Words with the root word read


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  2. English (Language)


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cred

The

ROOT-WORD is CRED which means BELIEVE. It is easy to see that our ROOT-WORD ring is filling up. Many of the words on the list are made with review ROOT-WORDS. That is proof that the vocabulary is growing richer and that you know, at sight, the meanings of new words.

1. Credo : CRED o (kreed’ o) n.

A set of opinions; a creed

2. Creed : CREED (kreed) n.

A formula of faith; a set of principles

3. Credit : CRED it (kred’ it) n.

Value; worth

4. Creditable : CRED itable (kred’ it a b’l) adj.

Can be believed

5. Creditably : CRED itably (kred’ is a blee) adv.

In such a manner that something is believed

6. Discreditable : dis CRED itable (dis kred’ it a b’l) adj.

Not worthy of belief

7. Discreditably : dis CRED itably (dis kred’ it a blee) adv

Not believably

8. Creditor : CRED itor (kred’ it or) n.

One who loans money to another

9. Credulity : CRED ulity (kre dyu’ lit ee) n.

A willingness to believe easily

10. Incredulity : In CRED ulity (in kre dyu’ lit ee) n.

11. Credulous : CRED ulous (krej’ u lus) adj.

Inclined to believe readily

12. Incredulous : in CRED ulous (in krej’ us lus) adj.

Not inclined to believe

13. Incredulously : in CRED ulously (in krej’ u lus lee) adv.

Distrustingly

14. Credulously : CRED ulously (krej’ us lus lee) adv.

Trustingly

15. Accredit : ac CRED it (a kred; it) v.

To recognize as acceptable for approval; as, to accredit a school

16. Accreditation : ac CRED itation (a kred i tay’ shun) n.

A certificate of acceptance

17. Credence : CRED ence (kreed’ ens) n.

Belief; as, he earned the credence of his creditors

18. Credibly : CRED ibly (kred’ i blee) adv.

Believably; plausibly

19. Incredibly : in CRED ibly (in kred’ i blee) adv.

EtymologyHOME PAGE




Words can be puzzling for students as they are often pieced together by many different word parts (morphemes). A single word might contain a prefix, a suffix, root, and a base or root word, each part holding important information. A root word can be defined as a basic standalone word in which affixes can be added to create new words. A root is the basis of a word and it typically does not stand alone. Teaching root words to kids can help increase students’ proficiency at identifying roots and forming complete words.

notepad coils

It is essential to start teaching root words to kids early so students can develop an understanding of root words, roots, and other morphemes in order to deconstruct words and build word meaning. Our root word spelling lists, used in conjunction with engaging root word games and exercises, are a great way to improve student understanding of how words are formed.

Morphemes, also referred to as word-part clues, are units of language that hold meaning, but cannot be broken down any further into smaller meaningful parts. Two basic types of morphemes exist: bound and free. Bound morphemes cannot stand alone and must be attached to other morphemes to form a word, acting as the building blocks of a word. Affixes (prefixes and suffixes) and Latin and Greek root words are bound morphemes. Free morphemes, on the other hand, can stand alone. Free morphemes include English root words, such as the root word “teach” in “teacher.” Two free morphemes can join to form a compound word, for example “dog” and “house” to form “doghouse.” Morphemes are imperative when teaching root words to kids, and our root words games, exercises, and word lists can help students master the puzzles of word creation.

Prefixes and suffixes can be added to a root word to form many new words and change word meaning. Often the term base word is used interchangeably with root word. When affixes are added to them, they serve as the anchor of the word because they hold the word’s principle meaning.

While there are many conflicting definitions of root words and base words, teachers need to keep in mind the importance of teaching these topics. Knowledge of morphemes, like word roots, helps with reading fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.

Root Word Games

Root Words Spelling Lists

Root Words with Prefixes

  • disappear
  • reappear
  • disapprove
  • misbehave
  • discomfort
  • redirect
  • unhappy
  • unkind
  • unpack
  • replay

List of Root Words with Affixes

  • dishonesty
  • uncomfortable
  • unkindness
  • unworthy
  • abnormally
  • unhappiness
  • unreasonable
  • unlikely
  • disrespectful
  • unsuccessful

Root Words with Suffixes

  • appearance
  • breaking
  • breakable
  • careful
  • careless
  • hopeful
  • hopeless
  • kindness
  • loveable
  • lovely

Latin & Greek Root Word Lists

Many words in the English language possess a Greek or Latin root. Below is a list of commonly used Greek and Latin roots, their meanings, and words containing them to use when teaching root words to kids.

Greek and Latin Root Words

Root Word Meaning Origin Example
astro star Greek astronaut
aud hear Latin audio
auto self Greek automatic
bene good Latin benevolent
cred believe Latin credible
dict say Latin dictate
meter measure Greek kilometer
micro small Greek microscope
form shape Latin formation
graph write Greek autograph
hydr water Greek dehydrate
liter letter Latin literature
multi many Latin multiple
pend hang Latin appendix
port carry Latin transportation
sect cut apart Greek dissect
struct build Latin construct
tele from afar Greek telephone
therm heat Greek thermometer
vac empty Greek evacuate

English Root Word Lists

Root words are words in their own right, but are also the basis of many other words. Prefixes, suffixes, or both affixes may be added to expand upon a root word. Below are words containing English root words. To make teaching root words to kids easier than ever you can access additional word lists on VocabularySpellingCity and pair with root word games and exercises for engaging practice!

English Root Words

Root Word Examples
appear reappear, appearance, disappear
break breakable, breaking, unbreakable
build rebuild, builder, unbuild
care caring, careful, careless
comfort discomfort, comfortable, uncomfortable
count counting, counter, countless
employ unemploy, employment, unemployment
faith faithful, faithfully, unfaithful
fear fearless, fearful, fearing
friend friendly, friendship, unfriendly
happy happiness, unhappy, unhappiness
hope hopeful, hopeless, hoped
joy joyful, enjoyment, overjoyed
kind unkind, kindness, unkindness
love loveable, lovely, loved
pack unpack, packed, packing
play replay, playful, played
read readable, reading, reader
use misuse, useful, used
worth worthy, unworthy, worthless

Use Our Root Word Lists to Create Engaging Root Word Games and Activities for Students of All Ages!

Learning about the building blocks of words can help you make sense of unfamiliar words.

Search roots…

Only show roots with rootcasts

Only show common roots

abil

handy

-able

handy, capable of

abol

destroy, get rid of

abs-

away, from

ab-

away, from

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

acerb

bitter, sharp, tart

-acious

inclined to, abounding in

-acity

characteristics of

acr

sharp, keen, fierce

act

drive, do

This root has an audio rootcast.

-acy

state of being something

ac

sharp, keen, point

ac-

to, towards

add

attach to, add, give to

-ade

thing or person made by a certain process

-ado

possessing a quality

ad-

to, towards

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

aesthet

feel, perceive

affect

influenced, strongly moved

af-

to, towards

-age

to do something

-age

state

agog

leading, drawing forth

agon

struggle, contest, conflict

agr

field, country

ag

do, act, drive

This root has an audio rootcast.

ag-

to, towards

alg

pain

all-

other, different

alter

another

alt

high

-al

action, process

al

cause to grow, feed

-al

of or relating to

al-

to, towards

ambi-

both

ambul

walk, go around

amb-

both, around

ami

friend

ampl

large

am

love

This root has an audio rootcast.

ana-

back

-ance

state or condition

-ancy

state

-and

to be …ed

-ane

of or pertaining to

ang

distress

anim

mind, spirit

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

ann

year

This root has an audio rootcast.

ante-

before

This root has an audio rootcast.

anthrop

human

This root has an audio rootcast.

antiqu

old

anti-

opposite, against

This root has an audio rootcast.

-ant

being in a state or condition

ant-

opposite, against

anxi

worried

an-

not, without

-an

relating to

an-

to, towards

apo-

away, from

apt

suitable, fit

ap-

to, towards

arbitr

think, judge

arbor

tree

arch

ancient

arch-

chief, principal

arch

rule

This root has an audio rootcast.

arc

chest, coffer

ard

burn, be on fire

-arian

pertaining to

articul

to divide into small joints; speak clearly

art

skill, craft

-ary

person or thing belonging to

-ary

of or relating to

-ar

pertaining to

ar-

to, towards

asper

rough, harsh, roused to anger

aster

star

as-

to, towards

-ate

possessing a certain quality

-ate

to make have a certain quality

-ation

act of doing something

-ation

state or quality of

-atory

of or belonging to

at-

to, towards

aud

hear, listen to

augur

diviner, seer

auth

author

auto-

self, same

This root has an audio rootcast.

au

bird

av

desire, be eager

a-

away, from

a-

not, without

This root has an audio rootcast.

-a

forms a noun

a-

to, towards, at

This is common root

barr

barrier

bar

barrier

bas

low, short

bas

step

bat

beat, pound

bell

war, fighting

bene-

well

be-

thoroughly

be-

to treat in a certain way

bio

life

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

bi-

twice

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

bol

throw

bon

good

brev

short

burs

purse

but

strike, push

cad

fall

cal

beauty

cal

warm, be hot

cand

be of brilliant whiteness

canon

rule, straight rod, standard

cant

sing

can

dog

capit

head

This root has an audio rootcast.

capt

taken, seized

cap

take, seize

carn

meat

car

wagon, cart

cas

fall

cata-

thoroughly

caud

tail

caust

burnt, red hot

caut

beware of

caval

horse

cav

hollow

ced

go, move

This root has an audio rootcast.

ced

yield

ceed

go, move

ceiv

take

celer

swift, speedy

cel

hide

cens

assessed, judged, rated

centr

center

This root has an audio rootcast.

cent

hundred

This root has an audio rootcast.

cent

sing

cept

taken, seized

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

cern

sift, perceive, decide

cert

compete, strive, contend

cert

sure

cess

go

This root has an audio rootcast.

chart

sheet of paper

chast

pure, without stain

chas

take, seize

chiev

head

chol

bile, gall

chrom

color

chron

time

This root has an audio rootcast.

-cide

killing

cid

fall

ciph

zero

cip

take

This root has an audio rootcast.

circum-

around, about

This root has an audio rootcast.

circ

ring

cis

cut

This root has an audio rootcast.

cit

moved, stirred up

This is common root

civ

citizen

clair

clear, bright

clam

shout

clar

clear, bright

clav

key

clemenc

mercy, mildness, calmness

-cle

little

clim

sloping region; zone of the Earth; ladder

clin

lean

cliv

slope, hill

clud

shut, close

This root has an audio rootcast.

clus

shut, closed

coc

cook, ripen

cogn

learn, know

This root has an audio rootcast.

col-

with, together

commod

suitable, convenient

commun

common, public, general

com

celebration, fun

com-

thoroughly

This is common root

com-

with, together

concil

join, win over

cond

hide, put away

congru

come together, agree

conn

learn, know

contra-

opposite, against

This root has an audio rootcast.

con-

thoroughly

This is common root

con-

with, together

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

cord

heart

cori

leather

corn

horn, point

corp

body

cor-

thoroughly

cosm

universe

counter-

opposite

coup

buffet, cuff, blow

cover

cover

co-

with, together

crat

rule

This root has an audio rootcast.

cred

believe, trust

This root has an audio rootcast.

crep

burst, crack

cresc

grow, arise, increase

cret

grow

cret

separate

cret

sift, discern, separate

crimin

judgment

crit

judge

croc

hook

cruc

cross

crypt

hidden

cry

shout out in complaint

culp

fault, blame, guilt

cult

grow

This root has an audio rootcast.

cumb

lie down

cum

heap, pile

cup

take, seize

curr

run

This root has an audio rootcast.

curs

ran, hurried

cur

worry, anxiety, attention

cuss

strike

custom

become used to

cus

reason

cycl

circle, wheel

This root has an audio rootcast.

cyn

dog

dat

give

deb

owe, ought

decim

tenth

decor

suitable, graceful, proper

del

destroy, wipe out

demn

loss, penalty, injury

demon

spirit, divine power

dem

people

dens

thick

deris

mocked, made fun of

dextr

right

de

god

de-

off, from

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

de-

thoroughly

This is common root

dia-

through, across

This root has an audio rootcast.

dict

say

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

dic

say

This is common root

didact

apt at teaching

dif-

apart, not, away from

dign

worthy, deserving

dis-

apart, not

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

dit

give

divid

separate into parts

divis

separated into parts, divided

di-

apart, not

di

day

di-

thoroughly

di-

two

doc

teach

dol

feel pain, grieve, suffer

domin

master

dom

house

-dom

state of being something

don

gift

dors

back

dot

give

dox

opinion

dracon

dragon, snake, serpent

dramat

play

dress

arrange

dubi

doubt

duct

led

This is common root

duc

lead

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

dur

hard, harsh

This root has an audio rootcast.

du-

two

dyn

power

ec

house

ec-

out of, from

-ed

having a particular state

ed

temple, house

-eer

do

effic

bring about, accomplish

ef-

out of, from

ef-

thoroughly

egor

assembly

ego

I

This root has an audio rootcast.

eg

lead

element

beginning

empt

buy

em-

in, on

-ence

state or condition

-ency

state of being something

-endo

doing something

-end

that which is to be …ed

enn

year

-ent

being in a state or condition

en-

in, on

This is common root

-en

made of, pertaining

-eous

resembling

epi-

upon, over

This root has an audio rootcast.

ep-

around, near

equi-

equal

equ

equal

This root has an audio rootcast.

erg

work

err

wander, make a mistake

This root has an audio rootcast.

-ery

act or practice

-er

to do something

-escent

becoming; beginning to be

-esce

to do something

ess

be

estim

fix the value of

est

be

es

eat

-ette

lessening

-et

little, diminutive

-eur

one who

-eur

state or quality

eu-

well

ev

time

exempl

example

exig

enforce, demand

exo-

outside

expect

wait for

exper

try, test

extra-

outside

This root has an audio rootcast.

extrem

end, edge

ex-

out of, from

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

ex-

thoroughly

This root has an audio rootcast.

e-

out of, from

This is common root

e-

thoroughly

e

used for spelling and pronunciation

fab

talk

facil

easy, easily accomplished

fact

made, done

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

fac

face, surface

fall

trick, deceive, be in error

This root has an audio rootcast.

famil

household, familiar group

fam

reputation

fan

temple

fatig

weary, tire

fatu

foolish, silly, stupid

fat

speak, talk, say

fav

like, support

feas

make, do

feat

made

febr

fever

fect

make

This root has an audio rootcast.

feit

made, done

felic

happy, lucky

fend

ward off

ferv

boil, be hot

fer

carry, bring, bear

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

fer

wild

fest

feast, holidays

fet

pregnancy

fict

pretend, invent

fic

make, do

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

fid

trust, faith

This root has an audio rootcast.

figur

form, shape

fig

shape

fili

daughter, son

fin

end, form a boundary

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

firm

stable

fiss

split

fit

make, do

fix

fastened, nailed, secured

flagr

burn

flam

flame

flat

blow

flect

bent

flict

struck, struck down

flor

flower

This root has an audio rootcast.

flu

flow, stream, glide

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

foc

hearth, fireplace

foli

leaf

form

shape

This root has an audio rootcast.

fortun

luck, chance

fort

strong, vigorous, powerful

This root has an audio rootcast.

for

outside

found

pour, pour out, spread out

fract

broken, crushed

frag

break, crush

frequent

repeated, constant

front

forehead, foremost part

fruit

fruit, enjoyment

fug

flee

fulg

shine, flash

-ful

full of, resembling

funct

perform, complete

fund

bottom, depths, basis

fur

rage, be mad

fus

pour

This root has an audio rootcast.

fut

check, restrain

-fy

make, do

geist

spirit

gel

freeze

geni

innate quality, inborn talent

gent

family

gen

born, produced

This is common root

gen

kind, type, class

germ

bud, embryo

ger

bear, bring, carry

gest

bear carry

ge

earth

This root has an audio rootcast.

gigant

giant

glomerat

gathered into a ball-shaped mass

glori

praise

gloss

tongue, language

glut

swallow, gulp down

gnost

know

gorg

throat

grad

step

This root has an audio rootcast.

gram

line, stroke of a pen, letter

grand

great, lofty, powerful

gran

grain

graph

write

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

grat

pleasing, welcome

grav

heavy, serious, burdened

greg

flock

This root has an audio rootcast.

gress

step

This is common root

gubern

steer a ship

gyn

woman

hab

have

herit

successor

her

stick, cling, hold fast

This root has an audio rootcast.

hes

stick

hetero-

other

hibit

hold

hier

holy

hilar

cheerful, merry

hind

back

hod

road, way

homo-

same

hom

human being, man

hort

urge, encourage

hor-

boundary

hor

tremble, dread, shudder

hospit

host, guest

human

of mankind

hum

ground

hyper-

over, above

This root has an audio rootcast.

hypo-

under, below

This root has an audio rootcast.

-iac

of or connected with

-ian

characteristic of

-ia

belonging to

-ia

place

-ible

handy, capable of

-ice

act of

-ice

period

icon

image, statue

-ic

like,of

-ic

one relating to

idio-

own, personal, private

idol

image, likeness, shape

This is common root

-id

of or relating to

id

same

-ier

that which does something

-ify

make

ign

produce, bring forth

ig

do, act

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

ig-

not

-ile

tending to do or be something

il-

in, on

il-

not

imag

likeness, idea

imit

copy, resemble

imper

command, provide leadership

impet

impulse, attack

im-

in, on

This is common root

im-

not

This is common root

indic

one who shows, forefinger

-ine

of or relating to

ingenu

honest

-ing

a or of a continuous action

insul

island

integr

whole, entire

intellig

understand

inter-

between, within, among

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

intro-

within

invid

be envious of

in-

against

in-

in, on, into

This is common root

in-

not

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

-ion

act, state

-ior

more

-ious

of the nature of

ir

become angry

ir-

not

-ise

to make have a certain quality

-ish

to do something

-ish

of

-ish

verging upon, somewhat

-ism

action or process of doing something

-ism

set of beliefs

-ism

condition

-ism

distinctive trait of language

-ism

name of a certain system

-istic

characterized by

-ist

one who performs an action; believer

-is

forms a noun

-ite

to do something

-ite

of the nature of

itiner

journey

-itious

of the nature of

-itude

state or quality of

-ity

state or quality

it

go

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

-ive

of or that which does something

-ize

make or treat in a certain way

-i-

connective

i

go

ject

thrown

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

jet

throw, cast

joc

joke

join

join, attach, form a link

journ

pertaining to the day, daily

judic

judge

jug

yoke

junct

joined, attached

jur

swear, take an oath, law

juven

young, young man

juxta-

next to, beside

kine

moving

labor

work

This root has an audio rootcast.

langu

be sluggish, wilt, lack vigor

later

side

lat

carry

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

lat

wide

laud

praise

lav

wash

lax

loosen, take one’s ease

lect

gathered, chosen

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

lect

speak, read

leg

bind, choose

leg

gather, read

leg

law

-less

lacking

letter

letter of the alphabet; document

lev

light, of little weight

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

lex

of words

liber

free

lict

left behind, abandoned

lic

it is permitted, one may

lid

strike, harm

lieu

place

lig

tie, bind

This root has an audio rootcast.

limin

doorway, threshold

limit

boundary

-ling

small

lin

line, string, thread

This is common root

lion

lion

lips

leave

liqu

flow, be liquid

liter

letter of the alphabet

lith

stone

lit

lawsuit

li

tie, bind, link

This is common root

locut

having spoken

loc

place

This root has an audio rootcast.

-logy

study, science, theory

log

word, study, reason

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

long

long

loqu

talk, speak

This root has an audio rootcast.

loy

tie, bind, link

luct

struggle, fight against

luc

light, brightness, clarity

lud

play, trick

This root has an audio rootcast.

lumin

light, glow

lustr

illumine, brighten

lus

play, trick

lut

wash

luv

wash, bathe

luxur

excess

-ly

in a particular way or manner

ly

untie

machin

plan, trick, artifice

maci

thin

macro-

large, long

magist

ruler, leader

magn

large, great

This root has an audio rootcast.

major

greater, larger

mal

bad, evil

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

mand

order

mania

madness, frenzy

mant

cloak

man

hand

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

man

stay, remain

mass

lump

math

learn, understand

matr

mother

This root has an audio rootcast.

matur

make ripe

maxim

largest

medi

middle, in the middle, in half

This root has an audio rootcast.

medl

blend, mingle, mix

mega-

great, large

This root has an audio rootcast.

melior

better

mel

blend, mingle, mix

mel

song

memor

remembering

mend

fault, defect, lying

mens

act of measuring

ment

mind

-ment

quality, condition

men

threat

merc

trade

merg

plunge

merit

earned, gained, deserved

mers

plunge

meta-

beyond, change

metr

measure

This root has an audio rootcast.

metr

mother

me

pass, proceed

micro-

small

This root has an audio rootcast.

migr

move

mill-

one thousand

mim

imitator, mimic

ministr

serve

min

lean forward, threaten

min

lessen, make smaller

misc

mix

miser

wretched

miss

sent

This is common root

mis-

hatred

mis

send

mis-

wrong, wrongly

mit

send

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

mnes

remember

mobil

active, quick

mod

measure, method, manner

This is common root

moll

soft

mol

grind in a mill

moment

movement

-monious

of or resembling

mono-

one, single

This root has an audio rootcast.

monstrat

showed, pointed out

mon

warn, advise, remind

morph

shape, form

This root has an audio rootcast.

mors

bite

mort

death

This root has an audio rootcast.

mor

custom, habit, manner

mor

die, decay, death

mot

move

This root has an audio rootcast.

mount

mountain

mov

move

multi-

many

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

mun

gift, public service

mur

delay, stay behind

mur

wall

mut

change, alter

narc

numbness, deadness

narrat

tell

nasc

be born

nat

born

nect

tie, bind

neg

deny, say not

neo-

new

nerv

vigor, determination

-ness

state, quality, condition

neur

nerve

nex

tied, bound

nic

harm, injure

nihil

nothing

nobl

well known, famous

noc

harm

nom

law, custom

nom

name

This root has an audio rootcast.

non-

not

This root has an audio rootcast.

norm

carpenter’s square, pattern

not

gotten to know, found out

not

mark, sign

nounc

messenger, message, report

nov

new

This root has an audio rootcast.

null

none

numer

number

This root has an audio rootcast.

nunc

messenger, report

nutr

nourish

obliv

forget

ob-

against, in the way

This root has an audio rootcast.

ob-

thoroughly

This root has an audio rootcast.

ob-

to, toward

oc

eye

oc-

thoroughly

od

song

offic

duty

oint

smear with oil

ol

smell

omin

sign, omen

omni-

all

oner

burden, load

onym

name

This root has an audio rootcast.

-on

forms a noun

oper

work

opin

think, suppose

opt

wish, choose

op

eye

op-

to, towards, against

op

wealth, abundance

oram

sight, view

orb

circle

ord

order, row, series

organ

furnished with organs

orn

decorate

ortho-

right

-ory

place

-ory

of or relating to

-or

one who does something

or

rise, begin

or

speak

-or

state

-ose

full of, having

-osis

state; process; condition

-os

forms a noun

oti

leisure

-ous

full of, having

-ous

possessing the nature of

overt

opened

over-

over, above

oxy

sharp, keen

-o-

connective

pact

fasten, drive in

pac

peace

pall

be pale

palp

stroke, caress, touch

pan-

all

pan

bread

para-

beside, alongside

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

parl

talk, speak

part

part

This is common root

par

come to sight

par

equal

par

make, prepare

pass

step, pace

This is common root

pass

suffer, endure

past

dough, paste

past

feed

path

feeling, disease

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

patr

father

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

pecc

stumble, sin

pecuni

money

ped

child

ped

foot

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

pel

push

pend

hang, weigh

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

pens

hang, weigh

This is common root

pen-

almost, nearly

pen

penalty

peri-

around, near, about

person

character

per-

thoroughly

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

per-

through

This root has an audio rootcast.

pet

seek, attack, go for

phan

cause to appear, show

phas

show

phem

saying, speech

phil

love

This root has an audio rootcast.

phon

voice, sound

This root has an audio rootcast.

phor

a carrying

phras

explain

phyt

plant

pict

paint, portray

pil

pile, pillar

pin

feather

piqu

pierce, prick

pir

attempt, attack

pith

pit, kernel

pit

pity, right conduct

pi

cleanse, make honest

plac

please, suit, be acceptable

plaint

mourn for, beat

plais

please

plant

plant, sprout

plas

form, mold

plat

flat, broad

plaud

applaud, clap

plaus

applaud, strike

plen

full

plet

fill

plex

weave

This root has an audio rootcast.

ple

fill

plic

fold

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

pli

fold, bend

This is common root

plor

weep over

ploy

fold

plumb

lead

plus

more

pod

foot

point

point

polit

citizen

poly-

many

This root has an audio rootcast.

pol

axis

pol

smooth, refine, polish

ponder

weigh, consider

pon

put, place

portion

part, share, division

port

carry

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

port

harbor, port

por

passage

posit

placed, put

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

possess

have or take control of

postulat

demand

post-

after

This root has an audio rootcast.

pos

pause, temporary halt

pos

put, place

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

potent

capable, powerful

pot

drink

pound

specify, place

pover

poor

pract

do

preci

worth, price

prec

having prayed or entreated

pred

plunder

pregn

seize hold of

prehend

seize

prehens

seized hold of

press

press

pre-

before, in front

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

prim

first

This root has an audio rootcast.

prim

press

princip

chief

prior

previous, in front

pris

seize hold of

priv

without, individual

proach

near

prob

prove, test, approve

prol

offspring

prompt

ready

propiti

pleasingly inclined

prop

proper, fitting, one’s own

This root has an audio rootcast.

prot-

first

proxim

next, nearest

pro-

before

pro-

forward

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

prud

foresee

pseud-

false

publ

people

pud

be ashamed

pugn

fight

puls

pushed

punct

pointed, stabbed, pierced

This is common root

pung

point, pierce, prick

pun

punish

purg

make clean

pur-

thoroughly

putr

rotten, stinking, decaying

put

think, consider

This is common root

quaint

know, learn

qual

of what kind?

quant

how much

quer

complain, protest

quest

ask, seek

quiesc

rest

quiet

rested, stilled, calmed

quir

seek, strive for

quisit

seek, ask

This is common root

quit

rest, be still, stay calm

qu

who, what, which

radic

root

rad

ray

ranc

be rotten, stink

rap

snatch, grab, seize

rar

loose-knit, spaced thinly

ras

scrape, scratch

rat

think

rav

snatch, grab, seize

rect

ruled, guided, put right

This is common root

red-

back, again

reg

rule, guide, direct

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

remedi

cure

rest

stay put, stand still

retro-

backward

re-

back, again

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

re

thing

re-

thoroughly

This root has an audio rootcast.

rid

laugh at

rig

stiffness

-rium

place for; thing used for

riv

stream

robor

oak, strength

rod

chew, eat away

rog

ask, request

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

ros

chew, eat away

rotund

round

rub

red

rud

unskilled, untaught

rupt

burst

This root has an audio rootcast.

rus

reject

-ry

act or practice

sacchar

sugar

sacr

sacred, holy

sag

perceive keenly

sal

health, safety

sal

leap, spring forward, jump

sanct

holy

sanguin

blood

sap

in good taste, wise

sat

enough

sav

in good taste, wise

scend

climb, mount

scen

stage

schem

form, shape, manner

sch

split, division

sci

know

scop

see

scrib

write

This root has an audio rootcast.

script

written

This is common root

scrut

probe, examine

search

ring, circle

secr

sacred, holy

sect

cut

This root has an audio rootcast.

secut

follow

sed

sit, settle, rest

seem

fitting

sembl

copy

semin

seed

sem

sign

sens

felt, sensed, perceived

This is common root

sent

be

sent

feel, sense, perceive

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

sen

old man, elder, old

sequ

follow

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

seren

clear, untroubled

sert

join

serv

keep, guard, save

serv

wait on, serve

sever

strict, grave

se-

apart

This root has an audio rootcast.

sibil

hiss, whistle

sider

star

sid

sit

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

sign

mark, seal, sign

This is common root

simil

like

simul

pretend, copy, imitate

sim

once

sin

curve, fold, hollow

sist

stand

This root has an audio rootcast.

situ

positioned

skept

examine, consider

solut

loosened

solv

loosen

This root has an audio rootcast.

sol

alone

sol

comfort

sol

be in the habit of

sol

sun

sol

whole, firm

somat

body

-some

having a certain quality

somn

sleep

son

sound

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

soph

wise, clever

sorb

soak up

sort

lot

sourc

rise

spat

distance, area

spect

see, observe, look, watch over

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

spec

kind, form

spec

see, look at, observe

spers

scatter, besprinkle

sper

hope

spic

see, observe, look, watch over

spir

breathe

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

spit

see, observe, look, watch over

splend

bright, shining

spond

pledge, promise

spor

seed, a sowing, a scattering

spous

pledged, promised

stant

stand, stand still

stas

standing, standing still

stat

stands

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

stereo-

solid

stig

mark, brand, tattoo-mark

still

drop

stitut

set up, decided

stor

renew

strat

covering, spread

strict

drawn tight, confined

string

draw tight, tighten, confine

struct

built

This root has an audio rootcast.

stru

build, construct

This is common root

stup

become dazed, be amazed

suad

make sweet, urge

suav

sweet

sublim

uplifted

sub-

under, from below

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

suc-

under

suf-

under, from below

sull

soil

sult

leap, spring forward, jump

summ

highest, topmost

sumpt

taken up, put on

sum

take up, put on

super-

over, above

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

sup-

under

surg

rise

surrect

rise

sur-

over, above

sur-

under

sus-

under

su

follow

sym-

with, together

syn-

with, together

This root has an audio rootcast.

tabl

board, plank

tact

touched

tac

silent, quiet

tail

a cutting

taint

stained, dyed

tain

have, hold

tang

touch, affect

taph

tomb

tax

arrange, put in order

techn

skill, art, craft

tedi

weariness

teg

cover, shield, protect

temper

regulate, modify

tempt

try

temp

time

This root has an audio rootcast.

tend

stretch

tens

stretch, stretch out

tent

stretched, stretched out

tenu

thin

ten

hold

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

termin

boundary, end, limit

terr

earth, land

This root has an audio rootcast.

terr

frighten

test

witness, proof, indicator

text

weave

them

proposition, idea put forth

therm

heat

thes

put, place

the

god

-tic

relating to a process or state

tim

fear, be afraid

tinct

prick, quench

ting

touch, reach, affect

tin

hold

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

titul

label, title, description

tol

raise, endure

tom

cut

ton

sound

top

place

torp

be stiff, be numb

torr

burn

tort

twisted, wound, wrapped

tot

whole, entire

tour

circle

toxic

poison

tract

drag, pull

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

trans-

across, through

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

treat

drawn

trem

shake, tremble

trepid

alarmed, fearful

tribut

divided, granted, given credit

tric

entangle, make difficulties

trit

rubbed, worn away

tri-

three

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

troph

nourishment, food

trop

turn, change

trud

thrust, push

trunc

trunk, removed by chopping

trus

thrusted, pushed

tum

swell,disturbance, uproar

turb

confusion, turmoil, disorder

turg

be swollen

tus

beat, blunt, deaden the senses

tut

protect, catch sight of

typ

blow, impression, form

-ty

state; quality

-uble

handy, capable of

-ulent

rich in, full of

ult

beyond

-ul-

little

-ul-

repeated activity

umbr

shadow, shade

-um

forms a noun

und

wave

uni-

one

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

un-

not, opposite of

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

-uous

of the nature of

urb

of a city

-ure

shows actions or results

-urnal

active during a given period

-us

forms a noun

us

use

util

useful, practical

vac

be empty

vad

go

vag

wander, roam, rove

val

be strong, be of value

This is common root

vant

from before

van

empty, illusory

vap

steam, spoiled, flat

vari

different, diverse

var

bent

vast

huge

vas

go, proceed, advance

This root has an audio rootcast.

vect

carried

veh

carry, bring

vel

curtain

vener

worship, revere, honor

veng

get even, revenge

vent

come

This is common root

ven

come

This root has an audio rootcast.

ven

sale

verb

word

This root has an audio rootcast.

verd

green

verg

move

vers

turned

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

vert

turn

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

ver

fear

ver

truth

This root has an audio rootcast.

vestig

footprint

vest

clothing, garments

veter

old, long-standing

vex

annoy

vey

see, look at

vibr

shake, quickly move to and fro

vic

instead of, change

vid

see, take care

view

see, perceive

vig

act, be lively

vil

mean, base

vinc

conquer, win

vindic

avenger, defender, revenge

vin

wine

virt

excellence of character

vir

poison

viscer

entrails, internal organs

visc

birdlime

vis

see, look at, observe

This root has an audio rootcast.

This is common root

vit

flaw, defect

vit

life

viv

live

vi

road, way, journey

This is common root

vocat

called, called upon

voc

call

This root has an audio rootcast.

void

empty

vok

call, call upon

volat

fly, move swiftly, speed

volum

book

volut

rolled, wrapped up

volv

roll, wrap up, turn round

This root has an audio rootcast.

vol

wish, want

vor

eat

vot

promise, pledge

vouch

call, call upon

vulg

make common, publish

vuls

pluck, tear up

wan

lessen

-ward

towards a place

wast

desolate, laid waste

writ

write

-y

activity

-y

state or condition

zeal

eager rivalry, fierceness

Differentiated vocabulary for your students is just a click away.

Many words in the English language are formed by taking base words or root words and adding combinations of prefixes and suffixes to them.

root word is the primary form of a word. While root words may contain the core meaning of the word, they cannot stand alone. For example, “bene” is the root in the word “beneficial.”

base word is slightly different from a root because a base is the basic form of a word that can stand on its own. For example, “commit” is the base in the word “commitment.” To differentiate the two, just remember that a base can have affixes attached to it, but it does not have to; a root must have an affix (prefix or suffix), or another root, attached to it in order to make it a whole word. 

prefix is a word part that is placed at the beginning of a word to change or enhance its meaning. For example, “dis—” is the prefix of the word “disagree.”

suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change or enhance its meaning. For example, “—ful” is the suffix of the word “thankful.”

Most English words are actually derivatives of ancient Greek and Latin words. Knowing Greek and Latin roots is an essential reading comprehension strategy for students because they could determine the meaning of an unknown word if they were familiar with any of the prefixes, suffixes, or root words attached to it. When context clues fail, breaking down words into their smallest parts can ensure your students will be successful.

 For example, students might not know what the word “contradict” means, but if they know that “contra” means against and “dict” means speak, they can determine that contradict means: to assert the opposite against what someone has said. Another example is the word “incredulous.” If students know that “in” means not, “cred” means believe, and “ous” means  having, then they could conclude incredulous means: not having a readiness to believe things easily.

Greek and Latin word parts are a tool you want your students to have in their academic tool belt because having a strong vocabulary helps students tremendously with reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Below you can find a FREE, downloadable copy of the 300 most commonly used Greek and Latin root words, suffixes, and prefixes. You can choose particular word parts from the list below to use in your classroom or provide students with this comprehensive list to keep for reference. 

break down words into root prefix and suffix

prefix root suffix list

root words prefixes and suffixes

prefix suffix root word

list of words with prefixes and suffixes

prefixes and suffixes and root words

latin roots prefixes and suffixes

prefix and suffix and root word list

common prefixes suffixes and roots

root words prefixes and suffixes examples

prefix word root and suffix

teaching root words prefixes and suffixes

22 filtered results

22 filtered results

Root Words

Greek Root Words #1

Greek Root Words #1

Unlock the secret to words like «dynamite» and «calligraphy!» Expand your vocabulary with this matching worksheet for common Greek roots.

6th grade

Reading & Writing

Latin Root Words #2

Latin Root Words #2

Explore the meaning of Latin roots with this matching activity! Build essential vocabulary skills with this sixth-grade worksheet.

6th grade

Reading & Writing

Latin Root Words #1

Latin Root Words #1

Explore the meaning of Latin roots like «scribe» and «spect» with this matching activity! Build essential vocabulary skills with this simple one-page worksheet.

5th grade

Reading & Writing

Latin Root Words #3

Latin Root Words #3

Dive into the meaning of Latin roots with this vocabulary-building matching activity!

7th grade

Reading & Writing

Find the Root Words

Find the Root Words

Children will practice spotting root words — and words with root words — as they complete a word search puzzle.

3rd grade

Reading & Writing

Common Root Words and their Meanings

Common Root Words and their Meanings

Common Root Words and their Meanings

This worksheet encourages students to work together to think of as many examples of common root words as they can.

4th grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word, Suffix, and Prefix Review #4

Root Word, Suffix, and Prefix Review #4

Root Word, Suffix, and Prefix Review #4

Practice identifying and relating common prefixes, suffixes, and root words in vocabulary words with this helpful grammar worksheet!

6th grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word, Suffix, and Prefix Review #2

Root Word, Suffix, and Prefix Review #2

Root Word, Suffix, and Prefix Review #2

Assess students’ understanding of word parts and how they relate to word meaning with this grammar worksheet.

5th grade

Reading & Writing

Greek Root Words #2

Greek Root Words #2

Unlock the secret to words like “biodegradable” and “astronomer!” Expand your vocabulary with this matching worksheet for common Greek roots.

6th grade

Reading & Writing

Finding Root Words

Finding Root Words

Help your students review root words so they can analyze unfamiliar words and figure out the meaning without using a dictionary. In this worksheet, students will identify the root of each word containing suffixes and prefixes.

2nd grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word Study: Spect

Root Word Study: Spect

In this vocabulary-building worksheet, third graders will discover words with the root word «spect,» which means to look.

3rd grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word Ladder: Tele

Root Word Ladder: Tele

Practice the root word TELE with this word play worksheet, perfect for strengthening vocabulary skills.

3rd grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word Study: Rupt

Root Word Study: Rupt

In this vocabulary-building worksheet, third graders will discover words with the root word «rupt,» which means to burst or break.

3rd grade

Reading & Writing

Root It Out: Word Sort

Root It Out: Word Sort

This cut-and-paste, categorizing activity helps students review root words!

4th grade

Reading & Writing

Practice Using Roots: Aud

Practice Using Roots: Aud

Practice Using Roots: Aud

Dig into the meaning of the root word “aud” with this sixth-grade vocabulary worksheet by exploring the meaning of the words “audience” and “audible.”

6th grade

Reading & Writing

Practice Using Roots: Voc

Practice Using Roots: Voc

Practice Using Roots: Voc

Dive into the meaning of the root word “voc” with this helpful vocabulary worksheet in which students use the definition of the root word to determine the meaning of other words.

6th grade

Reading & Writing

Practicing Using Prefixes

Practicing Using Prefixes

Practicing Using Prefixes

This worksheet gives fifth graders targeted practice with using the prefixes «de,» «circum,» «trans,» «sub,» «tri,» and «in.»

5th grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word Study: Sign

Root Word Study: Sign

In this vocabulary-building worksheet, third graders will discover words with the root word «sign,» which means to mark or seal.

3rd grade

Reading & Writing

Root Word Wheel: Sign

Root Word Wheel: Sign

Spin the wheel! Kids practice the root word SIGN and build out their vocabulary with this worksheet.

4th grade

Reading & Writing

In English grammar, a root word is the basic lexical unit of a word that carries its core meaning. It is the foundation upon which other words are built by adding prefixes and suffixes. Root words are also known as base words or stem words.

For example, the root word “love” can form other words such as “lovable”, “lovely”, “lover”, “lovingly”, etc. Similarly, the root word “play” can form “playful”, “player”, “playing”, “playground”, and so on.

Understanding root words can help improve vocabulary and comprehension skills as it allows one to recognize the meaning of unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their component parts.

How many word roots are there in English?

There is no definitive answer to the exact number of word roots in English as the language has borrowed extensively from other languages over time, resulting in a vast and constantly evolving vocabulary. However, some estimates suggest that there are thousands of word roots in English.

English has a diverse range of root words, including those of Latin, Greek, Germanic, French, and many other origins. These roots provide the basis for the construction of many English words, allowing speakers to easily understand new words and form new words themselves.

It’s worth noting that many English words have multiple roots, and some words have roots from more than one language. Additionally, some words have been created in English by combining two or more existing words, rather than by using a root word.

Here is a root word list in English:

Aqua: aquarium, aquatic, aquamarine, aqueduct, aquaplane

Aud: audio, auditorium, audible, audition, inaudible

Auto: automobile, autonomy, automatic, autograph, autocracy

Bene: benefit, benevolent, benefactor, benign, benediction

Biblio: bibliography, bibliophile, bibliotherapy, bibulous, bibliopole

Bio: biography, biosynthesis, biochemistry, biofeedback, biotech

Cap: capture, capacity, capsule, capitalize, decapitate

Cardi: cardiac, cardiology, cardiogram, cardiopulmonary, cardiomegaly

Cede: concede, recede, intercede, secede, antecedent

Cogn: recognize, cognitive, incognito, agnostic, cognizance

Corp: corporation, corpse, corporal, corpulent, corporatism

Crypto: cryptic, cryptography, cryptogram, encrypt, cryptologist

Demi: demigod, demitasse, demimonde, demirelief, demitint

Derm: dermatology, dermal, epidermis, hypodermic, taxidermy

Dict: dictate, dictator, diction, predict, verdict

Duct: conduct, ductile, ductwork, abduct, induct

Dyna: dynamic, dynamite, dynasty, hydrodynamic, thermodynamic

Equi: equal, equitable, equinox, equilateral, equidistant

Extra: extraordinary, extraterrestrial, extravagant, extraneous, extracurricular

Fer: transfer, infer, fertile, defer, aquifer

Fid: confident, fidelity, infidel, confidential, affidavit

Flu: fluid, fluctuate, influence, influenza, fluent

Fort: fortress, fortify, fortunate, fortitude, comfort

Fract: fracture, fraction, refract, infraction, fractal

Gen: generation, genetics, generate, genealogy, carcinogen

Geo: geology, geography, geocentric, geothermal, geopolitics

Graph: graphic, autograph, graphite, photography, lithograph

Hydro: hydrology, hydroplane, hydrophobia, dehydrate, hydrometer

Hyper: hyperactive, hyperbole, hypertension, hypercritical, hyperrealism

Hypo: hypodermic, hypoglycemia, hypothesis, hypothermia, hypotension

Intra: intramural, intravenous, intrapersonal, intrastate, intrauterine

Jur: justice, juror, jurisdiction, jury, injure

Loc: location, relocate, local, dislocate, locomotion

Log: logic, logarithm, dialogue, apology, analog

Luc: lucid, translucent, elucidate, lucubrate, pellucid

Macro: macroeconomics, macrocosm, macrophage, macronutrient, macroevolution

Mal: malevolent, malfunction, malnutrition, malcontent, maladjusted

Medi: medium, mediate, meditation, medieval, intermediary

Mega: megaphone, megalopolis, megabyte, megalomania, megafauna

Micro: microscope, microbe, microcosm, microeconomics, microchip

Naut: Nautical, astronaut, astronautics

Neo: Neoclassical, neologism, neonatal

Neuro: Neurology, neuroscience, neuropsychology

Oct: Octagon, octopus, octave

Omni: Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent

Opt: Optimal, optician, optimize

Pac: Pacify, pacifist, pacifier

Pan: Panorama, pandemic, panacea

Path: Pathology, empathy, psychopath

Ped: Pedal, pedestrian, pediatrics

Phil: Philosophy, philanthropy, bibliophile

Phon: Phone, phonics, microphone

Photo: Photography, photogenic, photosynthesis

Pod: Podiatry, tripod, pseudopod

Poly: Polygon, polygamy, polymer

Quad: Quadrant, quadruple, quadrennial

Retro: Retroactive, retrograde, retrospective

Rhin: Rhinoceros, rhinoplasty, rhinestone

Scope: Telescope, microscope, periscope

Sect: Section, sectarian, bisect

Semi: Semifinal, semicolon, semiconscious

Sol: Solitude, solo, solar

Spec: Spectacle, specter, spectator

Super: Superman, superpower, supervises

Syn/Sym: Synchronize, synthesis, sympathy

Tele: Television, telegraph, telepathy

Terra: Terrestrial, terrain, extraterrestrial

Trans: Transportation, transfer, transcontinental

Ultra: Ultraviolet, ultrasonic, ultraconservative

Uni: Universe, unify, unicorn

Ver: Verify, veracity, veritable

Vice: Vice-president, viceroy, vice-chancellor

Vid/Vis: Video, visible, vision

Water: Waterproof, watercolor, waterlogged

Xeno: Xenophobia, xenophile, xenon

Y/yr: Yearly, anniversary, centenary

Zen: Zenith, zenon, zenana

Zo: Zoology, zoo, protozoan

Root Words List | Images

Root Word Examples

Root Word List

Root Word

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fullwarezcracks.com

techiedownloads.com

usecrack.com

imagerocket.net

techbytecode.com

pspdev.org

takwin.info

in-kahoot.com

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