geometry - gel:- icy cold –LATIN–
gelum ge-LATIN-, gelid - gen:- race, kind,birth –GREEK–
γένος (genos) eugenics, genocide - ger:-, gest:-
bear, carry –LATIN– gerere, gestus digest, gestation - germin:- sprout –LATIN–
germen, germinis germination - glabr:- hairless –LATIN–
glaber glabrous - glaci:- ice –LATIN–
glacies glacier - gladi:- sword –LATIN–
gladius gladiator - glia:- glue –GREEK–
γλία (glia) glial - glob:- sphere –LATIN–
globus global, globule - glori:- glory –LATIN–
gloria glorify - glutin:- glue –LATIN–
gluten, glutinis agglutination - grad:-, :-gred:-,
gress:- walk, step, go –LATIN– gradus, gradere, gressus
grade, regress - gram:- writing –GREEK–
γράμμα (gramma) grammar, grammatic - gran:- grain –LATIN–
granum granary, granite, granola, granule - grand:- grand –LATIN–
grandis grandiloquous, grandiosity - graph:- draw, write –GREEK–
γραφή (graphē) grapheme, graphic, graphology - grat:- thank, please –LATIN–
gratus gratitude, ingrate - grav:- heavy –LATIN–
gravis aggravation, grave, gravity - greg:- flock –LATIN–
grex, gregis egregious, gregarious, segregation - gubern:- govern, pilot –LATIN–
gubernare gubernatorial - gust:- taste –LATIN–
gustus disgust, gusto - gutt:- drop –LATIN–
gutta gutta, guttifer, guttiform - guttur:- throat –LATIN–
guttur guttural - gymn:- nude –GREEK–
γυμνός (gymnos) gymnasium, gymnastics, gymnosperm - gyn:- woman –GREEK–
γυνή gynecology
H
- hab:-, :-hib:-,
habit:-, :-hibithave –LATIN– habere, habitus
habit, prohibition - haem:-, hem:-
blood –GREEK– αἷμα (haima) haemophilia, hemoglobin - hal:- salt –GREEK–
ἅλς, ἁλός (hals, halos) halogen - hal:-, :-hel:-
breathe –LATIN– halare, halatus anhelation, inhale - hapl:- simple, single –GREEK–
ἁπλοῦς (haplous) haploid, haplotype - haur:-, haust:-
draw –LATIN– haurire, haustus exhaustion - heli:- sun –GREEK–
ἥλιος (hēlios) heliocentric, heliotrope, helium - hemi:- half –GREEK–
ἥμισυς (hēmisus) hemicycle, hemisphere - hen:- one –GREEK–
ἕν (hen) henad, hyphen - hendec:- eleven –GREEK–
ἕνδεκα (hendeka) hendecagon - hept:- seven –GREEK–
ἑπτά (hepta) heptagon, heptathlon, heptode - her:-, hes:-
cling –LATIN– haerere, haesus adhesive, coherent - herb:- grass –LATIN–
herba herbal, herbicide - hered:- heir –LATIN–
heres, heredis heredity - herp:- creep –GREEK–
ἕρπω, ἕρπειν (herpō, herpein) herpes, herpetology - heter:- different,
other –GREEK– ἕτερος (heteros) heterodoxy - heur:- find –GREEK–
εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) heuristic - hex:- six –GREEK–
ἕξ (hex) hexagon, hexahedron, hexode - hibern:- wintry –LATIN–
hibernus hibernation - hiem:- winter –LATIN–
hiems hiemal - hipp:- horse –GREEK–
ἵππος (hippos) hippodrome - hirsut:- hairy –LATIN–
hirtus, hirsutus hirsute - hispid:- bristly –LATIN–
hispidus hispidity, hispidulous - histri:- actor –LATIN–
histrio, histrionis histrionic - hod:- way –GREEK–
ὁδός (hodos) cathode, herpolhode, hodometer - hol:- whole –GREEK–
ὅλος (holos) holistic - hom:- same –GREEK–
ὁμός (homos) homophone, homosexual - home:- like –GREEK–
ὅμοιος (homoios) homeostasis - homin:- human –LATIN–
homo, hominis hominid - homal:- even, flat –GREEK–
ὁμαλός (homalos) anomalous - honor:- esteem –LATIN–
honos, honoris honorable, honorarium - hor:- boundary –GREEK–
ὅρος (horos) aphorism, horizon - hor:- hour –GREEK–
ὥρα (hōra) horoscope - horm:- that which
excites –GREEK– ὁρμή (hormē) hormone - hort:- garden –LATIN–
hortus, horti horticulture - hospit:- host –LATIN–
hospes, hospitis hospital, hospitality, inhospitable - host:- enemy –LATIN–
hostis hostile - hum:- ground –LATIN–
humus, humare exhumation, inhume - hyal:- glass –GREEK–
ὕαλος (hualos) hyaline, hyaloid - hydr:- water –GREEK–
ὕδωρ (hudōr) hydraulics, hydrology, hydrolysis, hydrophily, hydrophobia,
hydroponic, hydrous - hygr:- wet –GREEK–
ὑγρός (hugros) hygrometer - hyo:- U:-shaped
–GREEK– ὑοειδής (huoeidēs) hyoid - hyp:- under –GREEK–
ὑπό (hupo) hypothermia - hyper:- above, over –GREEK–
ὑπέρ (huper) hyperbole, hypertonic - hypn:- sleep –GREEK–
ὕπνος (hupnos) hypnosis - hyster:- later –GREEK–
ὕστερος (husteros) hysteresis
I
- ichthy:- fish –GREEK–
ἰχθύς (ichthus) ichthyology - icos:- twenty –GREEK–
εἴκοσι (eikosi) icosagon, icosahedron - id:- shape –GREEK–
εἶδος (eidos) idol - ide:- idea; thought –GREEK–
ιδέα (idea) ideogram, ideology - idi:- personal –GREEK–
ἴδιος (idios) idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot - ign:- fire –LATIN–
ignis igneous, ignition - in:- (1), im:-
in, on –LATIN– in import, incur, intend, invite - in:- (2), il:-,
im:-, ir:- not, un:- (negation) –LATIN– - in:- illicit,
impossible, inimical, irrational - infra:- below, under –LATIN–
infra infrastructure - insul:- island –LATIN–
insula insular, insulation - inter:- among, between –LATIN–
inter (preposition) intercollegiate, intermission, intersection - intra:- within –LATIN–
intra intramural - irasc:-, irat:-
be angry –LATIN– irasci irascible, irate - is:-, iso:-
equal, the same –GREEK– ἴσος (isos) isometric, isomorphic, isotropic - iter:- again –LATIN–
iterum, iterare iteration - itiner:- route, way –LATIN–
iter, itineris – march, journey itinerary
J
- jac:- lie –LATIN–
jacēre “to be thrown“ adjacent - jac:- (originally IAC),
- :-ject:- cast, throw –LATIN–
iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus – “to throw“ (and cognates
thereof) eject, interject, ejaculate, trajectory - janu:- door –LATIN–
janua janitor - joc:- joke –LATIN–
jocus jocularity - jug:- yoke –LATIN–
jugare, jugum conjugal, subjugate - jung:-, junct:-
join –LATIN– jungere, junctus conjunction, juncture - junior:- younger –LATIN–
junior juniority - jus:-, jur:-,
judic:- (originally IVS) law, justice –LATIN– ius, - iuris; iudex, iudicis judge, jury,
justice - juv:-, jut:-
help –LATIN– juvare, jutus adjutant - juven:- young, youth –LATIN–
juvenis juvenile, rejuvenate - juxta:- beside, near –LATIN–
juxta juxtaposition
K
- kil(o):- thousand –GREEK–
χίλιοι (chilioi) kilobyte, kilogram, kilometer - kine:- movement, motion
–GREEK– κινέω (kineo) telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic - klept:- steal –GREEK–
κλέπτης (kleptēs) kleptomania - kudo:- glory –GREEK–
κῦδος (kudos) kudos
L
- lab:-, laps:-
slide, slip –LATIN– labi, lapsus elapse, relapse - labi:- lip –LATIN–
labia, labiae bilabial, labial - labor:- toil –LATIN–
labor collaboration, elaboration - lacer:- tear –LATIN–
lacer laceration - lacrim:- cry, tears –LATIN–
lacrima “tear“ lacrimal, lacrimous - lact:- milk –LATIN–
lac, lactis, lactare lactate, lactation, lactose - lamin:- layer, slice –LATIN–
lamina laminate, lamination - lamp:- shine –GREEK–
λαμπάς lampas “torch“ lamp - lapid:- stone –LATIN–
lapis, lapidis lapidary - larg:- large –LATIN–
largus enlargement - larv:- ghost, mask –LATIN–
larva larva, larvae, larval - lat:- broad, wide –LATIN–
latus latitude - later:- side –LATIN–
latus, lateris bilateral - laud:-, laus:-
praise –LATIN– laudere laud - lav:- wash –LATIN–
lavare lavatory - lax:- not tense –LATIN–
laxus, laxare laxative, relaxation - led:-, les:-
hurt –LATIN– laedere, laesus lesion - leg:- law –LATIN–
lex, legis, legare legal, legislative - leg:- send –LATIN–
legare relegate - lei:- smooth –GREEK–
λείος leios leiomyoma - lekan:- dish, pot –GREEK–
λεκάνη lekane lekane - leni:- gentle –LATIN–
lenis, lenire leniency - leon:- lion –LATIN–
leo, leonis Leo, leonine, Leopold - lep:- flake, scale –GREEK–
λέπις lepis Lepidoptera - leps:- grasp, seize –GREEK–
λήψης lepsis epilepsy - leuc(o):-, leuk(o):-
white –GREEK– λευκός leukos leucocyte - lev:- lift, light –LATIN–
levis “light“ (in weight), levare elevator, levitation - liber:- free –LATIN–
liber, liberare liberation, liberty - libr:- book –LATIN–
liber, libri librarian, library - lig:- bind –LATIN–
ligare, ligatus ligament, ligature - limac:- slug –LATIN–
limax, limacis limacoid, limacon - lin:- line –LATIN–
linea line, linearity - lingu:- language,
tongue –LATIN– lingua bilingual, linguistic - linqu:-, lict:-
leave –LATIN– linquere, lictus relict, relinquish - lip:- fat –GREEK–
λίπος lipos lipolysis - liter:- letter –LATIN–
littera alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, obliterate - lith:- stone –GREEK–
λίθος (lithos) lithosphere, megalith, monolith, Neolithic Era - loc:- place –LATIN–
locus local, location - log:- thought, word,
speech –GREEK– λόγος (logos) “word“ logic,
monologue, morphological - long:- long –LATIN–
longus elongate, longitude - loqu:-, locut:-
speak –LATIN– loqui allocution, eloquence - luc:- bright, light –LATIN–
lux, lucis light Lucifer (bearer of light) - lud:-, lus:-
play –LATIN– ludere, lusus allude, illusion - lumin:- light –LATIN–
lumen, luminis illumination, luminous - lun:- moon –LATIN–
luna lunar, lunatic - lysis dissolving –GREEK– λύσις
(lusis) analysis, cytolysis, hydrolysis
M
- macro:- long –GREEK– μακρός
(makros) macron - magn:- great, large –LATIN–
magnus magnanimous, magnificent, magnitude - maj:- greater –LATIN– major,
majus majesty, majority, majuscule - mal:- bad, wretched, –LATIN–
malus malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous - mamm:- breast –LATIN– mamma
mammal, mammary gland - man:- flow –LATIN– mānāre,
manatus emanate, emanationism, immanant, immanation - man:- stay –LATIN– manēre, mansus
immanence, immanent, manse, permanence, permanent, remanence, remanent - mand:- hand –LATIN– mandāre,
mandatus mandate, remand - mania mental illness –GREEK– μανία (manίā)
kleptomania, maniac - manu:- hand –LATIN– manus manual,
manuscript - mar:- sea –LATIN– mare, maris
marine, maritime - mater:-, matrmother –LATIN–
mater, matris maternity, matriarch, matrix - maxim:- greatest –LATIN– maximus
maximum - medi:-, :-midimiddle –LATIN–
medius, mediare median, medieval - meg:- great, large –GREEK– μέγας
(megas) megaphone - mei:- less –GREEK– μεῖον (meiōn)
meiosis - melan:- black, dark –GREEK– μέλας
(melas) Melanesia, melanoma - melior:- better –LATIN– melior
amelioration - mell:- honey –LATIN– mel, mellis
mellifluous - memor:- remember –LATIN– memor
memorial mening - :- membrane –GREEK– μήνιγξ
(meninx) meningitis - men:- month –GREEK– μήν (mēn)
menopause - menstru:- monthly –LATIN– menstruus
menstruation, menstrual - mensur:- measure –LATIN– mensura
commensurate - ment:- mind –LATIN– mens, mentis
demented, mentality - mer:- part –GREEK– μέρος (meros)
polymer - merc:- reward, wages, hire –LATIN–
merx, mercis mercantile, merchant - merg:-, mersdip, plunge –LATIN–
mergere emerge, immersion - mes:- middle –GREEK– μέσος
(mesos) mesolithic, mesozoic - meter:-, metrmeasure –GREEK–
μέτρον (metron) metric, thermometer - meta:- above, among, beyond –GREEK–
μετά (meta) metaphor, metaphysics - mic:- grain –LATIN–
mica micelle - micr:- small –GREEK– μικρός
(mikros) microphone, microscope - migr:- wander –LATIN– migrare
emigrant, migrate - milit:- soldier –LATIN– miles,
militis military, militia - mill:- thousand –LATIN– mille
millennium, million - millen:- thousand each –LATIN–
milleni millenary - mim:- repeat –GREEK– μίμος
(mimos) mime, mimic - min:- jut –LATIN– minere
prominent - min:- less, smaller –LATIN–
minor, minus minority, minuscule - mir:- wonder, amazement –LATIN–
miror, mirari, miratus sum admire, miracle, mirror - mis:- hate –GREEK– μῖσος (misos)
misandry, misogyny - misce:-, mixtmix –LATIN– miscere,
mixtus miscellaneous, mixture - mit:- thread –GREEK– μίτος
(mitos) mitochondrion - mitt:-, miss:- send –LATIN–
mittere, missus intermittent, missionary, transmission - mne:- memory –GREEK– μνήμη
(mnēmē) mnemonic - mol:- grind –LATIN– mola, molere,
molitus molar - moll:- soft –LATIN– mollis
emollient, mollify - mon:- one –GREEK– μόνος (monos)
monism, monolith, monotone - monil:- string of beads –LATIN–
monile Moniliformida - mont:- mountain –LATIN– mons,
montis Montana - mord:- bite –LATIN– mordere,
morsus mordacious, morsel, remorse - morph:- form, shape –GREEK– μορφή
(morphē) anthropomorphism, morpheme, morphology - mort:- death –LATIN– mors, mortis
immortal, mortality, mortuary - mov:-, mot:- move, motion –LATIN–
movere, motus mobile, momentum, motor, move - mulg:-, muls:- milk –LATIN–
mulgere emulsion - mult:- many, much –LATIN– multus
multiple, multiplex, multitude - mur:- wall –LATIN– murus, muri
immured, mural - mus:- thief –LATIN– mus, muris
mouse - musc:- fly –LATIN– musca, muscae
Muscicapidae, Muscidae - mut:- change –LATIN– mutare
mutation - my:- mouse –GREEK– μῦς (mus)
musophobia - myri:- countless, ten thousand –GREEK–
μυρίος (murios) myriad, myriapod - myrmec:- ant –GREEK– μύρμηξ
(murmēx) myrmecoid, Myrmidons - myth:- story –GREEK– μῦθος
(muthos) mythic, mythology - myx:- slime –GREEK– μύξα (muxa)
Myxini - myz:- suck –GREEK–
μυζάω (muzaō) Myzopoda
N
- nar:- nostril –LATIN– naris
- narc:- numb –GREEK– νάρκη (narkē)
narcosis, narcotic - narr:- tell –LATIN– narrare
narrative - nas:- nose –LATIN– nasus nasal
- nasc:-, nat:- born –LATIN–
nascere, natus nascent, native - naut:- ship –GREEK– ναύτης
(nautes) Argonaut, astronaut - nav:- ship –LATIN– navis naval
- ne:- new –GREEK– νέος (neos)
neologism - necr:- dead –GREEK– νεκρός
(nekros) necrophobia - nect:- swimming –GREEK– νηκτός
(nēktos) nectopod - nect:-, nex:- join, tie –LATIN–
nectere, nexus connect, connexion - neg:- say no –LATIN– negare
negative - nema:- hair –GREEK– νῆμα (nēma)
nematode - nemor:- grove, woods –LATIN–
nemus, nemoris nemoral - nephr:- kidney –GREEK– νεφρός
(nephros) nephritis - nes:- island –GREEK– νῆσος
(nēsos) Polynesia - neur:- nerve –GREEK– νευρών
(neurōn) neurology, neurosurgeon - nict:- wink –LATIN– nictari
nictation - nigr:- black –LATIN– niger
denigrate - nihil:- nothing –LATIN– nihilum
annihilation - noct:- night –LATIN– nox, noctis
noctambulist, nocturnal - nod:- knot –LATIN– nodus node,
nodule - nom:- arrangement, law –GREEK–
νόμος (nomos) autonomous, taxonomy - nomad:- those who let pasture herds –GREEK–
νομάς, νομάδος (nomas, nomados) nomadic - nomin:- name –LATIN– nomen,
nominis nomination - non:- not –LATIN– non none non:-
ninth –LATIN– nonus nonary - nonagen:- ninety each –LATIN–
nonageni nonagenary - nonagesim:- ninetieth –LATIN–
nonagesimus nonagesimal - not:- letter, note, paper –LATIN–
notare annotation, notable - noth:- spurious –GREEK– νόθος
(nothos) nothogenus - noto:- back, south –GREEK– νότος
(notos) notochord - nov:- nine –LATIN– novem
November, novennial - nov:- new –LATIN– novus
innovation, nova - noven:- nine each –LATIN– noveni
novenary - novendec:- nineteen –LATIN–
novendecim - nox:-, noc:-
harmful –LATIN– noxa noxious - nu:- nod –LATIN– nuere innuendo
- nub:- to marry, to wed –LATIN–
nubes, nubis, nubere connubial, nubile - nuc:- nut –LATIN– nux, nucis
nucleus - nuch:- back of neck –LATIN– nucha
nuchal cord - nud:- naked –LATIN– nudus denude,
nudity - null:- none –LATIN– nullus
nullify - numer:- number –LATIN– numerus
numeral - nunci:- announce –LATIN– nuntius
pronunciation - nupti:- –LATIN– nuptial
- nutri:- nourish –LATIN– nutrire
nutrient
O
- ob:-, o:-, oc:-,
of:-, og:-, op:-, osagainst –LATIN–
ob obstinate, obstreperous, occur, offend, omit, oppose, ostentatious - oct:- eight –GREEK– ὀκτώ (oktō)
octagon, octahedron, octode - oct:- eight –LATIN– octō
octangular, octennial, octovir - octav:- eighth –LATIN– octāvus
octaval - octogen:- eighty each –LATIN–
octogeni octogenary - octogesim:- eightieth –LATIN–
octogesimus octogesimal - octon:- eight each –LATIN– octoni
octonary - ocul:- eye –LATIN– oculus,
oculare ocular, oculus, ullage - od:- path, way –GREEK– ὁδός
(hodos) anode, diode, odometer, pentode, tetrode, triode - od:- hate –LATIN– odium odious
- odont:- tooth –GREEK– ὀδούς, ὀδόντος
(odous, odontos) odontology - odor:- fragrant –LATIN– odor
odorous - oeco:- house –GREEK– οἶκος
(oikos) ecology - oed:- swollen –GREEK– οἴδημα
(oidēma) oedema - oen:- wine –GREEK– οἶνος (oinos)
oenology - oesophag:- gullet –GREEK– οἰσοφάγος
(oisophagos) oesophagus - ogdo:- eighth –GREEK–
ὄγδοος (ogdoos) - ogdoad :-oid like –GREEK–
- :-οειδής (:-oeidēs)
asteroid, mucoid, organoid - ole:- oil –LATIN– oleum oleosity
- olecran:- skull of elbow –LATIN–
from –GREEK– ὠλέκρανον (ōlekranon) olecranon - olig:- few –GREEK– ὀλίγος
(oligos) oligarchy - oliv:- olive –LATIN– oliva
olivaceous, olivary, - olivette :-oma cancer –GREEK–
:-ωμα melanoma - omas:- paunch –LATIN– omasum
omasum - oment:- fat skin –LATIN– omentum
omental - omin:- creepy –LATIN– omen,
ominis abominable, ominous - omm:- eye –GREEK– ὄμμα (omma)
ommatidium - omni:- all –LATIN– omnis
omnipotence, omnivore - omo:- shoulder –LATIN–
- omphal:- navel –GREEK– ὀμφαλός
(omphalos) omphalectomy - oner:- burden –LATIN– onus, oneris
exonerate, onerous - onom:- name –GREEK– όνομα (onoma)
onomatopoeia - ont:- existing –GREEK– ὄντος
(ontos) ontogeny, ontology - :-onym name –GREEK– ὄνυμα
(onuma) antonym, pseudonym, synonym - oo:- egg –GREEK– (oion) oocyte
- opac:- shady –LATIN– opacus opacity
- oper:- work –LATIN– opus, operis
inoperable, opera - opercul:- little cover –LATIN–
operculum - ophi:- snake –GREEK– ὄφις (ophis)
ophiophagy - ophthalm:- eye –GREEK– ὀφθαλμός
(ophthalmos) ophthalmology - opisth:- behind –GREEK– ὄπισθεν
(opisthen) opisthosoma, opsimath - opoter:- either –GREEK– ὁπότερος
(hopoteros) - opt:- eye –GREEK– ὀπτός (optos)
optical - opt:- choose –LATIN– optare
adopt, optional - optim:- best –LATIN– optimus
optimum - or:- mouth –LATIN– os, oris oral,
orator - orb:- circle –LATIN– orbis orbit
- orch:- testicle –GREEK– ὄρχις
(orchis) orchid - ordin:- order –LATIN– ōrdō,
ordinis ordinal, ordinary - organ:- organ, instrument, tool –GREEK–
ὄργανον (organon) organism - ori:-, ort:- eastern –LATIN–
oriri, ortus orient - orn:- decorate –LATIN– ōrnāre adorn,
ornament, ornate - ornith:- bird –GREEK– ὄρνις
(ornis, ornithos) ornithology - orth:- straight –GREEK– ὀρθός
(orthos) orthodontist, orthodoxy, orthosis - oscill:- swing –LATIN– oscillum
oscillation - oss:- bone –LATIN– os, ossis
ossification - osteo:- bone –GREEK– ὀστοῦν
(ostoun) osteoporosis - osti:- entrance –LATIN– ostium
ostiole - ostrac:- shell –GREEK– ὄστρακον
(ostrakon) ostracism - ot:- ear –GREEK– οὖς, ωτός (ous,
ōtos) otology - ov:- egg –LATIN– ovum oval,
ovary, ovule - ovi:- sheep –LATIN– ovis ovine
- oxy:- sharp, pointed –GREEK– ὀξύς
(oxus) oxygen, oxymoron
P
- pac:- peace –LATIN– pax, pacis
pacifism - pach:- thick –GREEK– παχύς
(pachus) pachydermata, Pachypodium - paed:- child –GREEK– παῖς, παιδός
(pais, paidos) paediatric - pagin:- page –LATIN– pagina pagination
- pal:- stake –LATIN– palus
impalement, pale - palae:-, pale:- ancient,
old –GREEK– παλαιός (palaios) paleontology - palin:- back –GREEK– πάλιν
(palin) palindrome - pall:- be pale –LATIN– pallere
pallid, pallor - palli:- mantle –LATIN– pallium
pallium - palm:- palm –LATIN– palma palmate
- palustr:- in marshes –LATIN–
paluster palustral - pan:-, pam:- all –GREEK–
πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos) pandemic - pand:-, pans:- spread –LATIN–
pandere, pansus expand, expansion - par(a):- beside, near –GREEK–
παρά (para) parallel, parameter - pariet:- wall –LATIN– paries,
parietis parietal - part:- part –LATIN– pars, partis
bipartite, partition - parthen:- maiden –GREEK– παρθένος
(parthenos) parthenogenesis - parv:- little –LATIN– parvus
parvovirus pasc:-, - past:- feed –LATIN– pascere,
pastus pasture, repast - pass:- pace, step –LATIN– passus
- passer:- sparrow –LATIN– passer
passeriform, passerine - pat:- be open –LATIN– patere
patent - path:- feel, hurt –GREEK– πάθος
(pathos) pathetic, pathology - pati:-, pass:- suffer,
feel, endure, permit –LATIN– pati, passus passive, patience - patr:- father –GREEK– πατήρ,
πατριά (patēr, patria) patriarch - patr:- father –LATIN– pater,
patris patrilocal - pauc:- few –LATIN– paucus paucal,
pauciloquent, paucity - pav:- –LATIN– pavire pavement
- pecc:- sin –LATIN– peccare
impeccable - pect:- fixed –GREEK– πηκτός
(pēktos) pectic, pectin - pector:- chest –LATIN– pectus,
pectoris pectoral - pecun:- money –LATIN– pecunia
pecuniary - ped:- child –GREEK– παῖς, παιδός
(pais, paidos) pedagogy - ped:- foot –LATIN–
pes, pedis pedal, quadruped - pejor:- worse –LATIN– pejor
pejorative - pell:-, puls:- drive –LATIN–
pellere, pulsus propellent, propulsor, repellent - pen:- almost –LATIN– paene
peninsula, penultimate, penumbra - pend:-, pens:- hang –LATIN–
pendere suspend - penn:-, pinn:- feather –LATIN–
penna pennate, pinnate - pent:- five –GREEK– πέντε (pente)
pentagon, pentode, pentagrid - pentecost:- fiftieth –GREEK–
πεντηκοστός (pentēkostos) pentecostalism - pept:- to digest –GREEK– πέσσειν,
πεπτός (pessein, peptos) peptic, peptide - per:- thoroughly, through –LATIN–
per perfection, permeate, persistence, pervade - peran:- across, beyond –GREEK–
πέραν (peran) - peri:- around –GREEK– περί (peri)
perimeter, peripheral, periscope - persic:- peach –GREEK– περσικός
(persikos) - pessim:- worst –LATIN– pessimus
pessimal - pet:- strive towards –LATIN–
petere appetite, competition - petr:- rock –GREEK– πέτρα (petra)
petroglyph - phae:- dark –GREEK– φαιός
(phaios) phaeomelanin - phag:- eat –GREEK– φαγεῖν
(phagein) sarcophagus - phalang:- close formation of troops,
finger bones –GREEK– φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos) phalanges - phalar:- having a patch of white –GREEK–
φάλαρος (phalāros) [1] phalarope - pharmac:- drug, medicine –GREEK–
φάρμακον (pharmakon) pharmacy - phaner:- visible –GREEK– φανερός
(phaneros) phanerozoic - pher:- bear, carry –GREEK– φέρω
(pherō) pheromone - phil:-, :-phile love,
friendship –GREEK– φιλέω (phileō, philia) hydrophile, philosophy - phleg:- heat –GREEK– φλέγω
(phlegō) phlegm, phlegmatics - phloe:- tree bark –GREEK– φλοιός
(phloios) phlobaphene, phloem - phob:- fear –GREEK– φόβος
(phobos) hydrophobia - phon:- sound –GREEK– φωνή (phōnē)
homophone, microphone, phonograph - phor:- carry, bear –GREEK– φόρος
(phoros) metaphor - phos:-, phot:- light –GREEK–
φῶς, φωτός (phōs, phōtos) phosphor, photograph - phragm:- fence –GREEK– φράγμα
(phragma) diaphragm - phren:- diaphragm, mind –GREEK–
φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos) phrenetic, schizophrenia - phryn:- toad, toad:-like –GREEK–
φρύνη (phrunē) Phrynobatrachus - phyl:- tribe –GREEK– φύλον
(phulon) phylogenetics, phylum - phyll:- leaf –GREEK– φύλλον
(phullon) chlorophyll, phyllotaxis - phys:- nature –GREEK– φύσις
(phusis) physics - physalid:- bladder –GREEK–
φυσαλ(λ)ίς (phusal(l)is) physalis - phyt:- plant –GREEK–
φυτόν (phuton) neophyte, phytoplankton - pic:- pitch –LATIN– pix, picis
- pil:- hair –LATIN– pilus
depilatory, epilator - pin:- drink –GREEK– πίνειν
(pinein) pinocytosis - pin:- pine –LATIN– pinus pineal
gland - ping:-, pict:- paint –LATIN–
pingere, pictus depiction, picture - pingu:- fat –LATIN– pinguis
Pinguicula - pir:- pear –LATIN– pirus
piriformis muscle - pisc:- fish –LATIN– piscis
Pisces, piscivore - pis:- pea –GREEK– πίσος (pisos)
- plac:- plate, tablet –GREEK–
πλάξ, πλακός (plax, plakos) - plac:- calm –LATIN– placare,
placatus placate - plac:-, :-plic:-
please –LATIN– placēre, placitus placebo, placid - plagi:- oblique –GREEK– πλάγιος
(plagios) plagioclase - plan:- flat –LATIN– planus
explanation, planar, plane - plang:-, planct:- –LATIN–
plangere, planctus plangent - plas:- mould –GREEK– πλάθω
(plathō) plasma, plastic - platy:- flat, broad –GREEK–
πλατύς (platus) platypus - plaud:-, :-plod:-,
plaus:-, :-plosapprove, clap –LATIN–
plaudere, plausus applaud, applause, explosion, implode, plaudits, plausible - ple:-, plet:- fill –LATIN–
plere complement, suppletion - pleb:- people –LATIN– plebs,
plebis plebian, plebs - plec:- interwoven –GREEK– πλέκω
(plekō) plectics, symplectomorphism - plect:-, plex:- plait –LATIN–
plectere, plexus perplex - plen:- full –LATIN– plenus
plenary - plesi:- near –GREEK– πλησίος
(plēsios) - pleth:- full –GREEK– πλῆθος
(plēthos) plethora - pleur:- side –GREEK– πλευρά
(pleura) - plic:- fold –LATIN– plicare,
plicatus duplication, replicate - plinth:- brick –GREEK– πλίνθος
(plinthos) - plor:- –LATIN– plorare implore
- plu:- rain –LATIN– pluere
- plum:- feather –LATIN– pluma
plumage, plumate - plumb:- lead –LATIN– plumbum
plumber - plur:- more –LATIN– pluris plural
- plurim:- most –LATIN– plurimus
- plus:- more –LATIN– plus surplus
- plut:- wealth –GREEK– πλοῦτος
(ploutos) plutocracy - pluvi:- rain –LATIN– pluvia
pluvial - pneu:- air, lung –GREEK– πνεῦμα
(pneuma) pneumatic - pod:- foot –GREEK– πούς, ποδός
(pous, podos) podiatry, tripod - pogon:- beard –GREEK– πώγων,
πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos) pogonotrophy - poie:- make –GREEK– ποιέω (poieō)
poiesis - pol:- pole –GREEK– πόλος (polos)
dipole, polar - pole:-, poli:- city –GREEK–
πόλις (polis) metropolis, politics - polem:- war –GREEK– πόλεμος
(polemos) polemic - poli:- grey –GREEK– πολιός
(polios) - pollic:- thumb –LATIN– pollex,
pollicis - pollin:- –LATIN– pollen, pollinis
pollination - poly:- many –GREEK– πολύς (polus)
polygon - pon:-, posit:- put –LATIN–
ponere, positus component, position, postpone - ponder:- weight –LATIN– pondus,
ponderis preponderance - pont:- bridge –LATIN– pons,
pontis pontoon - popul:- people –LATIN– populus,
populare population - por:- passage –GREEK– πόρος
(poros) pore - porc:- pig –LATIN– porcus
porcine, pork - porphyr:- purple –GREEK– πορφύρα
(porphura) porphyrin - port:- gate –LATIN– porta portal
- port:- carry –LATIN– portare,
portatus export, transportation - post:- after, behind –LATIN– post
posterior, postscript - pot:- drink –LATIN– potus, potare
potable - potam:- river –GREEK– ποταμός
(potamos) hippopotamus, Mesopotamia - prasin:- leek:-green –GREEK–
πράσινος (prasinos) prasinous - prat:- meadow –LATIN– pratum
- prav:- crooked –LATIN– pravus
depravity - pre:- before –LATIN– prae
previous - prec:- pray –LATIN– prex, precis,
precāri deprecation - pred:- –LATIN– praeda, praedari
predator - prehend:-, prend:-,
prehensgrasp –LATIN– prehendere, prehensus comprehend - prem:-, :-prim:-,
press:- press –LATIN– premere, pressus pressure - presby:- old –GREEK– πρέσβυς
(presbus) Presbyterianism - preter:- past –LATIN– praeter
preterite, pretermission - preti:- price –LATIN– pretium,
pretiare - prim:- first –LATIN– primus
primary, primeval, primitive - prior:- former –LATIN– prior
priority - priv(i):- separate –LATIN–
privus, privare, privatus deprivation, privilege - pro:- before, in front of –GREEK–
πρό (pro) - pro:- for, forward –LATIN– pro
propulsion - prob:- try –LATIN– probus,
probare probation - proct:- anus –GREEK– πρωκτός
(prōktos) proctology - propri:- one’s own, ownership –LATIN–
proprietas appropriate, property, propriety - pros:- forward –GREEK– πρός
(pros) - prot:- first –GREEK– πρῶτος
(prōtos) protoplasm - proxim:- nearest –LATIN–
proximus, proximare approximate, proximity - prun:- plum –LATIN– prunus prune
- psamma:- sand –GREEK– ψάμμος
(psammos) - pseud:- false –GREEK– ψευδής
(pseudēs) pseudonym - psil:- bare –GREEK– ψιλός
(psilos) epsilon - psych:- mind –GREEK– ψυχή
(psuchē) psycho - psychr:- cold –GREEK– ψυχρός
(psuchros) - pter:- wing, fern –GREEK– πτερόν
(pteron) helicopter - pto:- fall –GREEK– πτῶσις
(ptōsis) ptosis - ptyal:- saliva –GREEK– πτύον
(ptuon) - ptych:- fold, layer –GREEK– πτύξ,
πτυχή (ptuchē) triptych - pub:- sexually mature –LATIN–
pubes pubescent, pubic - public:- –LATIN– publicus publication
- pude:- –LATIN– pudere impudent
- pugn:- fight –LATIN– pugna,
pugnare pugnacious, repugnant - pulchr:- beautiful –LATIN–
pulcher, pulchri pulchritude - pulmon:- lung –LATIN– pulmo,
pulmonis pulmonary - pulver:- dust –LATIN– pulvis,
pulveris pulverize - pung:-, punct:- prick –LATIN–
pungere, punctus puncture, pungent - puni:- punish –LATIN– punire,
punitus impunity, punitive - pup:- doll –LATIN– pupa pupa,
puppet - pur:- pure –LATIN– purus
impurity, purify - purg:- cleanse –LATIN– purgare
expurgate, purgatory, purge - purpur:- purple –LATIN– purpura
- put:- prune, reckon –LATIN–
putāre compute, putative - pyg:- rump –GREEK– πυγή (pugē)
pygostyle, callipygian - pyl:- gate –GREEK– πυλών, πυλῶνος
(pulōn) pylon - pyr:- heat, fire –GREEK–
πῦρ, πυρός (pur, puros) pyrolysis Q
Q
- quadr:- four –LATIN– quattuor
quadrangle, quadrillion - quadragen:- forty each –LATIN–
quadrageni quadragenary - quadragesim:- fortieth –LATIN–
quadragesimus quadragesimal - quart:- fourth –LATIN– quartus
quartary, quartile - quasi:- as if –LATIN– quasi
quasar - quatern:- four each –LATIN–
quaterni quaternary, quaternion - quati:-, quass:- shake –LATIN–
quatere - quer:-, :-quir:-,
quesit:-, :-quisit:- search, seek –LATIN–
quaerere Inquisition, query - qui:- rest –LATIN– quies quiet,
requiem - quin:- five each –LATIN– quini
quinary - quindecim:- fifteenth –LATIN–
quindecimus quindecimal - quinden:- fifteen each –LATIN–
quindeni quindenary - quinque:- five –LATIN– quinque
quinquennium - quint:- fifth –LATIN– quintus
quintary, quintile - quot:- how many, how great –LATIN–
quota, quotient
R
- rad:-, ras:- scrape, shave
–LATIN– radere, rasus abrade, abrasion, erasure - radi:- beam, spoke –LATIN–
radius, radiare radiance, radiation - radic:- root –LATIN– rādix,
rādīcis eradicate, radical - ram:- branch –LATIN– rāmus
ramification, ramose - ran:- frog –LATIN– rana Rana
- ranc:- rancidness, grudge, bitterness –LATIN–
rancere rancid, rancor - rap:- turnip –LATIN– rapum
rapeseed - raph:- seam –GREEK– ῤαφή (rhaphē)
- rar:- –LATIN– rarus rarity
- rauc:- harsh, hoarse –LATIN–
raucus raucous re:-, - red:- again, back –LATIN– re:-
recede, redact - reg:-, :-rig:-,
rect:- straight –LATIN– regere, rectus dirigible, erect,
erection, rectum - rem:- oar –LATIN– remus bireme,
trireme - ren:- kidney –LATIN– renes renal
- rep:-, rept:- crawl, creep
–LATIN– repere, reptus reptile - ret:- net –LATIN– rete reticle,
retina - retro:- backward, behind –LATIN–
retro retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus - rhabd:- rod –GREEK– ῥάβδος
(rhabdos) rhabdoid, rhabdom - rhach:-, rach:-
spine –GREEK– ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rhachis) rhachiodont - rhag:- tear, rent –GREEK– ῥαγίζω
rhagades - rhe:- flow –GREEK– ῥεῖν (rhein)
rheostat - rhig:- chill –GREEK– ῥῖγος
(rhigos) rhigosaurus - rhin:- nose, snout –GREEK– ῥίς, ῥινός
(rhis, rhinos) rhinoplasty - rhiz:- root –GREEK– ῥίζα (rhiza)
rhizome - rhod:- rose –GREEK– ῥόδον
(rhodon) rhododendron - rhomb:- spinning top –GREEK– ῥόμβος
(rhombos) rhombus - rhynch:- snout –GREEK– ῥύγχος
Rhynchobatus - rid:-, ris:- laugh –LATIN–
ridere, risus derision, ridicule - robor:- oak, strength –LATIN–
robur, roboris corroboration - rod:-, ros:- gnaw –LATIN–
rodere, rosus corrode, erosion, rodent - rog:- ask –LATIN– rogare
derogatory, interrogation - rostr:- beak, prow –LATIN–
rostrum rostral, rostriform, rostrum - rot:- wheel –LATIN– rota, rotare
rotation - ruber:-, rubr:- red –LATIN–
ruber rubric, ruby - rug:- wrinkle –LATIN– ruga,
rugare corrugation - rumin:- throat –LATIN– rumen,
ruminis rumination - rump:-, rupt:- break –LATIN–
rumpere, ruptus eruption, rupture, interrupt - rur:- country –LATIN– rus, ruris
rural
S
- sacchar:- sugar –GREEK– σάκχαρον
(sakcharon) saccharin - sacr:-, secr:- sacred –LATIN–
sacer, sacrare consecrate, sacrament - sagac:- wise –LATIN– sagax,
sagacis sagacity - sagitt:- arrow –LATIN– sagitta
sagittal plane, Sagittaria - sal:- salt –LATIN– sal, salis,
salere salinity - sali:-, :-sili:-,
salt:- jump –LATIN– salire, saltus resilient, salient,
saltus - salic:- willow –LATIN– salix,
salicis salicin - salv:- save –LATIN– salvus,
salvare salvation - san:- healthy –LATIN– sanus
insane, sanity - sanc:- holy –LATIN– sancire, sanctus
sanctify, sanctuary - sanguin:- blood –LATIN– sanguis,
sanguinis consanguinity, sanguine - sapi:-, :-sipi:-
taste, wise –LATIN– sapere insipience, sapient - sapon:- soap –LATIN– sapo,
saponis saponification - sarc:- flesh –GREEK– σάρξ, σαρκός
(sarx, sarkos) sarcophagus - saur:- lizard, reptile –GREEK–
σαῦρος (sauros) dinosaur - sax:- rock –LATIN– saxum scab:-
scratch –LATIN– scabere scabies - scal:- ladder, stairs –LATIN–
scala scalar, scale - scalen:- uneven –GREEK– σκαληνός
(skalēnos) scalene muscles, scalene triangle - scand:-, :-scend:-,
scans:-, :-scensclimb –LATIN– scandere
ascend, transcendent, descend - scaph:- anything hollow, bowl, ship –GREEK–
σκάφη, σκάφος scaphoid bone - scel:- leg, thigh –GREEK– σκέλος,
σκέλεος (skelos) isosceles - schem:- plan –GREEK– σχῆμα
(schēma) schematic - schis:- split –GREEK– σχίζω,
σχίσμα (schisma) schism - sci:- know –LATIN– scire
prescient, science - scind:-, sciss:- split –LATIN–
scindere rescind, scissors - scler:- hard –GREEK– σκληρός
(sklēros) scleroderma, sclerosis - scoli:- crooked –GREEK– σκολιός
(skolios) scoliosis - scop:-, scept:- look at,
examine, view, observe –GREEK– σκέπτομαι, σκοπός (skopos) horoscope,
kaleidoscope, stethoscope - scrib:-, script:- write –LATIN–
scribere, scriptus inscribe, scripture - sculp:- carve –LATIN– sculpere,
sculptus sculpture - scut:- shield –LATIN– scutum
scute - scyph:- cup –GREEK– χούφτα
(chouphta) Scyphozoa - se:-, sed:- apart –LATIN–
se secede, sedition - seb:- tallow –LATIN– sebum
sebaceous, sebum - sec:-, sect:-, seg:-
cut –LATIN– secare secant, section, segment - sed:- settle, calm –LATIN–
sedare, sedatus sedative - sed:-, :-sid:-,
sess:- sit –LATIN– sedere, sessus reside, sediment,
session, supersede - sedec:- sixteen –LATIN– sedecim
sedecimal - seget:- in cornfields –LATIN–
segetum - sei:- shake –GREEK– σείω, σεισμός
(seismos) seismograph - selen:- moon –GREEK– σελήνη
(selēnē) Selene, selenium - sell:- saddle, seat –LATIN– sella
sella turcica - sema:- sign –GREEK– σῆμα (sēma)
semantics, semaphore - semi:- half –LATIN– semis
semifinal - semin:- seed –LATIN– semen,
seminis insemination - sen:- old man –LATIN– senex,
senis senator, senility - sen:- six each –LATIN– seni
senary - senti:-, sens:- feel –LATIN–
sentire, sensus consensus, sentient - sept:- fence, partition, enclosure –LATIN–
saeptum transept - sept:- seven –LATIN– septem
septennial - septen:- seven each –LATIN–
septeni septenary - septim:- seventh –LATIN–
septimus septimal, septime - septuagen:- seventy each –LATIN–
septuageni septuagenary - septuagesim:- seventieth –LATIN–
septuagesimus septuagesima, septuagesimal - septuagint:- seventy –LATIN–
septuaginta Septuagint - sequ:-, secut:- follow –LATIN–
sequere, secutus consecutive, sequence - ser:-, sat:- cultivate –LATIN–
serere, satus sative - ser:- body fluid –LATIN– serum
serous - ser:- late –LATIN– serus serein,
serotine - serp:- crawl, creep –LATIN–
serpere, serptus serpent - serr:- saw, saw:-toothed –LATIN–
serra, serrare serration - serv:- save, protect, serve –LATIN–
servare conservation - sesqui:- one and a half –LATIN–
sesqui sesquicentennial - set:- bristle, hair –LATIN– saeta
seta, setose - sever:- stern, strict, serious –LATIN–
severus severity - sex:-, se:- six –LATIN–
sex semester, sexangle, sexennium - sexagen:- sixty each –LATIN–
sexageni sexagenary - sexagesim:- sixtieth –LATIN–
sexagesimus sexagesimal - sext:- sixth –LATIN– sextus
sextant - sibil:- hiss –LATIN– sibilus,
sibilare sibilance - sicc:- dry –LATIN– siccus
desiccation - sider:- star –LATIN– sidus,
sideris sidereal - sign:- sign –LATIN– signum
design, designate, signal - sil:- quiet or still –LATIN–
silere silence - silv(i):- forest –LATIN– silva
silviculture - simi:- ape, monkey –LATIN– simia
simian - simil:- likeness, trust, group –LATIN–
similis assimilate, similarity - simul:- imitating, feigning –LATIN–
simulare simulation - singul:- one each –LATIN–
singulus singular - sinistr:- left –LATIN– sinister,
sinistri sinistral - sinu:- (to draw) a line –LATIN–
sinuare insinuate - sinus:- hollow, bay –LATIN– sinus
- siph(o):- tube –GREEK– σίφων
(siphōn) siphon - sist:- cause to stand –LATIN–
sistere consist, persistence - sit:- food, grain, wheat –GREEK–
σῖτος (sitos) sitology - soci:- group –LATIN– socius,
sociare associate, social - sol:- sun –LATIN– sol, solis
solar - sol:- comfort, soothe –LATIN–
solari consolation, solace - sol:- alone, only –LATIN– solus
desolate, sole, solo, solipsism - solen:- pipe, channel –GREEK–
σωλήν (sōlēn) solenoid - solv:-, solut:-
loosen, set free –LATIN– solvere, solutus dissolve, solution - soma:- body –GREEK– σῶμα, σώματος
(sōma, sōmatos) somatic - somn:- sleep –LATIN– somnus
insomnia - somni:- dream –LATIN– somnium
- son:- sound –LATIN– sonus
resonance - soph:- wise –GREEK– σοφός
(sophos) sophist - sorb:-, sorpt:- suck –LATIN–
sorbere absorb, absorption - sord:- dirt –LATIN– sordes,
sordere sordid - soror:- sister –LATIN– soror
sorority - spati:- space –LATIN– spatium
spatial - spec:-, :-spic:-,
spect:- look –LATIN– specere conspicuous, inspection,
specimen - spect:- watch, look at –LATIN–
spectare spectator - specul:- observe –LATIN–
speculari speculation - sper:- hope –LATIN– spes, sperare
desperation, esperance - sperm:- seed –GREEK– σπέρμα
(sperma) angiosperm - sphen:- wedge –GREEK– σφήν
(sphēn) - spher:- ball –GREEK– σφαῖρα
(sphaira) sphere, spheroid - sphinct:- closing –GREEK– σφίγγα
sphincter - spic:- spike –LATIN– spica
spicule - spin:- thorn –LATIN– spina spine
- spir:- breathe –LATIN– spirare
respiration - spond:-, spons:- a surety,
guarantee; give assurance, promise solemnly –LATIN– spondere, sponsus
respond - spondyl:- vertebra
- spu:-, sput:- spew, spit –LATIN–
spuere sputum - squal:- scaly, dirty, filthy –LATIN–
squalere squalid, squalor - squam:- scale –LATIN– squama
squamous - squarros:- spreading at tips –LATIN–
- st:- stand –LATIN– stare, status
stable, station, statistic, statue, status - stagn:- pool of standing water –LATIN–
stagnare stagnant - stalact:- –GREEK– σταλακτίτης
(stalaktitēs) stalactite - stalagm:- –GREEK– σταλαγμός
(stalagmos) stalagmite - stann:- tin –LATIN– stannum
stannous - statu:-, :-stitu:-
stand –LATIN– statuere institution, statute - stea:- fat, tallow –GREEK– στέαρ,
στέατος (stear, steatos) - stearic acid steg:- covering –GREEK–
steganography - stell:- star –LATIN– stella
constellation, stellar - sten:- narrow –GREEK– στενός
(stenos) stenography - stere:- solid –GREEK– στερεός
(stereos) - stern:-, strat:- spread,
strew –LATIN– sternere, stratus stratify - stern:- breastbone –GREEK–
στέρνον (sternon) sternum - stich:- line, row –GREEK– στίχος
(stichos) - stig:- –GREEK– στίγμα (stigma)
stigma - still:- drip –LATIN– stilla,
stillare distillation - stimul:- goad, rouse, excite –LATIN–
stimulus stimulate - stingu:-, stinct:- apart –LATIN–
stinguere distinction, distinguish - stoch:- aim –GREEK– στόχος
stochastic - stom:- mouth –GREEK– στόμα
(stoma) stomatoplasty - strept:- twisted –GREEK– στρεπτός
(streptos) - strig:- compress –LATIN– strix,
strigis strigogyps - strigos:- having stiff bristles –LATIN–
- string:-, strict:-
upright, stiff –LATIN– stringere, strictus stringent - stroph:- turning –GREEK– στροφή
(strophē) apostrophe - stru:-, struct:- to make
up, build –LATIN– struere, structus construction, construe - stud:- dedication –LATIN– studere
student - stup:- wonder –LATIN– stupere
stupor - styl:- column, pillar –GREEK– στῦλος
(stulos) stylus - su:-, sut:- sew –LATIN–
suere, sutus suture - sui:- self –LATIN– sui sui
generis, suicide - suad:-, suas:- urge –LATIN–
suadere, suasus persuasion - suav:- sweet –LATIN– suavis suave
- sub:-, su:-, suf:-,
sug:-, susbelow –LATIN– sub submerge, suffix, suggest - subter:- under –LATIN– subter
subterfuge - sucr:- sugar –LATIN– sucrose
- sud:- sweat –LATIN– sudare
sudoriferous - sulc:- furrow –LATIN– sulcus
sulcus - sum:-, sumpt:- take –LATIN–
sumere, sumptus assumption, consume - super:- above, over –LATIN– super
supersede - supin:- lying back –LATIN–
supinus supination - supra:- above, over –LATIN– supra
supranationalism - surd:- deaf –LATIN– surdus
absurdity - surg:- rise –LATIN– surgere
resurgent - syn:-, sy:-, syl:-,
sym:- with –GREEK– σύν (sun) symbol, symmetry, sympathy,
synchronous, synonym, system - syring:- pipe –GREEK– σύριγξ,
σύριγγος (syrinx, syringos) syringe
T
- tac:-, :-tic:-
be silent –LATIN– tacere, tacitus reticent, tacit - tach:- swift –GREEK– ταχύς
(tachus) tachometer, tachycardia - taeni:- ribbon –GREEK– ταινία
(tainia) taenidium, taeniodont, Taeniolabis - tal:- ankle –LATIN– talus talus
bone - tang:-, :-ting:-,
tact:-, tag:- touch –LATIN– tangere, tactus
contact, tactile, tangent - tapet:- carpet –LATIN– tapete,
tapetis tapestry, tapetum, tapis - tard:- slow –LATIN– tardus
retard, tardigrade, tardy - tars:- ankle –GREEK– ταρσός
(tarsos, a flat basket) tarsal - taur:- bull –GREEK– ταῦρος
(tauros) Minotaur - taur:- bull –LATIN– taurus Taurus
- tax:- arrangement, order –GREEK–
τάξις (taxis) taxonomy - techn:- art, skill –GREEK– τέχνη
(technē) technology - teg:-, tect:- cover –LATIN–
tegere, tectus integument, protection - tele:- far, end –GREEK– τῆλε
(tēle) telegram, telephone, telescope - tele:- complete –GREEK– τέλος
(telos) teleology - temn:- cut –GREEK– τέμνω (temnō)
Temnospondyli - tempor:- time –LATIN– tempus,
temporis contemporary, temporal, temporary - ten:-, :-tin:-,
tent:- hold –LATIN– tenere, tentus continent, detention,
tenacious, tenor - tend:-, tens:- stretch,
strain –LATIN– tendere, tensus extend, extension - tenu:- slender, thin –LATIN–
tenuis attenuate, tenuous - tep:- be warm –LATIN– tepere
tepid, tepor - ter:-, trit:- rub –LATIN–
terere, tritus attrition, contrite, detritus, trite - teret:- rounded –LATIN– teres,
teretis subterete, teretial - terg:-, ters:- wipe –LATIN–
tergere, tersus detergent, terse - termin:- boundary, limit, end –LATIN–
terminus determine, terminal, termination - tern:- three each –LATIN– terni
ternary, ternion - terr:- dry land –LATIN– terra
subterranean, terrace, terracotta, terrain - terti:- third –LATIN– tertius
tertian, tertiary - test:- witness –LATIN– testis
testament, testimony - tetr:- four –GREEK– τέσσαρες (tessares)
tetrahedron, tetrode - tex:-, text:- weave –LATIN–
texere, textus context, texture, textile - thalam:- chamber, bed –GREEK–
θάλαμος (thalamos) - thalass:- sea –GREEK– θάλασσα
(thalassa) Panthalassa - than:- death –GREEK– θάνατος
(thanatos) euthanasia - the:-, thus:- god –GREEK–
θεός (theos) enthusiasm, theology - the:- put –GREEK– τίθημι
(tithēmi), θήκη (thēkē) Bibliotheca, theca, theme, thesis - thel:- –GREEK–
θηλή (thēlē) - theori:- speculation –GREEK–
θεωρία (theōria) theorem, theory - ther:- beast, animal –GREEK– θήρ,
θηρός (thēr) theroid, theropod - therm:- heat, warm –GREEK– θερμός
(thermos) endotherm, thermometer - thym:- mood –GREEK– θυμός
(thumos) dysthymia - thyr:- door –GREEK– θύρα (thura)
thyratron - thyre:- large shield –GREEK–
θυρεός (thureos) Thyreophora, thyroid, thyrotropin, thyroxine - tim:- be afraid –LATIN– timere
timid, timorous - ting:-, tinct:- moisten –LATIN–
tingere, tinctus tincture - tom:- cut –GREEK– τομή (tome),
τόμος (tomos) ectomy, atom, tome - ton:- stretch –GREEK– τόνος
(tonos) isotonic, monotone, tone - top:- place –GREEK– τόπος (topos)
topic, topography - torn:- cut –LATIN– from –GREEK–
tornare < τόρνος (tornos) - torpe:- numb –LATIN– torpere
torpent, torpid, torpor - torqu:-, tort:- twist –LATIN–
torquere, tortus extortion, torque, torture - tot:- all, whole –LATIN– totus
subtotal, total, totality - tox:- arrow, bow –GREEK– τόξον
(toxon) - trab:- beam –LATIN– trabs, trabis
trabeculae - trachy:- rough –GREEK– τραχύς
(trachus) trachea - trag:- goat –GREEK– τράγος
(tragos) tragus - trah:-, tract:- draw, pull
–LATIN– trahere, tractus subtrahend, tractor - trans:-, tra:-, tran:-
across –LATIN– trans tradition, transcend, transportation - trapez:- four:-sided,
table –GREEK– τράπεζα (trapeza) trapezius, trapezoid - traum:- wound –GREEK– τραῦμα
(trauma) trauma, traumatic - trecent:- three hundred –LATIN–
trecenti trecentennial, trecentillion - tredec:- thirteen –LATIN–
tredecim tredecimal - treiskaidek:- thirteen –GREEK–
τρεισκαίδεκα (treiskaideka) triskaidekaphobia - trem:- tremble –LATIN– tremere
tremor - trema:- hole –GREEK– τρῆμα
(trēma) trematode - tri:- three –GREEK– τρεῖς, τρία
(treis, tria) triad, trigon, triode, tripod - tri:- three –LATIN– trēs
triangle, triumvirate, trivia - tricen:- thirty each –LATIN–
triceni tricenary - tricesim:-, trigesim:-
thirtieth –LATIN– tricesimus trigesimal - trich:- hair –GREEK– θρίξ, τριχός
(thrix, trichos) peritrichous, trichopathophobia, Trichoptera - trin:- three each –LATIN– trini
trinary, trine, trinity - trit:- third –GREEK– τρίτος
(tritos) tritagonist - troch:- wheel –GREEK– τροχός
(trochos) trochlea - trop:- turning –GREEK– τρόπος
(tropos) heliotropism, psychotropic, tropic - troph:- feed, grow –GREEK– τροφή,
τροφός (trophos) dystrophy, pogonotrophy, trophic - trud:-, trus:-
thrust –LATIN– trudere, trusus extrusion, intrude - tuss:- cough –LATIN– tussis,
tussire pertussis - tympan:- drum –GREEK– τύμπανον
(tumpanon) tympani - typ:- stamp, model –GREEK– τύπος
(tupos) archetype, phenotype, typography
U
- uber:- fruitful –LATIN– uber,
uberare exuberant - uligin:- in marshes –LATIN–
uligo, uliginis uliginous - ulo:- wooly –GREEK–
- ultim:- farthest –LATIN– ultimus
ultimatum, ultimate - ultra:- beyond –LATIN– ultra
ultrasonic - umbilic:- navel –LATIN– umbilicus
umbilical - umbr:- shade, shadow –LATIN–
umbra penumbra, umbrella - un:- one –LATIN– unus, unius
unary, unicorn, union - unc:- hooked –LATIN– uncus
uncinate - unci:- ounce, twelfth –LATIN–
uncia uncial - und:- wave –LATIN– unda abundant,
undulate - undecim:- eleventh –LATIN–
undecimus undecimal - unden:- eleven each –LATIN–
undeni undenary - ungui:- claw, nail –LATIN– unguis
- ungul:- claw, hoof –LATIN– ungula
ungulate - ur:-, uro:- tail –GREEK–
οὐρά (oura) uroid, uroborus - ur:-, uro:- urine –GREEK–
οὖρον (ouron) urology - urb:- city –LATIN– urbs, urbis
urban, urbanize, suburbanite, urbanism - urg:- work –LATIN– urgere urgent
- urs:- bear –LATIN– ursus Ursa
Major, ursine - ut:-, us:- use –LATIN–
uti, usus usual, utility - uv:- grape –LATIN– uva uvea
- uxor:- wife –LATIN–
uxor uxoricide V
V
- vac:- empty –LATIN– vacare
vacancy, vacation, vacuum - vad:-, vas:- go –LATIN–
vadere evade, pervasive - vag:- wander –LATIN– vagus,
vagare vagabond, vague - van:- empty, vain, idle –LATIN–
vanus vanity - vap:- lack (of) –LATIN– vapor
evaporation, vapid, vaporize - veh:-, vect:- carry –LATIN–
vehere, vectus vehicle, vector - vel:- veil –LATIN– velum
revelation, velate - vell:-, vuls:- pull –LATIN–
vellere, vulsus convulsion - veloc:- quick –LATIN– velox,
velocis velocity - ven:- vein –LATIN– vena venosity
- ven:- hunt –LATIN– venari venison
- ven:-, vent:- come –LATIN–
venire advent, convention - vend:- sell –LATIN– vendere
vendor, vending - vener:- respectful –LATIN– venus
veneration, venereal - vent:- wind –LATIN– ventus
ventilation - ventr:- belly –LATIN– venter
ventral - ver:- true –LATIN– verus aver,
veracious, verify, verisimilitude, verity - verb:- word –LATIN– verbum
verbal, verbatim, verbosity - verber:- whip –LATIN– verber
reverberation - verm:- worm –LATIN– vermis
vermiform - vern:- spring –LATIN– ver, vernus
vernal - vert:-, vers:- turn –LATIN–
vertere, versus convert, inversion, invert, vertical - vesic:- bladder –LATIN– vesica
vesical - vesper:- evening, western –LATIN–
vespera vesperal - vest:- clothe, garment –LATIN–
vestis divest, vest - vestig:- track –LATIN– vestigium
investigate - vet:- forbid –LATIN– vetare veto
- veter:- old –LATIN– vetus,
veteris inveterate, veteran - vi:- way –LATIN– via deviate,
obvious, via - vic:- change –LATIN– vicis vice
versa, vicissitude - vicen:-, vigen:- twenty –LATIN–
viceni vicenary - vicesim:-, vigesim:-
twentieth –LATIN– vicesimus vicesimary, vicesimation, vigesimal - vid:-, vis:- see –LATIN–
videre, visus video, vision - vil:- cheap –LATIN– vilis vile,
vilify - vill:- shaggy hair, velvet –LATIN–
villus villiform - vin:- wine –LATIN– vinum vinous
- vinc:-, vict:- conquer –LATIN–
vincere, victus invincible, victory - vir:- man –LATIN–
vir virility - vir:- green –LATIN– virere virid,
viridian - visc:- thick –LATIN– viscum
viscosity - viscer:- organs of the body cavity –LATIN–
viscus, visceris eviscerate, visceral - vit:- life –LATIN– vita vital,
vitamin - vitell:- yolk –LATIN– vitellus
vitellogenesis - viti:- fault –LATIN– vitium vice,
vitiate - vitr:- glass –LATIN– vitrum
vitreous - viv:- live –LATIN– vivere revive,
survive, vivid - voc:- voice –LATIN– vox, vocis
provocative, vocal, vocation - vol:- fly –LATIN– volare volatility
vol:- wish –LATIN– velle volition - volv:-, volut:- roll –LATIN–
volvere, volutus convolution, revolve - vom:- discharge –LATIN– vomere
vomit - vor:-, vorac:- swallow –LATIN–
vorare, vorax devour, voracious - vov:-, vot:- vow –LATIN–
vovere, votus votive - vulg:- common, crowd –LATIN–
vulgus divulge, vulgarity, vulgate - vulner:- wound –LATIN– vulnus,
vulneris vulnerable - vulp:- fox –LATIN– vulpes, vulpis
vulpine
X
- xanth:- yellow –GREEK– ξάνθος
(xanthos) xanthogenic - xen:- foreign –GREEK– ξένος
(xenos) xenophobia - xer:- dry –GREEK– ξηρός (xēros)
xerography, xerophyte - xiph:- sword –GREEK– ξίφος
(xiphos) xiphoid - xyl:- wood –GREEK– ξύλον (xulon)
xylem, xylophone
Z
- zo:- animal, living being –GREEK– protozoa, zoo, zoology
- zon:- belt, girdle –GREEK– zone
- zyg:- yoke –GREEK– – heterozygous, zygote
- zym:- ferment —GREEK– – enzyme, lysozyme
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Whenever learning a new language, students are often overwhelmed by the fact that they must study the grammar and vocabulary. Vocabulary can be tough for anyone, but especially for those learning a new language for the first time or one like Latin which not spoken. However, the vocabulary in Latin should be easier since Latin is integrated into many modern languages: French, Italian, Spanish, English, etc.
Here is a wonderful list of the most basic roots any Latin learner should know! This list is also helpful to anyone wishing to improve their vocabulary along with test taking skills. So, if you are studying for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or even the SATs; this is a great chart for you to study, make flash cared and improve your ability to dissect words to discover their meanings!