Words with the root word term

Choose the letter of the sentence in which the indicated word is used incorrectly.

a. In Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, a young man wastes his inheritance.

b. At a potlach, a ceremonial feast held among Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest, prodigal hosts may bestow gifts amounting to an entire fortune.

c. Struggling to find escape from her dull life as a village doctor’s wife, Emma Bovary became a prodigal, buying fancy clothes and furnishings on borrowed money.

d. Don’t prodigal electricity! Turn off the lights when you leave the room.

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Источник

Teachers frequently debate this question: What’s the difference between a root, base word, and stem? The reason teachers are forced to debate this question is that their textbooks present a model that quickly falls apart in the real world.

If teachers are confused, their students will also be confused. By the end of this page, you won’t be confused. To end this confusion, we will look at two systems:

1. The Traditional Root and Base-Word System for Kids
2. A Modern System of Morphemes, Roots, Bases, and Stems from Linguistics

The Traditional Root and Base-Word System for Kids

Here is a problem-filled system that, unfortunately, some students still learn.

Students learn that ROOTS are Greek and Latin roots. Most of these roots cannot stand alone as words when we remove the prefixes and suffixes.

Q e.g., Word: justify      Latin Root: jus (law)

Students also learn that BASE WORDS can stand alone as words when we remove all of the prefixes and suffixes. Students learn that if it cannot stand alone when we remove all of the prefixes and suffixes, then it is not a base word.

Q e.g., Word: kindness      Base Word: kind

The problem comes later in the day when the teacher is teaching verb tenses.

Q Teacher: Look at these two verbs: responded and responding. What’s the base word?

Q Student #1: Respond.

Q Teacher: Correct!

Q Student #2: Isn’t re- a prefix? If re- is a prefix, then respond can’t be a base word. I suspect that spond is a Latin root. Is it?

Q Teacher: I’m not sure. Let me research this. Yes, the word respond has the prefix re- attached to the Latin root spond. The Latin root spond comes from sponder, which means to pledge.

Although the teacher was looking for the answer “respond,” Student #2’s answer was the correct answer according to this Traditional System. That’s how easily the Traditional System falls apart. And the problems get worse from here.

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Modern Linguistics

I looked at a few current student textbooks from major publishers, and most of them don’t mention the terms base or base word. They only use the term root in their basic word studies. I suspect that this is because modern linguistics has created a new meaning for the term base.

In case you are not aware, modern linguistics and modern grammar fix many of the broken models from centuries past—i.e., models and definitions that quickly fall apart when you question them. These days, most books on linguistics and morphology present a somewhat standardized model. In English Word-Formation (1983), Laurie Bauer explains this model succinctly and definitively. Let’s take a look.

English Word-Formation (1983) by Laurie Bauer

As you can see below, Bauer acknowledges the root/stem/base problem and then explains a model that removes the ambiguity.

The Problem: “‘Root’, ‘stem’ and ‘base’ are all terms used in the literature to designate that part of a word that remains when all affixes have been removed. Of more recent years, however, there has been some attempt to distinguish consistently between these three terms.”

Root: “A root is a form which is not further analysable, either in terms of derivational or inflectional morphology. It is that part of word-form that remains when all inflectional and derivational affixes have been removed… In the form ‘untouchables’ the root is ‘touch’.”

Stem: “A stem is of concern only when dealing with inflectional morphology. In the form ‘untouchables’ the stem is ‘untouchable’.” [In short, when you remove the inflectional suffixes, you have the stem.]

Base: “A base is any form to which affixes of any kind can be added. This means that any root or any stem can be termed a base… ‘touchable’ can act as a base for prefixation to give ‘untouchable’.”

This model holds up across the curriculum. This model is the foundation of what I teach my students.

My Perfect Model: Roots, Stems, and Bases

I always like to have a complete model in mind that holds up across the curriculum. This lets me find teaching moments and ensures that I can answer my students’ questions clearly and consistently. Although I may not teach my students the entire model, at least the concepts are straight in my mind.

For this reason, I created this “Perfect Model of Roots, Stems, and Bases.” To be clear, this model is an interpretation and fuller explanation of what you might find in a linguistics book. Let me explain it to you. It all begins with morphemes.

Keep in mind that teachers don’t need to teach their students this entire model. In fact, most teachers will want to keep their morphology lessons simple and focus on roots, prefixes, and suffixes. But all teachers will want to understand this entire model.

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Morphemes

The term morpheme unifies the concepts of roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and therefore, it is an extremely valuable word. In short, words are composed of parts called morphemes, and each morpheme contributes meaning to the word. Morphemes are the smallest unit of language that contains meaning. Roots, prefixes, and suffixes all have one thing in common—they are all single morphemes. In contrast, stems and bases can be composed of one or many morphemes.

Root / Root Morpheme

When I use the term root, I always mean the root morpheme. The root is always the main morpheme that carries the main meaning of a word. Since a morpheme is the smallest unit of language that contains meaning, we can’t divide or analyze the root morpheme any further. Although a root can be a stand-alone word, to avoid confusion, I never use the term “root word.” I use the term root, and I use the term root morpheme to reinforce what a root is.

We have two types of root morphemes:

1. Dependent (bound) Roots: These roots cannot stand alone as words. These roots are usually Greek and Latin roots. Here are a few examples:

    • liberty          root: liber (free)
    • interrupt         root: rupt (break)
    • similar         root: sim (like)

2. Independent (free) Roots: These roots are stand-alone words. Practically speaking, these roots are almost always single-syllable words. You know the ones. It seems to me that most multi-syllable words can be further divided and further analyzed. With a little research, one finds that an ancient prefix or suffix has merged with a root. In short, most multi-syllable words are not root morphemes.

Here is what they thought 150 years ago. Although modern linguistics does not agree with these statements, it’s still food for thought. My point is that most of the independent roots that we deal with inside of the classroom are single-syllable words.

Q “All languages are formed from roots of one syllable.” – New Englander Magazine (1862)

Q “All words of all languages can be reduced to one-syllable roots.” – New Jerusalem Magazine (1853)

Here are a few examples:

    • replaced          root: place
    • mindfulness         root: mind
    • carefully         root: care

The Terms: Dependent Root and Independent Root

Modern linguistics use the term bound (for dependent) and free (for independent) to classify morphemes. Since teachers spend so much time teaching students about dependent clauses and independent clauses, I transfer this knowledge and terminology over to morphemes. Put simply: independent morphemes CAN stand alone; dependent morphemes CAN’T stand alone.

Q PREFIXES and SUFFIXES are almost always dependent morphemes—i.e., they can’t stand alone as words.

Q ROOTS are either dependent or independent morphemes.

Now, we will examine words that contain one root and words that contain two roots. As you examine these words, pay special attention to the dependent root and independent root aspect.

One Root: Many words have just one root. That one root may be a Dependent Root or an Independent Root. Remember, the root carries the main meaning of the word.

Q Word: justify             Dependent Root: jus

Q Word: kindness           Independent Root: kind

Two Roots: Some words have two roots. The roots may be Dependent Roots or Independent Roots. With two roots, each root contributes near equal meaning to the word.

Two Dependent Roots

Q Word: geography       Dependent Root: geo (earth)    Root: graph (write)

Q Word: carnivore   Dependent Root: carn (flesh)   Dependent Root: vor (swallow)

Q Word: cardiovascular   Dependent Root: cardi (heart)    Dependent Root: vas (vessel)

Two Independent Roots

Q Word: bathroom    Independent Root: bath    Independent Root: room

Q Word: downfall    Independent Root: down    Independent Root: fall

Q Word: popcorn    Independent Root: pop    Independent Root: corn

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Stem

I use the term stem just as Bauer does. To find the stem, simply remove the inflectional suffixes. It’s that simple.

When to Use the Term Stem: The term stem is quite unnecessary in many classrooms, as all stems are bases. For this reason, teachers can always use the term base instead of stem. However, the concept of stems is helpful in teaching students about inflectional suffixes. Inflectional suffixes are different from derivational affixes (derivational prefixes and derivational suffixes).

Q Word: reddest    Stem: red

Q Word: girls’    Stem: girl

Q Word: boats    Stem: boat

Q Word: preapproved    Stem: preapprove

Q Word: justifying    Stem: justify

Q Word: responded   Stem: respond

Q Word: unjustifiable    Stem: no stem

Q Word: kindness    Stem: no stem

Base / Base Word

Bauer says, “A base is any form to which affixes of any kind can be added. This means that any root or any stem can be termed a base.”

In the table below, I use two labels to show how base and root relate to each other. Sometimes a base is a root (marked   Q Base/Root), and sometimes it is not a root (marked   Q Base).

To be clear, we can add a prefix or suffix to every base even if it already has a prefix or suffix. Furthermore, if we can add a prefix or suffix to something, we can call it a base.

Word: reread    Q Base/Root: read

Word: unhelpful    Q Base: helpful    Q Base/Root: help

Word: justifying    Q Base: justify    Q Base/Root: jus

Word: unreliable    Q Base: reliable    Q Base/Root: rely

Word: preponderance    Q Base: ponderance (uncommon)    Q Base/Root: ponder

Word: responded    Q Base: respond    Q Base/Root: spond

Word: preapproved    Q Base: preapprove    Q Base: approve    Q Base: approved    Q Base: proved    Q Base/Root: prove

Base vs. Base Word: To keep things simple, teachers should probably strike the term “base word” from their vocabulary. However, if the base is a complete word that can stand alone, teachers may choose to (or through force of habit) refer to it as a base word. If the base can’t stand alone, be sure not to call it a base word.

When to Use the Term Base: The term base is somewhat of a generic term for when we are not interested in or concerned with the root morpheme. As an example, we may choose to use the term base when we are ADDING prefixes and suffixes. When we are adding prefixes and suffixes, we often are unconcerned with finding or discussing the root morpheme. (Remember, we often add prefixes and suffixes to words that already contain prefixes and suffixes.) We may also choose to use the term base when removing a single, specific prefix or suffix, as the word may still contain other prefixes or suffixes.

Putting It All Together

Here is a table to help get you started in your word analysis studies related to root, stem, and base.

Example Word Stem Root: Dependent Root: Independent Base
1. undeniable  deny ** deny; deniable
2. reinvented reinvent ven/vent ven/vent; invent; reinvent
3. deforestation forest *** forest; forestation
4. interacted interact act * act; interact
5. demographics demographic demo graph * demo; graph; demographic
6. responding respond spond spond; respond
7. preserving preserve serv serv; preserve
8. hopefully hope hope; hopeful

The Asterisks: The asterisks may be the most important part of this table. They help illustrate that every word has a unique history that often makes analysis and classification complicated and debatable.

* act and graph are also Latin roots

** deny is from Latin denegare = de (away) + negare (to refuse; to say no); since deny technically
has a Latin prefix (de-), you may choose to classify the word differently.

*** forest is from Latin foris meaning outdoors, and unlike the word deny, cannot be analyzed as
having a prefix or suffix attached.

Источник

SKIP TO CONTENT

  1. root word the form of a word after all affixes are removed

  2. northwards in a northern direction

  3. southwards toward the south

  4. outwards toward the outside

  5. leotards skintight knit hose covering the body from the waist to the feet worn by acrobats and dancers and as stockings by women and girls

  6. frontwards at or to or toward the front

  7. rearwards at or to or toward the back or rear

  8. root rot disease characterized by root decay; caused by various fungi

  9. two-thirds two of three equal parts of a divisible whole

  10. sidewards toward one side

  11. retrorse bent or curved backward or downward

  12. Rotterdam the 2nd largest city in the Netherlands

  13. Edwards American theologian whose sermons and writings stimulated a period of renewed interest in religion in America (1703-1758)

  14. Richards English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

  15. stewardess a woman steward on an airplane

  16. idle words empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk

  17. good word something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable

  18. toothwort North American herb with pungent scaly or toothed roots

  19. westwards toward the west

  20. eastwards toward the east

Источник
list a/n not, without Greek abyss — without bottom; achromatic — without color; anhydrous — without water list a on Latin afire — on fire; ashore — on the shore; aside — on the side list a, ab/s
 from, away, off Latin abduct — carry away by force; abnormal — away from normal, not normal; absent — away, not present; aversion — the act of turning away from; abbreviate: to shorten. list a/c/d to, toward, near Latin

accelerate — to increase the speed of; accessible — easily entered, approached, or obtained; admittance — allowing into;

list acro top, height, tip, beginning Greek

acrobat — a «high walker»; acronym — a word formed from the first (capital) letters of a word; acrophobia — fear of height

list act do Latin activity — something that a person does; react — to do something in response; interaction — communication between two or more things list aer/o air Greek aerate — to let air reach something; aerial — relating to the air; aerospace — the air space list agr/i/o farming Latin
Greek agriculture — management of the land, agribusiness — making money by utilizing land; agrarian — relating to the management of land list alg/o pain Latin neuralgia — pain caused by a nerve; analgesic — a drug that makes one pain free; nostalgia — aching for the familiar list ambi, amphi both, on both sides, around Latin ambidextrous — able to use both hands equally; ambiguous — having more than one meaning; ambivalence — conflicting or opposite feelings toward a person or thing list ambul walk, move Latin amble — to walk in a slow, relaxed way; ambulant — walking or moving around; ambulance — a vehicle that moves a patient list ami/o love Latin amiable — friendly, pleasant, lovable; amity — friendly and peaceful relations; amorous — showing romantic love list ana up, back, against,
again, throughout Greek analysis — a close examination of something; anatomy — the structure of something as visible when cut up for analysis; anachronism — not being in the right place in time list andr/o man, male Greek androgynous — being both male and female; android — resembling a human; misandry — hatred towards men list anim life, spirit Latin animal — a living organism; animate — to make alive; equanimity — of balanced spirit list ann/enn year Latin anniversary — a date observed once a year; annual — happening once a year; millennium — 1,000 years list ante before, in front Latin antecede — to come before something in time; antemeridian — before noon; anteroom- a small room before the main room list anth/o flower Greek chrysanthemum and amaranth — names of flowers; anthology — a collection of treasured writings; anthozoan — half plant, half animal, like anemones and corals. list anthrop/o human Greek anthropology — the study of mankind; anthropomorphism — giving human form to non-human things; philanthropy — the love to mankind (expressed through good deeds) list anti against, opposite of Greek antibody — a substance that destroys micro-organisms; antiseptic — preventing infection; antisocial — opposing social norm list apo, apho away, off, separate Greek aphorism — a short expression of a general truth; apology — an explicit expression of regret, apostrophe — a small dash used in place of an omitted letter list aqu/a water Latin aquarium — a water container for fish; aquatic- relating to water; aqueduct — a pipeline for water list arbor tree Latin arborist — someone working with trees; arbor — a shady area formed by trees; arborous — having many trees list arch/i
 chief, most important, rule Greek archbishop — the highest ranking bishop; archenemy — chief or worst enemy; matriarch — a female who rules a group; monarch — a king or queen list arch/a/i primitive, ancient Greek archaeology — the study of ancient cultures; archaic — belonging to an earlier period; archive — a collection of historical materials list arthr/o joint Latin
Greek arthroscope — a tool to see inside a joint; arthritis — inflammation of a joint; arthropod — invertebrates with jointed legs, like spiders, crustaceans, insects list art skill Latin artifact — object made by a person’s skill; artisan — a person skilled in a craft; artist — a person who creates skillfully list astro,
aster star, stars, outer space Greek astronaut — a person traveling to the stars; astronomer — someone who studies the stars; asterisk — a star-shaped sign used as a reference tool list aud/i/io hear Latin audible — loud enough to be heard; audience — people who listen to a program; audiovisual — relating to sound and vision list auto self, same, one Greek autocrat — a person who governs with absolute power; autograph — a person’s own signature; automatic — moving by itself list avi/a bird Latin aviary — a large enclosure for birds; aviatrix — a female airplane pilot; aviation — the art of designing or operating aircraft list bar/o pressure, weight Greek baric — pertaining to pressure, esp. of the atmosphere; milliard — metric unit, equal to 1/1000th of a bar; baryon — heavy elementary particle list bell/i war Latin bellicose — warlike; belligerent — hostile, ready to fight; rebel — person who opposes and fights list bene good, well Latin benefactor — person who gives money to a cause; beneficial — producing a good effect; benevolent — showing kindness or goodwill list bi/n two, twice, once in every two Latin biannual — happening twice a year; binoculars — optical device with two lenses; bilateral — of or involving two sides list bibli/o book Greek bibliography — a list of books used as sources; bibliomania — an extreme love of books; bibliophile — a person who loves books list bio life, living matter Greek biography- a life story written by another person; biology — the science of life; biosphere — Earth’s surface inhabited by living things list blast/o cell, primitive, immature cell Greek blastula — an early stage of embryonic development; fibroblast — a cell that forms connective tissue; blastoderm — the layer surrounding the inside of an egg list burs pouch, purse Latin bursar- an administrative officer in charge of funds; bursary- the treasury of a college or monastery; disburse- to expend especially from a public fund list calc stone Latin calcite; calcium- the flame of acetylene gas generated by reaction of calcium carbide with water; calcification- impregnation with calcareous matter list cand glowing, iridescent Latin candid- free from bias, prejudice, or malice; candle- something that gives light; incandescent- white, glowing, or luminous with intense heat list capt, cept, ceive take, hold Latin intercept — to stop or interrupt;

perceive — to take notice of something; captivating — taking hold of

list cardi/o heart Greek cardiac — relating to the heart; cardiogenic — resulting from heart disease; cardiologist — a heart doctor list carn/i flesh, meat Latin carnivorous — flesh-eating; carnal — pertaining to the body or flesh; incarnate — given bodily form list cata down, against
completely, intensive,
according to Greek cataclysm — a flood or other disaster, catalog — a complete listing; catastrophe — turning for the worst, a substantial disaster list caust,
caut to burn Latin
Greek

cauterize — to burn with a hot instrument; caustic — capable of burning or eating away; holocaust — total devastation, especially by fire

list cede,
ceed,
cess go, yield Latin

exceed — to go beyond the limits; recede — to go back; accessible — easily entered, approached, or obtained;

list celer fast Latin accelerate — to increase the speed of; decelerate — to reduce the speed of list cent/i hundred, hundredth Latin centennial- the 100th anniversary; centimeter — 1/100 of a meter; century — 100 years list centr/o/i center Greek egocentric — self-centered; eccentric — not having a common center, not according to norm; centrifugal — moving outward from a center list cephal/o head Greek encephalitis — inflammation of the brain; cephalic — pertaining to the head; cephalopod — marine mollusks like octopus and squid who have tentacles growing from their head list cerebr/o brain Latin cerebral — pertaining to the brain; cerebrate — to use the brain; cerebrospinal — pertaining to the brain and the spinal cord list cert sure Latin ascertain- to find out something with certainty; certain — being absolutely sure; certify — to state that something is true list chrom/o chromat/o, chros color, pigment Greek achromatic — without color; chromium — a blue-white metallic chemical element, chromatics — the study of color list chron/o time Greek chronic — lasting for a long time; chronological — arranging events in time order, synchronize — happening at the same time list chrys/o gold, yellow Greek chrysanthemum and helichrysum — golden/yellow flowers; chrysolite — a yellowish gem list cide, cise cut, kill Latin homicide — murder; incisor — a sharp tooth for cutting food; insecticide — a chemical used to kill insects list circum,
circle around, about Latin circumnavigate — to sail around; circumscribe — to draw around; circumspect — looking around list claim, clam shout, speak out Latin clamor — to shout and make noise; exclaim — to cry out loudly and suddenly; proclamation — something announced officially in public list clar clear Latin clarification — an explanation; clarify — to make something clear; declare — to state something clearly list clud, clus close Latin conclusion — the end or last part; exclusion — shutting out, rejecting; seclude — to keep away from; to isolate list cline lean Latin inclination — a leaning toward; incline — a surface that slopes or leans; recline — to lean back and relax list co with, together, joint Latin coauthor — writer who collaborates with another author; coeducation — educating males and females together; cohousing — planning your neighborhood in an intentional neighborly fashion list col together, jointly Latin Collaborate — to work together; collision — smashing together; colloquial — words formed by everday interaction list com together, common Latin commemorate — to memorize together; composition — an arrangement or putting together of parts; commune — living together while owning things in common list cogn/i know Latin cognition — process of acquiring knowledge; incognito — disguised so no one knows you; recognize — to discover that one knows list con with, jointly Latin concur — to agree with someone; contemporary — of the same time period as others; convention — a gathering of people with a common interest list contra/o against, opposite Latin contradict to argue against, Contraflow, contraception, contrary not in agreement, controversy disagreement list corp/o body Latin corporation — a company recognized by law as a single body; corpse — a dead body; corporal — pertaining to the body list cosm/o universe Greek cosmonaut — a Russian astronaut; cosmos — the universe; microcosm — a miniature universe list counter opposite, contrary, opposing counteract — to oppose the effects of an action; countermand — to cancel a previous order; counteroffensive — attack against an attack list cranio skull Greek craniology — the study of skull characteristics; cranium — skull of vertebrates; cranial — pertaining to the skull list cred believe Latin credence — belief that something is true or valid; credulous — believing things too easily, gullible; incredible — unbelievable list cruc cross Latin crucial-characteristic of or having the form of a cross ; crucifix- the cross itself as a Christian emblem; excruciating-  so intense as to cause great pain or anguish list crypto hidden, secret Greek cryptic — of hidden meaning; cryptography — science of secret codes; encrypt — encode into secret code list cumul mass, heap Latin accumulate — to gather or pile up; cumulative — gradually building up list curr, curs run Latin concurrent- running parallel; current- flowing easily and smoothly; cursive- having a flowing, easy, impromptu character list cycl circle, ring Greek bicycle — a vehicle with two wheels; cycle — a sequence that is repeated; cyclone — a storm with circling winds list de reduce, away, down, remove Latin decelerate — to slow down, reduce speed; dethrone — to remove from power; debug — to remove bugs list dec/a,
deka ten Greek decade — 10 years; decathlon — athletic contest that includes 10 disciplines in which each participant competes; December — formerly the 10th month of the Roman calendar list deci one tenth Latin deciliter — a tenth of a liter; decimate — reduce dramatically; decibel — one tenth of the sound volume unit bel list dem/o people Greek democracy — government of the people; demographic — the study of people; epidemic — spreading among people in a region list demi half, less than Latin demitasse — a small cup of coffee; demimonde — someone of little respected life style list dendr/o/i tree Greek philodendron — a climbing plant that grows on trees; dendrochronology — dating events by studying growth rings in trees; dendriform — in the shape of a tree list dent, dont tooth Latin dental — relating to teeth; dentist — a doctor for the teeth; dentures — a set of false teeth list derm/a skin Greek dermatologist — a doctor for the skin; pachyderm — a class of animals with very thick skin (elephant, rhinoceros); dermatitis — inflammation of the skin list di/plo two, twice Greek dichromatic — displaying two colors; diploma — a certificate, literally «a letter folded double»; dilemma — a situation that requires a choice between two alternatives. list di/s apart, away,
not, to the opposite Latin digression — a departure from the main issue, subject; disappear — to move out of sight; dissect — to cut apart piece by piece. list dia through, between,
apart, across Greek diabetes — disease characterized by excessive thirst and discharge of urine; diagnosis — understanding a condition by going through a detailed review of symptoms; dialog — conversation between two people. list dict speak Latin contradict — to express the opposite of; prediction — a statement foretelling the future; dictate — to speak out loud for another person to write down. list domin master Latin dominate — to be the master of; domineering — excessively controlling; predominate — to have more power than others list don/at give Latin donation — a contribution or gift; donor — someone who gives something; pardon — to give forgiveness for an offense list duc/t lead Latin conduct — to lead musicians in playing music; educate — to lead to knowledge; deduction — a subtraction of an amount. list du/o two, twice Latin duplicate — make an identical copy; duet — a musical composition for two voices or instruments; duo — a pair normally thought of as being together. list dur harden, to last, lasting Latin durable — having the quality of lasting; duration — the length of time something lasts; enduring — able to last. list dyn/a/am power, energy, strength Greek dynamo — a generator of energy; dynamic — having physical energy/power; dynamite — a powerful explosive. list dys abnormal, bad Greek dyspepsia — abnormal digestion; dystopia — an imaginary place of total misery; dyslexia — impairment of the ability to handle words. list e- out, away Latin eloquent — speaking beautifully and forcefully; emissary — a representative of a country or group sent on a mission; eject — throw out forcefully. list ego self Latin
Greek egoistic — self-centered; alter ego — a higher aspect of oneself; egomania — excessive preoccupation with oneself. list em, en into, cover with, cause empathy — intention to feel like another person; empower — put into power; engorge — make larger. list endo within, inside Greek endotherm — a creature that can keep its inside temperature fairly constant; endocrine — relating to glands that secrete directly into the blood or lymph; endogamy — the custom to marry within one’s clan, tribe etc. list enn/i, anni years Latin bicentennial — of or relating to an age or period of 200 years; centennial — of or relating to an age or period of 100 years; perennial -lasting through many years. list en, in inside, inwards Latin envision — to picture in the mind; enclose — lock inside; inwards — towards the inside. list ep/i on, upon, over,
among, at, after,
to, outside Greek epidemic — the rapid spread of something negative; epilogue — a short speech delivered after a play; epicenter — the center of an earthquake. list equ/i equal, equally Latin equidistant — an equal distance from two points; equanimity — calm temperament, evenness of temper; equation — a statement of equality. list erg/o work Greek ergonomics — study of the working environment; energy — the power to accomplish work; energetics — science that looks at energy and its transformation. list esth/aesth feeling, sensation, beauty Latin esthetician — someone who beautifies; aesthetic — pertaining to a sense of beauty; kinesthesia — the sensation of bodily movement. list ethno race, people Greek ethnic — pertaining to a defined group of people; ethnocentric — focusing on the ethnicity of people; ethnology — the science of people and races. list eu good, well Greek euphemism — replacing an offensive word with an inoffensive one; euphonious — having a pleasant sound; euphoria — feeling of well-being. list ex from, out, Latin excavate — to dig out; exhale — to breathe out; extract — to pull out. list extra, extro outside, beyond Latin extraordinary — beyond ordinary; extraterrestrial — outside the Earth; extrovert — an outgoing person. list fac/t make, do Latin artifact — an object made by a person; factory — a place where things are made; malefact — a person who does wrong. list fer bear, bring, carry Latin confer — to bring an honor to someone; ferry — a boat that carries passengers; transfer — to move to another place. list fid faith Latin confide — place trust in someone, fidelity — faithfulness; fiduciary — a trustee; list flect bend Latin deflect — to bend course because of hitting something; inflection — a bending in the voice’s tone or pitch; flexible — easily bending. list flor/a,
fleur flower Latin florist — someone working with flowers; floral — flowerlike; flora — the plant life of a particular time or area list for completely (used to intensify
the meaning of a word) forsaken or forfeited — completely lost; forgiven — completely given (a release of debt). list fore in front of, previous, earlier forebear — ancestor; forebode — to give an advance warning of something bad; forecast — a preview of events to be. list form shape Latin conformity- correspondence in form, manner, or character; formation- something that is formed; reformatory- intended for reformation list fract, frag break Latin fracture — a break; fragile — easy to break; fragment or fraction — a part or element of a larger whole; list fug flee, run away, escape Latin fugitive — a person who is running away; refuge — a sheltered place to flee to; refugee — a person seeking protection list funct perform, work Latin defunct — no longer working or alive; function — to work or perform a role normally; malfunction — to fail to work correctly. list fus pour Latin confusion — being flooded with too much information that is hard to make sense of; fuse — to melt by heating; infuse — to put into. list gastr/o stomach Greek gastric — pertaining to the stomach; gastronomy — serving the stomach by providing good food; gastritis — inflammation of the stomach. list gen/o/e/
genesis birth, production,
formation, kind Greek genealogy — the study of the history of a family; generation — all the people born at approximately the same time; genetic -relating to heredity encoded in the genes. list geo earth, soil, global Greek geography — study of the earth’s surface; geology — study of the structure of the earth; geoponics — soil based agriculture. list ger old age Greek geriatrics — medicine pertaining to the elderly; gerontocracy — the rule of the elders; gerontology — the science of aging. list giga a billion Greek gigabyte — unit of computer storage space; gigahertz — unit of frequency (one billion Hz/sec); gigawatt unit of electric power (one billion watts). list gon angle Latin
Greek decagon — a polygon with 10 angles; diagonal — a slanting line running across a space; octagon — a geometrical figure with 8 angles. list gram letter, written Greek diagram — a simple drawing; grammar — rules of how to write words in sentences; telegram — a message sent by telegraph. list gran grain Latin granary- a storehouse or repository for grain especially after it is threshed or husked; granola- a mixture of rolled oats and other ingredients; granule- a little grain (as of sugar) list graph/y writing, recording, written Greek Graphology — the study of handwritings; autograph — written with one’s own hand; seismograph — a machine noting strength and duration of earthquakes. list grat pleasing Latin gratify — to please someone; grateful — feeling thankful; gratuity — a tip, token of appreciation. list gyn/o/e woman, female Greek gynecology — the science of female reproductive health; gynephobia — fear of women; gynecoid — resembling a woman. list gress, grad/e/i to step, to go Latin digression — a departure from the main issue, subject, etc.; progress — movement forward or onward; gradual — step by step. list hect/o, hecat hundred Greek hectoliter — 100 liters; hectare — metric unit equaling 100 ares or 10,000 square meters; hectometer — 100 meters. list helic/o spiral, circular Greek helicopter — an aircraft with horizontal rotating wing; helix — a spiral form; helicon — a circular tuba. list heli/o sun Greek heliotropism — movement or growth in relating to the sun; heliograph — apparatus used to send message with the help of sunlight; helianthus — genus of plants including sunflowers. list hemi half, partial Greek hemicycle — a semicircular structure; hemisphere — one half of the earth; hemistich — half a line of poetry. list hem/o/a blood Latin
Greek hemorrhage — clotting of the blood; hemorrhoids — swelling of the blood vessels; hemoglobin — red blood particle. list hepa liver Latin hepatitis — inflammation of the liver; hepatoma — a tumor of the liver; hepatotoxic — toxic and damaging to the liver. list hept/a seven Greek heptagon — a shape with seven angles and seven sides; Heptateuch — the first seven books of the Old Testament; heptameter — a line of verse consisting of seven metrical feet. list herbi grass, plant Latin herbicide — any chemical used to kill unwanted plants, etc.; herbivorous — plant-eating; herbal — relating to plants. list hetero different, other Greek heterogeneous — made up of unrelated parts; heteronyms — words with same spelling but different meanings; heterodox — not conforming to traditional beliefs. list hex/a six Greek hexagon — a shape with six angles/sides; hexameter — a verse measured in six; hexapod — having six legs. list histo tissue Greek histology — study of the microscopic structure of tissues; histochemistry — study of the chemical constitution of cells and tissues. list homo,
homeo like, alike, same Latin
Greek homogeneous — of the same nature or kind; homonym — sounding alike; homeopath — a therapy that is based on treating «same with same» list hydr/o liquid, water Greek hydrate — to add water to; hydrophobia — intense fear of water; hydroponics — growing plants in liquid nutrient solution; hydraulic — operated by force created by a liquid. list hygr/o moisture, humidity Greek hygrometer — tool used to measure humidity; hygrograph — instrument for recording variations in atmospheric humidity. list hyper too much, over,
excessive, beyond Latin
Greek hyperactive — very restless; hypercritical — too critical; hypertension — above normal pressure. list hyp/o under Greek hypoglycemia — an abnormally low level of sugar in the blood; hypothermia — abnormally low body temperature; hypothesis — a theory that is unproven but used under the assumption that it is true. list iatr/o medical care Greek geriatrics — medical care of the elderly; pediatrician — a doctor who treats children; podiatry — medical care for feet. list icon/o image Latin
Greek icon — an (often religious) image, in modern usage a simplified graphic of high symbolic content; iconology — science of symbols and icons; iconoclast — someone who destroys religious images and traditional beliefs. list idio peculiar, personal, distinct Greek idiomatic — Peculiar to a particular language; idiosyncracy — a physical or mental characteristic typical or a particular person; idiot — someone who is distinctly foolish or stupid. list il, in in, into Latin illuminate — to give light to; innovation — a new idea, method, or device; inspection — the act of examining or reviewing. list ig, il, im,
in, ir not, without Latin illegal — not legal; impossible — not possible; inappropriate — not appropriate; irresponsible — not responsible. list imag likeness Latin image — a likeness of someone; imaginative — able to think up new ideas or images; imagine — to form a picture or likeness in the mind. list infra beneath, below Latin infrastructure — underlying framework of a system; infrared — below the regular light spectrum. list inter between, among, jointly Latin international — involving two or more countries; intersection — place where roads come together; intercept — to stop or interrupt the course of. list intra,
intro within, inside Latin intrastate — existing in one state; intravenous — inside or into a vein; introvert — shy person who keeps within him/herself. list ir not Latin irredeemable — not redeemable; irreformable — not reformable; irrational — not rational. list iso equal isobar — a line on a map connecting points of equal barometric pressure; isometric — having equality of measure; isothermal — having equal or constant temperature. list ject throw Latin eject — to throw someone/something out; interject — to throw a remark into a discussion; project — to cast or throw something. list jud law Latin judgment — a decision of a court of law; judicial — having to do with judges or courts of law; judiciary — a system of courts of law. list junct join Latin conjunction — a word that joins parts of sentences; disjunction — a disconnection; junction — a place where two things join. list juven young Latin juvenile — youthful or childish; rejuvenate — to bring back to youthful strength or appearance. list kilo thousand Greek kilobyte — 1,000 bytes; kilometer — 1,000 meter; kilograms — 1,000 grams. list kine/t
/mat motion, division Greek kinetics — study of the force of motion; psychokinesis or telekinesis — the ability to move objects with your mind; cinematography — motion picture making. list lab work Latin collaborate — to work with a person; elaborate — to work out the details; laborious — requiring a lot of hard work. list lact/o milk Latin lactate — to give milk, nurse; lactose — the sugar contained in milk; lactic acid. list later side Latin bilateral — of or involving two sides; unilateral — affecting one side of something. list leuk/o,
leuc/o white, colorless Greek leukemia — abnormal increase of white blood cells in the blood; leukocyte — a mature white blood cell; leucine — a white, crystalline amino acid. list lex word, law, reading Greek lexicology — the study and history of words; alexia -loss of the ability to read; illegal — not authorized by the official rules or laws. list liber free Latin liberate — to set free; libertine — a person with a free, wild lifestyle; liberty — freedom. list lingu language, tongue Latin linguist — one who studies languages; multilingual — able to communicate in multiple languages; linguine — long, flat «tongue-shaped» pasta. list lip/o fat Greek liposuction — the mechanical removal of fat reserves in the tissue; lipase — enzyme that breaks down fat; lipoid — resembling fat. list lite, ite,
lith/o mineral, rock, fossil Greek apatite — a group of common minerals; granite — a hard, granular rock; monolith — a remarkable, unique stone. list loc place Latin dislocate — to put something out of its usual place; location — a place; relocate — to move to a new place. list log/o word, doctrine, discourse Greek logic — correct reasoning; monologue — a long speech by one speaker;analogy — similarity, especially between things otherwise dissimilar. list loqu, locu speak Latin eloquent — speaking beautifully and forcefully ; loquacious — very talkative; elocution — art of public speaking. list luc light Latin elucidate — to explain, to throw light on; lucid — easily understood, giving off light; translucent — allowing light through. list lud, lus to play Latin prelude — introduction to the major performance; illusion — misleading optical image or impression; delude — to mislead, deceive. list lumin light Latin illuminate — to fill with light; lumen — unit measuring light. list lun/a/i moon Latin lunar — relating to the moon; lunarscape — the surface of the moon; lunatic — insane (as if driven mad by the moon). list macro large, great Greek macroevolution — large scale evolution; macromolecule — a large molecule; macroeconomics — study of the overall forces of economy. list magn/a/i great, large Latin magnify — make larger; magnificent — grand; magnate — a powerful person, especially in business or industry. list mal/e bad, ill, wrong Latin malcontent — wrong content; malaria — «bad air», infectious disease thought to originate from the «bad air» of the swamps, but caused by the bite of an infected mosquito; malicious — showing strong ill will. list man/i/u hand Latin maneuver — to move by hand; manual — done with the hands; manuscript — a book written by hand. list mand to order Latin command — an order or instruction; demand — a hard-to-ignore order; mandate — an official order. list mania madness, insanity,
excessive desire Greek bibliomania — a crazy love of books; egomania — a mad love of oneself; maniac an insane person. list mar/i sea Latin

marina — a harbor for pleasure boats; maritime — relating to the sea; submarine — an undersea boat; aquamarine — color of sea water.

list mater,
matr/i mother Latin maternal — relating to motherhood; maternity — the state of being a mother; matriarch — a woman head of a household. list max greatest Latin maximal — the best or greatest possible; maximize — to make as great as possible; maximum — the greatest amount. list medi middle Latin medieval — pertaining to the Middle Ages; medium — in the middle; mediocre — only of medium (inferior) quality. list mega great, large, million Greek megalopolis — an area with many nearby cities; megaphone — a device that projects a loud voice; megastructure — huge building or other structure. list melan/o black Greek melancholy — a state of dark emotions; melanoma — malignant dark tumor of the skin; melodrama — a dark, pathetic drama. list memor/i remember Latin commemorate — to honor the memory of, as by a ceremony; memorial — related to remembering a person or event; memory: an ability to retain knowledge or an individual’s stock of retained knowledge. list merge,
mers dip, dive Latin immerge or immerse — to put or dip something into a liquid; submerge to dip something completely into wate.r list meso middle Latin
Greek Mesoamerica — Middle America; meson — elementary particle with a mass between an electron and a proton. list meta change, after, beyond, between Greek metaphysics — study of nature and reality; metamorphosis — a complete change of form; metastasis — the transmission of disease to other parts of the body. list meter,
metr/y measure Greek audiometer- an instrument that measures hearing acuteness; chronometer- an instrument that measures time; metric — measured. list micro very small, short, minute Greek microbe — a very small living thing; microchip — a tiny wafer with an integrated circuit; microscope — a device to see very small things. list mid middle Latin
Greek midriff — the area between the chest and the waist; midterm — middle of a term in school; midway — halfway between. list migr move Latin immigrant — a person who moves to a new country to settle; migrant — person who moves from place to place; migration — the process of moving. list milli onethousandth Latin millimeter — one thousandth of a meter; millibar — one thousandth of a bar; milliliter — one thousandth of a liter. list min/i small, less Latin mini — something that is very small; minuscule — extremely tiny; minutiae — very small or trivial details. list mis/o bad, badly, wrong, wrongly,
to hate Greek misbehave — to behave badly; misprint — an error in printing; misnomer — an error in naming a person or thing. list miss, mit send, let go Latin dismiss — to send someone away; missile — a weapon sent into the air; emit — to send something out; admittance — entry. list mob move Latin immobilize — to stop from moving; mobile — able to move freely; mobility — the quality of being able to move. list mon/o one, single, alone Greek monochromat — having one color; monologue — a speech spoken by one person; monotheism — belief in one god. list mot, mov move Latin motion — the act of moving; motivate — to move someone to action; promote to move someone forward; removable — able to be taken or carried away. list morph/o form Greek metamorphosis — complete change of form; endorphins — chemical in the brain able to transform pain; amorphous — without distinct shape or form. list mort death Latin immortal — living forever, unable to die; mortal — certain to die; mortician — an undertaker. list multi many, more than one or two Latin multicolored — having many colors; multimedia — using a range of media; multitasking — doing many things at once. list mut change Latin immutable — not changing; mutant — an organism that has undergone change; mutate — to undergo a change. list my/o muscle Latin myocardium — the middle muscle of the heart; myasthenia — muscle fatigue or weakness; myosin — common protein in muscle tissue. list narr tell Latin narrate — to tell a story; narrative — a story; narrator — a person who tells a story. list nat born Latin innate — included since birth; natal — relating to birth; natural — gotten at birth, not afterward. list nav ship Latin circumnavigate — to sail around a place; naval — relating to a navy or warships; navigate — to sail a ship through a place. list necr/o dead, death Greek necrophil — loving death; necrosis — the death of tissue due to disease or injury; necrology — a list of persons who have recently died. list neg no Latin negate — to say it didn’t happen; negative — meaning «no»; renege — to go back on a promise. list neo new, recent neoclassic — a revival of classic form, neocolonialism — the indirect («new») economical and political control of a region by a more powerful foreign power; neonatal — a newborn child, especially the first few weeks. list nephr/o kidney Greek nephritis — inflammation of the kidneys; nephrotomy — surgical incision of a kidney; nephron — a single, excretory unit in the kidney. list neur/o nerve Greek neuralgia — pain along a nerve; neurologist — doctor specializing in the nerves; neurotic — mental disorder that usually does not include an impaired perception of reality. list nom/in name Latin misnomer — an error in naming a person or thing; nominal — being something in name only but not in reality; nominate — to name for election or appointment, to designate. list non no, not, without Latin nondescript — with no special characteristics; nonfiction — true, real, not made-up; nonsense — without sense. list not mark Latin notable — marked as worthy of attention; notarize — to certify a signature on a legal document; annotate — to add remarks. list noun,
nunc declare Latin announce — to declare in public; denounce — to proclaim harsh criticism; enunciate — to speak or declare something clearly. list nov new Latin innovate — to introduce a new way; novelty — something new; novice — a person who is new at a job; renovate — to make something like new again. list numer number Latin enumerate — to name a number of items on a list; numerology — the study of magical uses of numbers; numerous — a large number. list ob, op in the way, against Latin object — to be against something; obscure — hard to understand; opposition — the act of resistance or action against. list oct/a/o eight Greek octagon — a figure with 8 sides and 8 angles; octogenarian — person in his or her 80s; octopus — sea animal with 8 arms. list ocu eye Latin binoculars — lens device for seeing distances; monocula — relating to one eye; oculist — an eye doctor. list od path, way Greek diode —  an electron tube having two electrodes, a cathode and an anode; odometer —  an instrument attached to a vehicle to measure the distance traversed; triode — an electron tube with an anode, a cathode, and a control grid list odor  smell, scent Latin deodorant — a substance that helps prevent body odor; malodorous — having a terribly bad smell; odoriferous- something that bears or diffuses a scent
 list omni all Latin omnipotent — with all the power; omniscient — knowing all things; omnivorous eating all foods. list op/t/s eye, visual condition, sight Greek optic — relating to the eyes; optician — a person who fits eyeglasses; autopsy — the examination of a dead body. list opt best Latin optimal — the best, the most desirable; optimize — to make the best of; optimum — the best something could be. list ortho straight Greek orthodontist — a dentist that straightens teeth; orthopedic — a doctor concerned with the proper alignment of the bones; orthography — the correct way of writing. list osteo bone Greek osteoarthritis — inflammation caused by degeneration of the joints; osteopathy — therapy that uses among others manipulation of the skeleton to restore health; osteology — the study of bones. list out goes beyond,
surpasses, exceeds Outgoing — being of lively, sharing nature; outdoing — doing better than; outdoor — outside. list over excessive English overconfident — more confident than is appropriate; overstock — more supplies than is desirable; overexcited — ,more excited than one should be. list oxi/oxy sharp Greek oxymoron — combining two ideas that sharply contradict each other; oxidize — corrode a surface. list pale/o ancient Greek paleontology — study of ancient fossils; paleography — the study of ancient forms of writing; Paleolithic — period of the Stone Age. list pan all, any, everyone Greek panacea — a cure for all diseases or problems; panorama — an all-around view; pantheism — the worship of all gods; pandemic — affecting all. list para beside, beyond, abnormal,
assistant Greek parasite — an organism that lives on and off another living being; parallel — alongside and always an equal distance apart; paragraph — a portion of a writtenn document that presents a distinct idea. list para protection from parachute — protection from falling; parasol — an umbrella used to protect from the sun; list pater,
patr/i father Latin
Greek paternal — relating to fathers; paternity — fatherhood; patriarch — a man who rules a group. list path feeling, emotion antipathy — a feeling of great dislike; apathy — a lack of feeling or interest; empathy — ability to understand another’s feelings. list ped/i/e foot, feet Latin pedal — a lever pushed by the foot; pedestrian — one who walks; pedicure — cosmetic treatment of feet and toes. list pel drive, force Latin compel — to force someone to act; expel — to drive someone out of a place; repel — to force back. list pent/a five Greek pentagon — shape having 5 angles and 5 sides, pentagram — a five-pointed star formerly used as a symbolic figure in magic; pentathlon — an athletic contest that includes five events. list pept,
peps digestion Greek dyspepsia — abnormal digestion; peptic — aiding digestion; pepsin — a digestive enzyme. list per through, throughout Latin permanent — lasting throughout all time; permeate — to spread throughout; persist — to continue for a long time; perennial — lasting through many years. list peri around, enclosing Greek periodontal — pertaining to bone and tissue around a tooth; peripheral — lying outside of the center; perimeter — the outer boundary of an area. list phag/e to eat Greek esophagus — muscular tube that carries food to the stomach; anthropophagy or sarcophagy — cannibalism; xylophagous — feeding on wood. list phil/o love, friend Greek philanthropist — one who loves humanity; philology — the love of words; philosophy — the love of wisdom; bibliophil — loving books. list phon/o
/e/y sound Greek cacophony — loud, unpleasant sounds; microphone — a device that records and amplifies sound; phonetic — relating to human speech sounds. list phot/o light Greek photogenic — caused by light; photograph — image made on light-sensitive film; photon — the smallest possible unit of light. list phyll/o leaf Greek chlorophyll — a group of green pigments found in leaves; phyllotaxis — the arrangement of leaves on a stem; phyllite — a rock that forms sheets, similar to slate. list phys nature, medicine, the body Greek physical — relating to the body; physician — a doctor; physique — nature and shape of one’s body. list phyt/o/e plant, to grow Greek epiphyte — a plant growing independently on the surface of another; hydrophyte — a plant that grows only in water; neophyte — a beginner, especially a person recently converted to a new belief. list plas/t/m to form, development,
forming cells Greek protoplasm — something that is the first made or formed, also the living portion of a cell; plastic — able to be formed, especially when warm; plaster — a mixture of lime, sand and water that forms a smooth solid covering for walls. list plaud, plod, plaus, plos approve, clap Latin applaud- to show approval of especially by clapping the hands; explosion- an act of exposing something as invalid or baseless; plausible- worthy of being applauded list pneum/o breathing, lung, air, spirit Greek pneumonia — inflammation of the lungs; pneumatic — using the force of air; dyspnea — difficulty breathing. list pod/e foot Greek podiatrist — a doctor for the feet; podium — a small platform to stand on; tripod — a stand or frame with 3 legs. list poli city Greek metropolis — a large city; police — people who work for the government to maintain order in a city; politics — actions of a government or political party. list poly many, more than one Greek polychrome — with many colors; polyglot — a person fluent in many languages; polygon — shape with 3 or more straight sides. list pon place, put Latin opponent — a person who places him/herself against an action, idea, etc.; postpone — to put off doing something. list pop people Latin popular — appealing to a lot of people; population — all of the people who live in a particular area; populist — a supporter of the rights of people. list port carry Latin export — to carry goods out of a place to another; portable — able to be carried; porter — a person who carries luggage. list pos place, put Latin deposit — to place or drop something; expose to place out into the open for all to see; position — the place where someone is. list post after, behind Latin posthumous — after someone’s death; postpone — to delay something; postscript — an addition to an already completed document. list pre earlier, before, in front of Latin preamble — a part in front of a formal document; prepare — to get ready in advance; prediction — a statement foretelling the future. list pro before, in front of,
for, forward Greek
Latin prognosis — a prediction of what will happen; prologue — a passage before the main part; prophet — a person who foretells the future. list prot/o primitive, first, chief Greek prototype — the first of a kind; proton — on of the very basic parts of an atom; protocol — a first draft from which a document is prepared. list pseud/o wrong,false Greek pseudonym — a fictitious name; pseudoscience — theories presumed without proof of a scientific nature; pseudopregnancy — a false pregnancy. list psych/o mind, mental Greek psyche — the human spirit or soul; psychic — relating to the human mind or someone who has supernatural mental abilities; psychology — the study of the mind. list pugn/a,
pung to fight Latin pugnacious — having a quarrelsome or aggressive nature; repugnant — distasteful, offensive or revolting; pungent — piercing. list pul urge compulsion — a very strong urge; expulsion — to someone out; impulsive — having a spontaneous urge to do something. list purg clean Latin purge — remove anything undesirable; purgatory — according to Roman Catholics a place where souls must clean themselves of sin; expurgate — remove objectionable passages from a publication. list put think Latin computer — an electronic thinking device; dispute — to disagree with what another person thinks; input — contribution of one’s thinking. list pyr/o fire, heat Greek pyrotechnics — the art of making fireworks; pyrometer — a thermometer for measuring high temperature; pyretic — relating to or producing fever. list quad/r/ri four Latin quadrant — open space with buildings on 4 sides; quadrennium — period of 4 years; quadruped — a 4-footed animal. list quart fourth Latin quarter — one fourth; quart — a fourth of a gallon; quartet — a musical composition or group involving 4 voices or instruments. list quin/t five, fifth Latin quintett — a composition for 5 voices or instruments; quintessence — pure essence, based on the ancient philosophy that there was a fifth element that was present in all things; quintuple — fivefold. list radic,
radix root Latin eradicate — pull out at the roots; radical — fundamental, looking at things from a drastic point of view; radish — an edible root of the mustard family. list radio radiation, ray radioactive — emitting radiation; radiologist — someone diagnosing or treating via radiation. list ram/i branch Latin ramification — the resulting consequence of a decision; ramify — to spread or branch out; ramus — a branchlike part. list re again, back, backward Latin rebound -to spring back again; rewind — to wind something backward; reaction: a response; recognize: to identify someone or something seen before. list reg guide, rule Latin regent — a person who rules on behalf of a king or queen; regime — a government that rules; regulate — to apply a rule. list retro backward, back Latin retroactive — relating to something in the past; retrogress — to go back to an earlier condition; retrospect — the remembering of past events. list rhin/o nose Greek rhinoceros — a species of animals with a big horn on the snout; rhinoplasty — surgery of the nose; rhinovirus — viruses that are causing the common cold. list rhod/o red Greek rhododendron — a flower with red/pink flowers; rhodium — an element which produces a red solution; rhodopsin — a purple pigment in the retina that is needed for vision. list rid laugh Latin deride — to make fun of someone; ridicule — to make fun or mock; ridiculous — silly, causing laughter. list rrh/ea
/oea/ag flow, discharge Latin
Greek diarrhea — abnormally excessive bowl movement; hemorrhage — heavy blood flow; catarrh — inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially the nose and throat. list rub red Latin ruby — deep red color and a precious stone of the same color; rubella — measles; bilirubin — reddish pigment in bile. list rupt break, burst Latin bankrupt — unable to pay because you’re «broke»; interrupt — to break into a conversation or event, to disturb; rupture — a break in something. list san health Latin sane — mentally healthy; sanitary — relating to cleanliness and health; sanitation — maintenance of public health and cleanliness. list scend climb, go Latin ascend — to climb upward; crescendo — a climbing up of the volume of music; descend — to go or climb down. list sci know Latin conscience — sense of knowing right from wrong; conscious — knowing what is happening; omniscient — knowing everything. list scler/o hard Greek arteriosclerosis — hardening of the arterial walls; multiple sclerosis — disease which causes the tissue of the brain and spinal cord to harden; sclerometer — instrument for measuring hardness. list scop/e/y see, examine, observe Greek microscope — a device used to see tiny things; periscope — a seeing instrument on a submarine; telescope — a device used to see over a distance. list scrib,
script write, written Latin inscribe — to write letters or words on a surface; scribe — a person who writes out documents; describe — to represent with words or pictures. list se apart Latin secede — to formally break away from; seclude — to keep away from; serum — a liquid isolated out of another. list sect cut Latin dissect — to cut apart piece by piece; intersection — the place or point where two things cross each other; bisect — to cut into two equal parts. list sed, sid, sess sit Latin reside- be stationed; sediment- the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; session- an actual or constructive sitting of a body list self of, for, or by itself self-discipline — the ability to discipline yourself; self-respect — respect for yourself; selfish concerned only with your own interests. list semi half, partial Latin semiannual — every half year; semicircle — half a circle; semiconscious — partly conscious; semiannual — every half of a year. list sept/i seven Latin September — this used to be the seventh month in the Roman calendar; septet — a group of seven musicians; septuagenarian — a person in his/her seventies. list serv save, keep Latin conserve — to save or keep something safe; preserve — to save something; reservation — a place kept for a person. list sex six Latin sextet or sextette — a composition or group of six, sextuple — sixfold; sexagenarian — person in his/her sixties. list sol alone Latin desolate — lonely, dismal, gloomy; solitary — done alone, by yourself; solo — a performance done by one person alone. list sol sun Latin solar — involving the sun; parasol — umbrella protecting from the sun; solarium — a room where one is exposed to sun light. list somn/I sleep Latin insomnia — inability to fall asleep; somniloquy — talking in your sleep; somnolent — feeling sleepy. list son sound Latin consonant — a speech sound; sonorous — producing loud, full, rich sounds; supersonic — faster than sound; unison — as one voice. list soph wise Greek philosopher — a wise person; sophisticated — wise about the ways of the world; sophism — a clever but misleading argument. list spec/t,
spic see, look Latin circumspect — cautious, looking all around; retrospective — a looking back at past things; spectator — a person who sees an event. list sphere ball Greek biosphere — the whole round surface of the earth; hemisphere — half the earth spherically shaped like a ball. list spir breathe Latin inspire — to stimulate or animate; transpire — to give of vapor with waste product through the skin or a membrane; spirit — invisible life force. list sta stand Latin stable — standing steady and firm; stagnant — standing still, not moving; stationary — at a standstill, fixed. list stell star Latin constellation — a group of stars that forms a pattern; interstellar — between the stars; stellar — relating to stars. list struct build Latin construct — to build; destruction — the act of destroying something that was built; structure — something built; infrastructure — underlying framework of a system. list sub under, lower than,
inferior to Latin submarine — an underwater boat; submerge — to put underwater; substandard — inferior to accepted standards. list sum highest Latin sum — the combined total of everything; summation — the total, highest amount; summit the highest point or top. list super higher in quality
or quantity Latin Super bowl — the final annual football game; superior — above average, better in quality; supersonic — faster than the speed of sound. list sy/m
/n/l/s together, with, same Greek symmetry -similarity in size, form or arrangement; synergy — the combined effect; synchronize — to cause to occur at the same time. list tact, tang touch Latin  contact — a state in which two things touch; tactile — relating to the sense of touch; tangible — able to be touched; intact — with nothing missing. list tax/o arrangement Greek  syntax — the systematic arrangement of words; taxonomy — the science of classification; ataxia — loss of the ability to coordinate muscle action. list techno technique, skill Greek  technology — the practical application of knowledge; technocracy — rule of technology; technologically — characterized by technology. list tel/e/o far, distant, complete Greek  telephone — a device to talk to a distant person; telescope — a device to view distant objects; television — a device to receive pictures from afar; telecommuting — working remotely, bridging the distance via virtual devices. list temp/or time Latin  contemporary- existing at the same time; temporal — relating to time; temporary — lasting for a limited time. list ten, tin, tent hold Latin continent- serving to restrain or limit; detention-  the act or fact of detaining, tenacious- having parts or elements strongly adhering to each other list ter, trit rub Latin attrition-  the act of rubbing together or wearing down; detritus- a product of disintegration or wearing away; trite- used or occurring so often as to have lost interest, freshness, or force list term/ina end, limit Latin  determine — to find something out at the end of an investigation; terminate — to end; exterminate — to destroy or get rid of completely. list terr/a/i land, earth Latin  extraterrestrial — existing outside the earth; terrain — ground or land; territory — an area of land. list tetra four Latin tetrapod — having 4 legs; tetrarchy — government by 4 rulers; tetrose — a monosaccharide with four carbon atoms. list the put Greek bibliotheca-  a list or catalog of books; theme- a proposition for discussion or argument; thesis- a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view list the/o god Greek  monotheism — belief in one god; polytheism — worshiping more than one god; theology — the study of religion, god, etc. list therm/o heat Greek  thermal — relating to heat; thermos — an insulated jar that keeps heat in; thermostat — a device that controls heat. list tort twist Latin contortion — a twisted shape or position; distort — to alter the shape or condition of; retort — reply in a manner that is supposed to change the effect of something previously said. list tox poison Latin detoxification — the process of removing poisons; toxic — poisonous; toxicology — the study of poisons; intoxicated — influenced by drugs. list tract pull, drag Latin  attract — to pull objects nearer; distract — to drag attention away from something; tractor — a motor vehicle that pulls things. list trans across,beyond, through Latin  transcontinental — across the continent; transfer — to move from one place to another; transport — to carry something across a space. list tri three, once in every three,
third Greek
Latin   triangle — a figure with 3 sides and 3 angles; triathlon — an athletic contest with 3 events; tricycle — a 3-wheeI vehicle with pedals. list ultra beyond, extreme, more than Latin  ultrahigh — extremely high; ultramodern — more modern than anything else; ultrasonic — sound waves beyond human hearing. list un not,opposite of, lacking  Latin unabridged — not shortened; unfair — opposite of fair; unfriendly — lacking friendliness. list uni one, single Latin  unicycle — a vehicle with one wheel; unilateral — decided by only one person or nation; unique — the only one of its kind; unison — as one voice. list urb city Latin  suburb — residential area on the edge of a city; urban — relating to a city; urbanology — the study of city life. list vac empty Latin  evacuate — to empty a dangerous place; vacant — empty, not occupied; vacation — a time without work. list ven/t come Latin  circumvent — to go around or bypass restrictions; convention — a gathering or assembly of people with a common interest; intervene — to come between. list ver/I truth Latin  veracious — truthful, honest; veracity — the truth; verify — to make sure that something is true. list verb word Latin  verbalize — to put into words; adverb — a word relating to a verb; proverb — a short saying that expresses a well-known truth. list vers,
vert turn Latin  reverse — to turn around; introvert — being turned towards the inside; version — a variation of an original; controversy — a conversation in which positions are turned against each other. list vice acting in place of,
next in rank Latin vice-president — the person next in rank to the president list vid see Latin  evident clearly seen list vince,
vic conquer Latin convince — to win someone over; invincible — not able to be conquered; victory — the conquest of an enemy. list vis, vid see Latin  vision — the ability to see; envision — to picture in the mind; evident — clearly visible. list viv/i
vit live, life Latin  revival — the act of bringing back to life; vital — pertaining to live; vivacious — high-spirited and full of life. list voc/i voice, call Latin  advocate — to speak in favor of; equivocate — to use misleading language that could be interpreted two different ways; vocalize — to produce with your voice. list vol/i/u wish, will Latin  benevolent — showing good will and kindness; volition — the act of making a choice or decision, voluntary — resulting from your own free will. list vor,
vour eat Latin  carnivorous — meat-eating; voracious — desiring or eating food in great quantities; devour — to eat quickly. list xanth yellow Latin xanthium- a genus of coarse and rough or spiny herbs; xanthochromia- yellowish discoloration (as of the skin or cerebrospinal fluid); xanthogenic list xen/o foreign Greek  xenophobic — afraid of foreigners; xenogenesis — the creation of offspring that is completely different from either parent; xenophile — attracted to foreigners. list xer/o/I dry Greek  xerophyte — a plant that grows in dry climate; xerography — a dry photocopying process; xeric — requiring small amounts of moisture. list xyl wood Greek xylocarp; xyloid- resembling wood; xylophone-an organ percussion stop of similar tone quality list zo/o animal life Greek  zoology — study of animals; zooid — resembling an animal; zooplankton — minute floating aquatic animals. list zyg/o pair Greek  zygote — a cell formed by the union of two gametes and the organism developing from that; zygomorphic — pertaining to organisms that can be divided into symmetrical halves along one axis only.
Источник

Root words

  • One Look: look up examples where prefixes, suffixes, and roots are used. Use an asterisk (*) for a wild card. Thus *ion searches for all words with the ion suffix, while micro* searches for all words with themicro prefix
  • Word Info — Meanings of roots
  • Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language
  • American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
  • WordSmyth: Educational English Dictionary and Thesaurus
  • Dictionary.com: Simple, efficient dictionary.
  • YourDictionary.com: A web of on-line dictionaries in various languages
  • One Look:

Etymology & Cognates

  • History of the English Language
  • Etymology online: Understand the history of words
  • Cognates: Understand the historical relationship between English and other languages.
  • Behind the Name: Learn the etymology of names
  • Foreign Roots of English Language: Story showing common words from 32 languages.

Multilingual dictionaries

  • Multilingual dictionary: See a word in many languages
  • Logos: See the same word translated in many languages
  • On-line Dictionaries in a variety of languages.

Understanding Words

  • Acronymfinder: Determine the meaning of acronyms
  • Roget’s Thesaurus: Related words and concepts.
  • Translation: Translate words and phrases into different languages
  • History of English Language: Understand the relationship of English to other languages
Источник

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.
Источник

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

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ante-

before

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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.

Источник

Base words are words that exist as recognizable words in the English language. These words cannot be divided into smaller units. Prefixes and suffixes can be added to these words to create new words. There are two theories about root words. Some people use the term root word as a synonym for the base word. However, in some contexts, root words refer to the part of the base word that comes from another language. This article will mainly focus on this second meaning. The key difference between base word and root word is that base words are recognizable words in the English language whereas root words are from another language.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Base Word
3. What is a Root Word
5. Side by Side Comparison – Base Word vs Root Word in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is a Base Word?

There are two types of words in the English language: the words that can be broken down into smaller units and words that cannot be broken down into smaller units. Words that cannot be broken down into smaller units are known as base words. In other words, base word is the base form of a word and gives its basic meaning. For example, let’s look at the two words happy and unhappy. The word happy cannot be broken down into smaller units, but unhappy can be broken down into two units since this word is made by adding the prefix un to the base word happy. Prefixes and suffixes are always added to base words.Difference Between Base Word and Root Word

Prefixes and Suffixes

  • Prefix is a word element is found in front of a base word.
  • Suffix is a word element is found after a base word.

Look at the following words and see if you can identify the base word by removing the suffixes and prefixes.

Reusable, disappear, unhappiness, unacceptable, disqualified, childish, unlikely, reinvention

The base words of the above list are underlined in the following section.

  1. Reusable – re + use + able
  2. Disappear – dis + appear
  3. Unhappiness – un + happy + ness
  4. Unacceptable – un + accept + ble
  5. Disqualified – dis + qualify + ed
  6. Childish – child + ish
  7. Unlikely – un + like + ly
  8. Reinvention – re + invent + ion

What is a Root Word?

In linguistics, the term root word is often used synonymously with base word, and refers to a morpheme from which words have been created by the addition of prefixes or suffixes. For example, the word transportation is formed from the root word transport.

However, the term root word also refers to the origin of the word. In this sense, root word is the part of the base word that comes from another language. For example, the word maternal comes from Latin mater and gives the meaning mother. So, this Latin word, mater can be considered as the root word of maternal. The root words of words like maternity, maternally, maternalism, etc. is also the Latin word mater.

Key Difference - Base Word vs Root Word

Examples of Base Words and Root Words

Let’s look at some other examples to understand the meaning of base words and root words more clearly.

  1. Tricycle

Base word = cycle, Root word = Latin cyclus (circle)

  1. Transportation

Base word = transport, Root word = Latin port (to carry)

  1. Immoderately

Base word = moderate, Root word = Latin moderatus (reduced, controlled)

What is the Difference Between Base Word and Root Word?

Base Word vs Root Word
Base Word is a morpheme from which words have been created by the addition of prefixes or suffixes. Root word is the part of the base word that comes from another language.
Individual Meaning
Base word can stand alone. Root word cannot often stand alone.
Nature
Base words cannot be further divided. Root word comes from another language.

Summary – Base Word vs Root Word

Base word is a form of a word to which affixes can be added to create new words.  Base words and root words are two terms that are sometimes used as synonyms. However, root words are also defined as parts of the base word that come from another language. This is the difference between base word and root word.

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References:

1. Merrell, Shelly. “Base Words: Definition & Examples.” Study.com, Available here.
2. Nordquist, Richard. “Base Forms of Words in English.” ThoughtCo, Available here.

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