M

e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

a/n n abyss - without bottom; achromatic - without color; anhydrous - without water
ot
,
wi
th
o
ut

a o afire - on fire; ashore - on the shore; aside - on the side

n

a, ab/s fr abduct - carry away by force; abnormal - away from normal, not normal; absent - away, n
o present; aversion - the act of turning away from; abbreviate: to shorten.
m
,
a
w
a
y,
of
f

a/c/d to accelerate - to increase the speed of; accessible - easily entered, approached, or obtained
, admittance - allowing into;
to
w
ar
d,
n
e
ar

acro to acrobat - a "high walker"; acronym - a word formed from the first (capital) letters of a wo
p, acrophobia - fear of height 78
h
ei
g
ht
,
ti
p,
b
e
gi
n
ni
n
g

act d activity - something that a person does; react - to do something in response; interaction -
o communication between two or more things

aer/o ai aerate - to let air reach something; aerial - relating to the air; aerospace - the air space
r

agri fa agriculture - management of the land, agribusiness - making money by utilizing land; agr
r relating to the management of land
m
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

in
g

algia p neuralgia - pain caused by a nerve; analgesic - a drug that makes one pain free; nostalgia
ai for the familiar
n

ambi, amphi b ambidextrous - able to use both hands equally; ambiguous - having more than one meani
ot conflicting or opposite feelings toward a person or thing
h,
o
n
b
ot
h
si
d
es
,
ar
o
u
n
d

ambul w amble - to walk in a slow, relaxed way; ambulant - walking or moving around; ambulance
al that moves a patient
k,
m
o
v
e

ami/o lo amiable - friendly, pleasant, lovable; amity - friendly and peaceful relations; amorous - sh
v romantic love
e

ana u analysis - a close examination of something; anatomy - the structure of something as visi
p, cut up for analysis; anachronism - not being in the right place in time
b
ac
k,
a
g
ai
ns
t,
a
g
ai
n,
th
ro
u
g
h
o
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

ut

andr/o m androgynous - being both male and female; android - resembling a human; misandry - ha
a towards men
n,
m
al
e

anim lif animal - a living organism; animate - to make alive; equanimity - of balanced spirit
e,
sp
iri
t

ann/enn y anniversary - a date observed once a year; annual - happening once a year; millennium -
e years
ar

ante b antecede - to come before something in time; antemeridian - before noon; anteroom- a s
ef before the main room
or
e,
in
fr
o
nt

anth/o fl chrysanthemum and amaranth - names of flowers; anthology - a collection of treasured w

o anthozoan - half plant, half animal, like anemones and corals.
w
er

anthrop/o h anthropology - the study of mankind; anthropomorphism - giving human form to non-hum
u philanthropy - the love to mankind (expressed through good deeds)
m
a
n

anti a antibody - a substance that destroys micro-organisms; antiseptic - preventing infection; a

g opposing social norm
ai
ns
t,
o
p
p
os
it
e
of

apo, apho a aphorism - a short expression of a general truth; apology - an explicit expression of regre
w apostrophe - a small dash used in place of an omitted letter
a
y,
of
f,
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

se
p
ar
at
e

aqua w aquarium - a water container for fish; aquatic- relating to water; aqueduct - a pipeline for
at
er

arbor tr arborist - someone working with trees; arbor - a shady area formed by trees; arborous - h
e many trees
e

arch/i ch archbishop - the highest-ranking bishop; archenemy - chief or worst enemy; matriarch - a
ie who rules a group; monarch - a king or queen
f,
m
os
t
i
m
p
or
ta
nt
,
ru
le

arch/a/i pr archaeology - the study of ancient cultures; archaic - belonging to an earlier period; archi
i collection of historical materials
m
iti
v
e,
a
nc
ie
nt

arthr/o jo arthroscope - a tool to see inside a joint; arthritis - inflammation of a joint; arthropod - in
in with jointed legs, like spiders, crustaceans, insects
t

art sk artifact - object made by a person's skill; artisan - a person skilled in a craft; artist - a per
ill creates skillfully

astro, st astronaut - a person traveling to the stars; astronomer - someone who studies the stars;
aster ar star-shaped sign used as a reference tool
,
st
ar
s,
o
ut
er
sp
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

ac
e

aud/i/io h audible - loud enough to be heard; audience - people who listen to a program; audiovisua
e to sound and vision
ar

auto se autocrat - a person who governs with absolute power; autograph - a person's own signatu
lf, automatic - moving by itself
sa
m
e,
o
n
e

avi/a bi aviary - a large enclosure for birds; aviatrix - a female airplane pilot; aviation - the art of
rd or operating aircraft

bar/o pr baric - pertaining to pressure, esp. of the atmosphere; milliard - metric unit, equal to 1/10
es bar; baryon - heavy elementary particle
su
re
,
w
ei
g
ht

bell/i w bellicose - warlike; belligerent - hostile, ready to fight; rebel - person who opposes and fig
ar

bene g benefactor - person who gives money to a cause; beneficial - producing a good effect; ben
o showing kindness or goodwill
o
d,
w
ell

bi/n t biannual - happening twice a year; binoculars - optical device with two lenses; bilateral - o
w involving two sides
o,
t
wi
ce
,
o
nc
e
in
e
v
er
y
t
w
o
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

bibli/o b bibliography - a list of books used as sources; bibliomania - an extreme love of books; bib
o person who loves books
o
k

bio lif biography- a life story written by another person; biology - the science of life; biosphere -
e, surface inhabited by living things
liv
in
g
m
at
te
r

blast/o ce blastula - an early stage of embryonic development; fibroblast - a cell that forms connecti
ll, blastoderm - the layer surrounding the inside of an egg
pr
i
m
iti
v
e,
i
m
m
at
ur
e
ce
ll

burs p bursar- an administrative officer in charge of funds; bursary- the treasury of a college or m
o disburse- to expend especially from a public fund
uc
h,
p
ur
se

calc st calcite; calcium- the flame of acetylene gas generated by reaction of calcium carbide with
o water; calcification- impregnation with calcareous matter
n
e

cand gl candid- free from bias, prejudice, or malice; candle- something that gives light; incandesc
o glowing, or luminous with intense heat
wi
n
g,
iri
d
es
ce
nt

capt, cept, ceive ta intercept - to stop or interrupt;

k perceive - to take notice of something; captivating - taking hold of
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

e,
h
ol
d

cardi/o h cardiac - relating to the heart; cardiogenic - resulting from heart disease; cardiologist - a
e doctor
ar
t

carn/i fl carnivorous - flesh-eating; carnal - pertaining to the body or flesh; incarnate - given bodil
es
h,
m
e
at

cata d cataclysm - a flood or other disaster, catalog - a complete listing; catastrophe - turning fo
o worst, a substantial disaster
w
n,
a
g
ai
ns
t
co
m
pl
et
el
y,
in
te
ns
iv
e,

ac
co
rd
in
g
to

caust, to cauterize - to burn with a hot instrument; caustic - capable of burning or eating away; ho
caut b total devastation, especially by fire
ur
n

cede, g exceed - to go beyond the limits; recede - to go back; accessible - easily entered, approac
ceed, o, obtained;
cess yi
el
d

celer fa accelerate - to increase the speed of; decelerate - to reduce the speed of
st
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

cent/i h centennial- the 100th anniversary; centimeter - 1/100 of a meter; century - 100 years
u
n
dr
e
d,
h
u
n
dr
e
dt
h

centr/o/i ce egocentric - self-centered; eccentric - not having a common center, not according to norm
nt centrifugal - moving outward from a center
er

cephal/o h encephalitis - inflammation of the brain; cephalic - pertaining to the head; cephalopod - m
e mollusks like octopus and squid who have tentacles growing from their head
a
d

cerebr/o br cerebral - pertaining to the brain; cerebrate - to use the brain; cerebrospinal - pertaining
ai brain and the spinal cord
n

cert su ascertain- to find out something with certainty; certain - being absolutely sure; certify - to
re something is true

chrom/o co achromatic - without color; chromium - a blue-white metallic chemical element, chromatic
chromat/o, lo study of color
chros r,
pi
g
m
e
nt

chron/o ti chronic - lasting for a long time; chronological - arranging events in time order, synchroni
m happening at the same time
e

chrys/o g chrysanthemum and helichrysum - golden/yellow flowers; chrysolite - a yellowish gem

ol
d,
y
ell
o
w

cide, cise cu homicide - murder; incisor - a sharp tooth for cutting food; insecticide - a chemical used t
t, insects
kil
l

circum, ar circumnavigate - to sail around; circumscribe - to draw around; circumspect - looking arou
circle o
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

u
n
d,
a
b
o
ut

claim, clam sh clamor - to shout and make noise; exclaim - to cry out loudly and suddenly; proclamation
o something announced officially in public
ut
,
sp
e
a
k
o
ut

clar cl clarification - an explanation; clarify - to make something clear; declare - to state someth
e
ar

clud, clus cl conclusion - the end or last part; exclusion - shutting out, rejecting; seclude - to keep awa
os isolate
e

cline le inclination - a leaning toward; incline - a surface that slopes or leans; recline - to lean bac
a relax
n

co wi coauthor - writer who collaborates with another author; coeducation - educating males an
th together; cohousing - planning your neighborhood in an intentional neighborly fashion
,
to
g
et
h
er
,
jo
in
t

col to Collaborate - to work together; collision - smashing together; colloquial - words formed by
g interaction
et
h
er
,
jo
in
tl
y

com to commemorate - to memorize together; composition - an arrangement or putting together

g commune - living together while owning things in common
et
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

h
er
,
co
m
m
o
n

cogn/i k cognition - process of acquiring knowledge; incognito - disguised so no one knows you; re
n to discover that one knows
o
w

con wi concur - to agree with someone; contemporary - of the same time period as others; conve
th gathering of people with a common interest
,
jo
in
tl
y

contra/o a contradict to argue against, Contraflow, contraception, contrary not in agreement, controv
g disagreement
ai
ns
t,
o
p
p
os
it
e

corp/o b corporation - a company recognized by law as a single body; corpse - a dead body; corpo
o pertaining to the body
d
y

cosm/o u cosmonaut - a Russian astronaut; cosmos - the universe; microcosm - a miniature univers
ni
v
er
se

counter o counteract - to oppose the effects of an action; countermand - to cancel a previous order;
p counteroffensive - attack against an attack
p
os
it
e,
co
nt
ra
ry
,
o
p
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

p
os
in
g

cranio sk craniology - the study of skull characteristics; cranium - skull of vertebrates; cranial - pert
ul the skull
l

cred b credence - belief that something is true or valid; credulous - believing things too easily, gu
eli incredible - unbelievable
e
v
e

cruc cr crucial-characteristic of or having the form of a cross ; crucifix- the cross itself as a Christ
os emblem; excruciating- so intense as to cause great pain or anguish
s

crypto hi cryptic - of hidden meaning; cryptography - science of secret codes; encrypt - encode into
d code
d
e
n,
se
cr
et

cumul m accumulate - to gather or pile up; cumulative - gradually building up

as
s,
h
e
a
p

curr, curs ru concurrent- running parallel; current- flowing easily and smoothly; cursive- having a flowi
n impromptu character

cycl ci bicycle - a vehicle with two wheels; cycle - a sequence that is repeated; cyclone - a storm
rc circling winds
le
,
ri
n
g

de re decelerate - to slow down, reduce speed; dethrone - to remove from power; debug - to re
d
uc
e,
a
w
a
y,
d
o
w
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

n,
re
m
o
v
e

dec/a, te decade - 10 years; decathlon - athletic contest that includes 10 disciplines in which each p
deka n competes; December - formerly the 10th month of the Roman calendar

deci o deciliter - a tenth of a liter; decimate - reduce dramatically; decibel - one tenth of the sou
n unit bel
e
te
nt
h

dem/o p democracy - government of the people; demographic - the study of people; epidemic - sp
e among people in a region
o
pl
e

demi h demitasse - a small cup of coffee; demimonde - someone of little respected life style
al
f,
le
ss
th
a
n

dendr/o/i tr philodendron - a climbing plant that grows on trees; dendrochronology - dating events by
e growth rings in trees; dendriform - in the shape of a tree
e

dent, dont to dental - relating to teeth; dentist - a doctor for the teeth; dentures - a set of false teeth
ot
h

derm/a sk dermatologist - a doctor for the skin; pachyderm - a class of animals with very thick skin
in rhinoceros); dermatitis - inflammation of the skin

di/plo t dichromatic - displaying two colors; diploma - a certificate, literally "a letter folded double
w - a situation that requires a choice between two alternatives.
o,
t
wi
ce

di/s a digression - a departure from the main issue, subject; disappear - to move out of sight; d
p cut apart piece by piece.
ar
t,
a
w
a
y,
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

n
ot
,
to
th
e
o
p
p
os
it
e

dia th diabetes - disease characterized by excessive thirst and discharge of urine; diagnosis -
ro understanding a condition by going through a detailed review of symptoms; dialog - conve
u between two people.
g
h,
b
et
w
e
e
n,

a
p
ar
t,
ac
ro
ss

dict sp contradict - to express the opposite of; prediction - a statement foretelling the future; dict
e speak out loud for another person to write down.
a
k

domin m dominate - to be the master of; domineering - excessively controlling; predominate - to h

as power than others
te
r

don/at gi donation - a contribution or gift; donor - someone who gives something; pardon - to give
v forgiveness for an offense
e

duc/t le conduct - to lead musicians in playing music; educate - to lead to knowledge; deduction -
a subtraction of an amount.
d

du/o t duplicate - make an identical copy; duet - a musical composition for two voices or instrum
w - a pair normally thought of as being together.
o,
t
wi
ce
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

dur h durable - having the quality of lasting; duration - the length of time something lasts; endu
ar to last.
d
e
n,
to
la
st
,
la
st
in
g

dyn/a/am p dynamo - a generator of energy; dynamic - having physical energy/power; dynamite - a p

o explosive.
w
er
,
e
n
er
g
y,
st
re
n
gt
h

dys a dyspepsia - abnormal digestion; dystopia - an imaginary place of total misery; dyslexia - i
b of the ability to handle words.
n
or
m
al
,
b
a
d

e- o eloquent - speaking beautifully and forcefully; emissary - a representative of a country or

ut on a mission; eject - throw out forcefully.
,
a
w
a
y

ego se egoistic - self-centered; alter ego - a higher aspect of oneself; egomania - excessive preoc
lf with oneself.

em, en in empathy - intention to feel like another person; empower - put into power; engorge - mak
to
,
co
v
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

er
wi
th
,
ca
us
e

endo wi endotherm - a creature that can keep its inside temperature fairly constant; endocrine - re
th glands that secrete directly into the blood or lymph; endogamy - the custom to marry with
in clan, tribe etc.
,
in
si
d
e

enn/i, anni y bicentennial - of or relating to an age or period of 200 years; centennial - of or relating to
e period of 100 years; perennial -lasting through many years.
ar
s

en, in in envision - to picture in the mind; enclose - lock inside; inwards - towards the inside.
si
d
e,
in
w
ar
ds

ep/i o epidemic - the rapid spread of something negative; epilogue - a short speech delivered af
n, epicenter - the center of an earthquake.
u
p
o
n,
o
v
er
,
a
m
o
n
g,
at
,
af
te
r,
to
,
o
ut
si
d
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

equ/i e equidistant - an equal distance from two points; equanimity - calm temperament, evenne
q temper; equation - a statement of equality.
u
al
,
e
q
u
all
y

erg/o w ergonomics - study of the working environment; energy - the power to accomplish work;
or - science that looks at energy and its transformation.
k

esth/aesth fe esthetician - someone who beautifies; aesthetic - pertaining to a sense of beauty; kinesth
eli sensation of bodily movement.
n
g,
se
ns
at
io
n,
b
e
a
ut
y

ethno ra ethnic - pertaining to a defined group of people; ethnocentric - focusing on the ethnicity o
ce ethnology - the science of people and races.
,
p
e
o
pl
e

eu g euphemism - replacing an offensive word with an inoffensive one; euphonious - having a p

o sound; euphoria - feeling of well-being.
o
d,
w
ell

ex fr excavate - to dig out; exhale - to breathe out; extract - to pull out.

o
m
,
o
ut
,

extra, extro o extraordinary - beyond ordinary; extraterrestrial - outside the Earth; extrovert - an outgo
ut
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e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

si
d
e,
b
e
y
o
n
d

fac/t m artifact - an object made by a person; factory - a place where things are made; malefact
a who does wrong.
k
e,
d
o

fer b confer - to bring an honor to someone; ferry - a boat that carries passengers; transfer - to
e another place.
ar
,
br
in
g,
ca
rr
y

fid fa confide - place trust in someone, fidelity - faithfulness; fiduciary - a trustee;

it
h

flect b deflect - to bend course because of hitting something; inflection - a bending in the voice's
e pitch; flexible - easily bending.
n
d

flor/a, fl florist - someone working with flowers; floral - flowerlike; flora - the plant life of a particul
fleur o area
w
er

for co forsaken or forfeited - completely lost; forgiven - completely given (a release of debt).
m
pl
et
el
y

fore in forebear - ancestor; forebode - to give an advance warning of something bad; forecast - a
fr of events to be.
o
nt
of
,
pr
e
vi
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

o
us
,
e
ar
lie
r

form sh conformity- correspondence in form, manner, or character; formation- something that is

a formed; reformatory- intended for reformation
p
e

fract, frag br fracture - a break; fragile - easy to break; fragment or fraction - a part or element of a lar
e
a
k

fug fl fugitive - a person who is running away; refuge - a sheltered place to flee to; refugee - a
e seeking protection
e,
ru
n
a
w
a
y,
es
ca
p
e

funct p defunct - no longer working or alive; function - to work or perform a role normally; malfun
er fail to work correctly.
fo
r
m
,
w
or
k

fus p confusion - being flooded with too much information that is hard to make sense of; fuse -
o heating; infuse - to put into.
ur

gastr/o st gastric - pertaining to the stomach; gastronomy - serving the stomach by providing good
o gastritis - inflammation of the stomach.
m
ac
h

gen/o/e/ bi genealogy - the study of the history of a family; generation - all the people born at approx
genesis rt the same time; genetic -relating to heredity encoded in the genes.
h,
pr
o
d
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

uc
ti
o
n,

fo
r
m
at
io
n,
ki
n
d

geo e geography - study of the earth's surface; geology - study of the structure of the earth; ge
ar soil based agriculture.
th
,
so
il,
gl
o
b
al

ger ol geriatrics - medicine pertaining to the elderly; gerontocracy - the rule of the elders; geron
d the science of aging.
a
g
e

giga a gigabyte - unit of computer storage space; gigahertz - unit of frequency (one billion Hz/se
bil gigawatt unit of electric power (one billion watts).
lio
n

gon a decagon - a polygon with 10 angles; diagonal - a slanting line running across a space; oct
n geometrical figure with 8 angles.
gl
e

gram le diagram - a simple drawing; grammar - rules of how to write words in sentences; telegram
tt message sent by telegraph.
er
,
w
rit
te
n

gran gr granary- a storehouse or repository for grain especially after it is threshed or husked; gra
ai mixture of rolled oats and other ingredients; granule- a little grain (as of sugar)
n

graph/y w Graphology - the study of handwritings; autograph - written with one's own hand; seismo
rit machine noting strength and duration of earthquakes.
in
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a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

g,
re
co
rd
in
g,
w
rit
te
n

grat pl gratify - to please someone; grateful - feeling thankful; gratuity - a tip, token of appreciat
e
as
in
g

gyn/o/e w gynecology - the science of female reproductive health; gynephobia - fear of women; gyn
o resembling a woman.
m
a
n,
fe
m
al
e

gress, grad/e/i to digression - a departure from the main issue, subject, etc.; progress - movement forward
st onward; gradual - step by step.
e
p,
to
g
o

hect/o, hecat h hectoliter - 100 liters; hectare - metric unit equaling 100 ares or 10,000 square meters; h
u - 100 meters.
n
dr
e
d

helic/o sp helicopter - an aircraft with horizontal rotating wing; helix - a spiral form; helicon - a circu
ir
al
,
ci
rc
ul
ar

heli/o su heliotropism - movement or growth in relating to the sun; heliograph - apparatus used to
n message with the help of sunlight; helianthus - genus of plants including sunflowers.

hemi h hemicycle - a semicircular structure; hemisphere - one half of the earth; hemistich - half a
al poetry.
f,
p
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

ar
ti
al

hem/o/a bl hemorrhage - clotting of the blood; hemorrhoids - swelling of the blood vessels; hemoglob
o blood particle.
o
d

hepa liv hepatitis - inflammation of the liver; hepatoma - a tumor of the liver; hepatotoxic - toxic a
er damaging to the liver.

hept/a se heptagon - a shape with seven angles and seven sides; Heptateuch - the first seven books
v Testament; heptameter - a line of verse consisting of seven metrical feet.
e
n

herbi gr herbicide - any chemical used to kill unwanted plants, etc.; herbivorous - plant-eating; he
as relating to plants.
s,
pl
a
nt

hetero di heterogeneous - made up of unrelated parts; heteronyms - words with same spelling but
ff meanings; heterodox - not conforming to traditional beliefs.
er
e
nt
,
ot
h
er

hex/a si hexagon - a shape with six angles/sides; hexameter - a verse measured in six; hexapod -
x legs.

histo ti histology - study of the microscopic structure of tissues; histochemistry - study of the che
ss constitution of cells and tissues.
u
e

homo, lik homogeneous - of the same nature or kind; homonym - sounding alike; homeopath - a th
homeo e, is based on treating "same with same"
ali
k
e,
sa
m
e

hydr/o liq hydrate - to add water to; hydrophobia - intense fear of water; hydroponics - growing pla
ui liquid nutrient solution; hydraulic - operated by force created by a liquid.
d,
w
at
er

hygr/o m hygrometer - tool used to measure humidity; hygrograph - instrument for recording varia
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

oi atmospheric humidity.
st
ur
e,
h
u
m
idi
ty

hyper to hyperactive - very restless; hypercritical - too critical; hypertension - above normal pressu
o
m
uc
h,
o
v
er
,
e
xc
es
si
v
e,
b
e
y
o
n
d

hyp/o u hypoglycemia - an abnormally low level of sugar in the blood; hypothermia - abnormally l
n temperature; hypothesis - a theory that is unproven but used under the assumption that i
d
er

iatr/o m geriatrics - medical care of the elderly; pediatrician - a doctor who treats children; podiatr
e care for feet.
di
ca
l
ca
re

icon/o i icon - an (often religious) image, in modern usage a simplified graphic of high symbolic co
m iconology - science of symbols and icons; iconoclast - someone who destroys religious ima
a traditional beliefs.
g
e

idio p idiomatic - Peculiar to a particular language; idiosyncracy - a physical or mental character

ec or a particular person; idiot - someone who is distinctly foolish or stupid.
ul
ia
r,
p
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

er
so
n
al
,
di
st
in
ct

il, in in illuminate - to give light to; innovation - a new idea, method, or device; inspection - the a
, examining or reviewing.
in
to

ig, il, im, n illegal - not legal; impossible - not possible; inappropriate - not appropriate; irresponsible
in, ir ot responsible.
,
wi
th
o
ut

imag lik image - a likeness of someone; imaginative - able to think up new ideas or images; imagi
e form a picture or likeness in the mind.
n
es
s

infra b infrastructure - underlying framework of a system; infrared - below the regular light spect
e
n
e
at
h,
b
el
o
w

inter b international - involving two or more countries; intersection - place where roads come tog
et intercept - to stop or interrupt the course of.
w
e
e
n,
a
m
o
n
g,
jo
in
tl
y

intra, wi intrastate - existing in one state; intravenous - inside or into a vein; introvert - shy person
intro th keeps within him/herself.
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

in
,
in
si
d
e

ir n irredeemable - not redeemable; irreformable - not reformable; irrational - not rational.

ot

iso e isobar - a line on a map connecting points of equal barometric pressure; isometric - havin
q of measure; isothermal - having equal or constant temperature.
u
al

ject th eject - to throw someone/something out; interject - to throw a remark into a discussion; p
ro cast or throw something.
w

jud la Judgment - a decision of a court of law; judicial - having to do with judges or courts of law
w - a system of courts of law.

junct jo conjunction - a word that joins parts of sentences; disjunction - a disconnection; junction
in where two things join.

juven y juvenile - youthful or childish; rejuvenate - to bring back to youthful strength or appearan
o
u
n
g

kilo th kilobyte - 1,000 bytes; kilometer - 1,000 meter; kilograms - 1,000 grams.
o
us
a
n
d

kine/t m kinetics - study of the force of motion; psychokinesis or telekinesis - the ability to move o
/mat ot your mind; cinematography - motion picture making.
io
n,
di
vi
si
o
n

lab w collaborate - to work with a person; elaborate - to work out the details; laborious - requiri
or hard work.
k

lact/o m lactate - to give milk, nurse; lactose - the sugar contained in milk; lactic acid.
ilk

later si bilateral - of or involving two sides; unilateral - affecting one side of something.
d
e
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

leuk/o, w leukemia - abnormal increase of white blood cells in the blood; leukocyte - a mature white
leuc/o hi cell; leucine - a white, crystalline amino acid.
te
,
co
lo
rl
es
s

lex w lexicology - the study and history of words; alexia -loss of the ability to read; illegal - not
or by the official rules or laws.
d,
la
w
,
re
a
di
n
g

liber fr liberate - to set free; libertine - a person with a free, wild lifestyle; liberty - freedom.
e
e

lingu la linguist - one who studies languages; multilingual - able to communicate in multiple langu
n linguine - long, flat "tongue-shaped" pasta.
g
u
a
g
e,
to
n
g
u
e

lip/o fa liposuction - the mechanical removal of fat reserves in the tissue; lipase - enzyme that bre
t fat; lipoid - resembling fat.

lite, ite, m apatite - a group of common minerals; granite - a hard, granular rock; monolith - a remar
lith/o in unique stone.
er
al
,
ro
ck
,
fo
ss
il

loc pl dislocate - to put something out of its usual place; location - a place; relocate - to move t
ac place.
e
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

log/o w logic - correct reasoning; monologue - a long speech by one speaker;analogy - similarity,
or between things otherwise dissimilar.
d,
d
oc
tri
n
e,
di
sc
o
ur
se

loqu, locu sp eloquent - speaking beautifully and forcefully ; loquacious - very talkative; elocution - art
e speaking.
a
k

luc lig elucidate - to explain, to throw light on; lucid - easily understood, giving off light; transluc
ht allowing light through.

lud, lus to prelude - introduction to the major performance; illusion - misleading optical image or imp
pl delude - to mislead, deceive.
a
y

lumin lig illuminate - to fill with light; lumen - unit measuring light.
ht

lun/a/i m lunar - relating to the moon; lunarscape - the surface of the moon; lunatic - insane (as if
o by the moon).
o
n

macro la macroevolution - large scale evolution; macromolecule - a large molecule; macroeconomic

rg of the overall forces of economy.
e,
gr
e
at

magn/a/i gr magnify - make larger; magnificent - grand; magnate - a powerful person, especially in bu
e industry.
at
,
la
rg
e

mal/e b malcontent - wrong content; malaria - "bad air", infectious disease thought to originate fr
a "bad air" of the swamps, but caused by the bite of an infected mosquito; malicious - show
d, ill will.
ill
,
w
ro
n
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

man/i/u h maneuver - to move by hand; manual - done with the hands; manuscript - a book written
a
n
d

mand to command - an order or instruction; demand - a hard-to-ignore order; mandate - an officia

or
d
er

mania m bibliomania - a crazy love of books; egomania - a mad love of oneself; maniac an insane p
a
d
n
es
s,
in
sa
ni
ty
,
e
xc
es
si
v
e
d
es
ir
e

mar/i se marina - a harbor for pleasure boats; maritime - relating to the sea; submarine - an unde
a aquamarine - color of sea water.

mater, m maternal - relating to motherhood; maternity - the state of being a mother; matriarch - a
matr/i ot head of a household.
h
er

max gr maximal - the best or greatest possible; maximize - to make as great as possible; maximu
e greatest amount.
at
es
t

medi m medieval - pertaining to the Middle Ages; medium - in the middle; mediocre - only of med
id (inferior) quality.
dl
e

mega gr megalopolis - an area with many nearby cities; megaphone - a device that projects a loud
e megastructure - huge building or other structure.
at
,
la
 M
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

rg
e,
m
illi
o
n

melan/o bl melancholy - a state of dark emotions; melanoma - malignant dark tumor of the skin; me
ac a dark, pathetic drama.
k

memor/i re commemorate - to honor the memory of, as by a ceremony; memorial - related to remem
m person or event; memory: an ability to retain knowledge or an individual's stock of retaine
e knowledge.
m
b
er

merge, di immerge or immerse - to put or dip something into a liquid; submerge to dip something c
mers p, into wate.r
di
v
e

meso m Mesoamerica - Middle America; meson - elementary particle with a mass between an elec
id proton.
dl
e

meta ch metaphysics - study of nature and reality; metamorphosis - a complete change of form; m
a the transmission of disease to other parts of the body.
n
g
e,
af
te
r,
b
e
y
o
n
d,
b
et
w
e
e
n

meter, m audiometer- an instrument that measures hearing acuteness; chronometer- an instrumen

metr/y e measures time; metric - measured.
as
ur
e

micro v microbe - a very small living thing; microchip - a tiny wafer with an integrated circuit; mic
er a device to see very small things.
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

y
s
m
all
,
sh
or
t,
m
in
ut
e

mid m midriff - the area between the chest and the waist; midterm - middle of a term in school;
id halfway between.
dl
e

migr m immigrant - a person who moves to a new country to settle; migrant - person who moves
o to place; migration - the process of moving.
v
e

milli o millimeter - one thousandth of a meter; millibar - one thousandth of a bar; milliliter - one
n thousandth of a liter.
et
h
o
us
a
n
dt
h

min/i s mini - something that is very small; minuscule - extremely tiny; minutiae - very small or t
m details.
all
,
le
ss

mis/o b misbehave - to behave badly; misprint - an error in printing; misnomer - an error in nami
a person or thing.
d,
b
a
dl
y,
w
ro
n
g,
w
ro
n
gl
y,
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

to
h
at
e

miss, mit se dismiss - to send someone away; missile - a weapon sent into the air; emit - to send som
n admittance - entry.
d,
le
t
g
o

mob m immobilize - to stop from moving; mobile - able to move freely; mobility - the quality of b
o to move.
v
e

mon/o o monochromat - having one color; monologue - a speech spoken by one person; monothei
n in one god.
e,
si
n
gl
e,
al
o
n
e

mot, mov m motion - the act of moving; motivate - to move someone to action; promote to move som
o forward; removable - able to be taken or carried away.
v
e

morph/o fo metamorphosis - complete change of form; endorphins - chemical in the brain able to tran
r pain; amorphous - without distinct shape or form.
m

mort d immortal - living forever, unable to die; mortal - certain to die; mortician - an undertaker.
e
at
h

multi m multicolored - having many colors; multimedia - using a range of media; multitasking - do
a things at once.
n
y,
m
or
e
th
a
n
o
n
e
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

or
t
w
o

mut ch immutable - not changing; mutant - an organism that has undergone change; mutate - to
a change.
n
g
e

my/o m myocardium - the middle muscle of the heart; myasthenia - muscle fatigue or weakness;
us common protein in muscle tissue.
cl
e

narr te narrate - to tell a story; narrative - a story; narrator - a person who tells a story.
ll

nat b innate - included since birth; natal - relating to birth; natural - gotten at birth, not afterwa
or
n

nav sh circumnavigate - to sail around a place; naval - relating to a navy or warships; navigate -
ip ship through a place.

necr/o d necrophil - loving death; necrosis - the death of tissue due to disease or injury; necrology
e persons who have recently died.
a
d,
d
e
at
h

neg n negate - to say it didn't happen; negative - meaning "no"; renege - to go back on a promi
o

neo n neoclassic - a revival of classic form, neocolonialism - the indirect ("new") economical and
e control of a region by a more powerful foreign power; neonatal - a newborn child, especia
w few weeks.
,
re
ce
nt

nephr/o ki nephritis - inflammation of the kidneys; nephrotomy - surgical incision of a kidney; nephro
d single, excretory unit in the kidney.
n
e
y

neur/o n neuralgia - pain along a nerve; neurologist - doctor specializing in the nerves; neurotic - m
er disorder that usually does not include an impaired perception of reality.
v
e

nom/in n misnomer - an error in naming a person or thing; nominal - being something in name only
a reality; nominate - to name for election or appointment, to designate.
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

m
e

non n nondescript - with no special characteristics; nonfiction - true, real, not made-up; nonsens
o, without sense.
n
ot
,
wi
th
o
ut

not m notable - marked as worthy of attention; notarize - to certify a signature on a legal docum
ar annotate - to add remarks.
k

noun, d announce - to declare in public; denounce - to proclaim harsh criticism; enunciate - to spe
nunc ec declare something clearly.
la
re

nov n innovate - to introduce a new way; novelty - something new; novice - a person who is new
e renovate - to make something like new again.
w

numer n enumerate - to name a number of items on a list; numerology - the study of magical uses
u numbers; numerous - a large number.
m
b
er

ob, op in object - to be against something; obscure - hard to understand; opposition - the act of re
th action against.
e
w
a
y,
a
g
ai
ns
t

oct/a/o ei octagon - a figure with 8 sides and 8 angles; octogenarian - person in his or her 80s; octo
g animal with 8 arms.
ht

ocu e binoculars - lens device for seeing distances; monocular - relating to one eye; oculist - an
y doctor.
e

od p diode - an electron tube having two electrodes, a cathode and an anode; odometer - an
at attached to a vehicle to measure the distance traversed; triode - an electron tube with an
h, cathode, and a control grid
w
a
y
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e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

odor s deodorant - a substance that helps prevent body odor; malodorous - having a terribly bad
m smell; odoriferous- something that bears or diffuses a scent
ell
,
sc
e
nt

omni all omnipotent - with all the power; omniscient - knowing all things; omnivorous eating all fo

op/t/s e optic - relating to the eyes; optician - a person who fits eyeglasses; autopsy - the examin
y dead body.
e,
vi
su
al
co
n
di
ti
o
n,
si
g
ht

opt b optimal - the best, the most desirable; optimize - to make the best of; optimum - the bes
es something could be.
t

ortho st orthodontist - a dentist that straightens teeth; orthopedic - a doctor concerned with the p
ra alignment of the bones; orthography - the correct way of writing.
ig
ht

osteo b osteoarthritis - inflammation caused by degeneration of the joints; osteopathy - therapy t

o among others manipulation of the skeleton to restore health; osteology - the study of bon
n
e

out g Outgoing - being of lively, sharing nature; outdoing - doing better than; outdoor - outside
o
es
b
e
y
o
n
d,

su
rp
as
se
s,
e
xc
e
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

e
ds

over e overconfident - more confident than is appropriate; overstock - more supplies than is desi
xc overexcited - ,more excited than one should be.
es
si
v
e

oxi/oxy sh oxymoron - combining two ideas that sharply contradict each other; oxidize - corrode a su
ar
p

pale/o a paleontology - study of ancient fossils; paleography - the study of ancient forms of writing
nc Paleolithic - period of the Stone Age.
ie
nt

pan all panacea - a cure for all diseases or problems; panorama - an all-around view; pantheism
, worship of all gods; pandemic - affecting all.
a
n
y,
e
v
er
y
o
n
e

para b parasite - an organism that lives on and off another living being; parallel - alongside and a
es equal distance apart; paragraph - a portion of a writtenn document that presents a distinc
id
e,
b
e
y
o
n
d,
a
b
n
or
m
al
,
as
si
st
a
nt

para pr parachute - protection from falling; parasol - an umbrella used to protect from the sun;
ot
ec
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e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

ti
o
n
fr
o
m

pater, fa paternal - relating to fathers; paternity - fatherhood; patriarch - a man who rules a group
patr/i th
er

path fe antipathy - a feeling of great dislike; apathy - a lack of feeling or interest; empathy - abili
eli understand another's feelings.
n
g,
e
m
ot
io
n

ped/i/e fo pedal - a lever pushed by the foot; pedestrian - one who walks; pedicure - cosmetic treatm
ot feet and toes.
,
fe
et

pel dr compel - to force someone to act; expel - to drive someone out of a place; repel - to force
iv
e,
fo
rc
e

pent/a fi pentagon - shape having 5 angles and 5 sides, pentagram - a five-pointed star formerly u
v symbolic figure in magic; pentathlon - an athletic contest that includes five events.
e

pept, di dyspepsia - abnormal digestion; peptic - aiding digestion; pepsin - a digestive enzyme.
peps g
es
ti
o
n

per th permanent - lasting throughout all time; permeate - to spread throughout; persist - to con
ro long time; perennial - lasting through many years.
u
g
h,
th
ro
u
g
h
o
ut
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

peri ar periodontal - pertaining to bone and tissue around a tooth; peripheral - lying outside of th
o perimeter - the outer boundary of an area.
u
n
d,
e
nc
lo
si
n
g

phag/e to esophagus - muscular tube that carries food to the stomach; anthropophagy or sarcophag
e cannibalism; xylophagous - feeding on wood.
at

phil/o lo philanthropist - one who loves humanity; philology - the love of words; philosophy - the lo
v wisdom; bibliophil - loving books.
e,
fri
e
n
d

phon/o so cacophony - loud, unpleasant sounds; microphone - a device that records and amplifies so
/e/y u phonetic - relating to human speech sounds.
n
d

phot/o lig photogenic - caused by light; photograph - image made on light-sensitive film; photon - t
ht possible unit of light.

phyll/o le chlorophyll - a group of green pigments found in leaves; phyllotaxis - the arrangement of
af a stem; phyllite - a rock that forms sheets, similar to slate.

phys n physical - relating to the body; physician - a doctor; physique - nature and shape of one's
at
ur
e,
m
e
di
ci
n
e,
th
e
b
o
d
y

phyt/o/e pl epiphyte - a plant growing independently on the surface of another; hydrophyte - a plant
a only in water; neophyte - a beginner, especially a person recently converted to a new beli
nt
,
to
gr
 M
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

o
w

plas/t/m to protoplasm - something that is the first made or formed, also the living portion of a cell; p
fo able to be formed, especially when warm; plaster - a mixture of lime, sand and water that
r smooth solid covering for walls.
m
,
d
e
v
el
o
p
m
e
nt
,
fo
r
m
in
g
ce
lls

plaud, plod, a applaud- to show approval of especially by clapping the hands; explosion- an act of expos
plaus, plos p something as invalid or baseless; plausible- worthy of being applauded
pr
o
v
e,
cl
a
p

pneum/o br pneumonia - inflammation of the lungs; pneumatic - using the force of air; dyspnea - diffi
e breathing.
at
hi
n
g,
lu
n
g,
ai
r,
sp
iri
t

pod/e fo podiatrist - a doctor for the feet; podium - a small platform to stand on; tripod - a stand o
ot with 3 legs.

poli ci metropolis - a large city; police - people who work for the government to maintain order i
ty politics - actions of a government or political party.

poly m polychrome - with many colors; polyglot - a person fluent in many languages; polygon - s
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

a 3 or more straight sides.

n
y,
m
or
e
th
a
n
o
n
e

pon pl opponent - a person who places him/herself against an action, idea, etc.; postpone - to pu
ac something.
e,
p
ut

pop p popular - appealing to a lot of people; population - all of the people who live in a particula
e populist - a supporter of the rights of people.
o
pl
e

port ca export - to carry goods out of a place to another; portable - able to be carried; porter - a
rr who carries luggage.
y

pos pl deposit - to place or drop something; expose to place out into the open for all to see; pos
ac place where someone is.
e,
p
ut

post af posthumous - after someone's death; postpone - to delay something; postscript - an addi
te already completed document.
r,
b
e
hi
n
d

pre e preamble - a part in front of a formal document; prepare - to get ready in advance; predic
ar statement foretelling the future.
lie
r,
b
ef
or
e,
in
fr
o
nt
of
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

pro b prognosis - a prediction of what will happen; prologue - a passage before the main part; p
ef person who foretells the future.
or
e,
in
fr
o
nt
of
,
fo
r,
fo
r
w
ar
d

prot/o pr prototype - the first of a kind; proton - on of the very basic parts of an atom; protocol - a
i from which a document is prepared.
m
iti
v
e,
fir
st
,
ch
ie
f

pseud/o w pseudonym - a fictitious name; pseudoscience - theories presumed without proof of a scie
ro nature; pseudopregnancy - a false pregnancy.
n
g,
fa
ls
e

psych/o m psyche - the human spirit or soul; psychic - relating to the human mind or someone who h
in supernatural mental abilities; psychology - the study of the mind.
d,
m
e
nt
al

pugn/a, to pugnacious - having a quarrelsome or aggressive nature; repugnant - distasteful, offensiv

pung fi revolting; pungent - piercing.
g
ht

pul ur compulsion - a very strong urge; expulsion - to someone out; impulsive - having a sponta
g to do something.
e

purg cl purge - remove anything undesirable; purgatory - according to Roman Catholics a place w
e must clean themselves of sin; expurgate - remove objectionable passages from a publicat
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

a
n

put th computer - an electronic thinking device; dispute - to disagree with what another person t
in input - contribution of one's thinking.
k

pyr/o fir pyrotechnics - the art of making fireworks; pyrometer - a thermometer for measuring high
e, temperature; pyretic - relating to or producing fever.
h
e
at

quad/r/ri fo quadrant - open space with buildings on 4 sides; quadrennium - period of 4 years; quadru
ur footed animal.

quart fo quarter - one fourth; quart - a fourth of a gallon; quartet - a musical composition or group
ur 4 voices or instruments.
th

quin/t fi quintett - a composition for 5 voices or instruments; quintessence - pure essence, based o
v ancient philosophy that there was a fifth element that was present in all things; quintuple
e,
fif
th

radic, ro eradicate - pull out at the roots; radical - fundamental, looking at things from a drastic po
radix ot view; radish - an edible root of the mustard family.

radio ra radioactive - emitting radiation; radiologist - someone diagnosing or treating via radiation
di
at
io
n,
ra
y

ram/i br ramification - the resulting consequence of a decision; ramify - to spread or branch out; ra
a branchlike part.
nc
h

re a rebound -to spring back again; rewind - to wind something backward; reaction: a respons
g recognize: to identify someone or something seen before.
ai
n,
b
ac
k,
b
ac
k
w
ar
d

reg g regent - a person who rules on behalf of a king or queen; regime - a government that rule
ui regulate - to apply a rule.
d
 M
e
a
Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

e,
ru
le

retro b retroactive - relating to something in the past; retrogress - to go back to an earlier condit
ac retrospect - the remembering of past events.
k
w
ar
d,
b
ac
k

rhin/o n rhinoceros - a species of animals with a big horn on the snout; rhinoplasty - surgery of the
os rhinovirus - viruses that are causing the common cold.
e

rhod/o re rhododendron - a flower with red/pink flowers; rhodium - an element which produces a re
d rhodopsin - a purple pigment in the retina that is needed for vision.

rid la deride - to make fun of someone; ridicule - to make fun or mock; ridiculous - silly, causing
u
g
h

rrh/ea fl diarrhea - abnormally excessive bowl movement; hemorrhage - heavy blood flow; catarrh
/oea/ag o inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially the nose and throat.
w
,
di
sc
h
ar
g
e

rub re ruby - deep red color and a precious stone of the same color; rubella - measles; bilirubin -
d pigment in bile.

rupt br bankrupt - unable to pay because you're "broke"; interrupt - to break into a conversation
e to disturb; rupture - a break in something.
a
k,
b
ur
st

san h sane - mentally healthy; sanitary - relating to cleanliness and health; sanitation - mainten
e public health and cleanliness.
al
th

scend cli ascend - to climb upward; crescendo - a climbing up of the volume of music; descend - to
m climb down.
b,
g
o
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

sci k conscience - sense of knowing right from wrong; conscious - knowing what is happening;
n - knowing everything.
o
w

scler/o h arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arterial walls; multiple sclerosis - disease which causes
ar of the brain and spinal cord to harden; sclerometer - instrument for measuring hardness.
d

scop/e/y se microscope - a device used to see tiny things; periscope - a seeing instrument on a subma
e, telescope - a device used to see over a distance.
e
x
a
m
in
e,
o
bs
er
v
e

scrib, w inscribe - to write letters or words on a surface; scribe - a person who writes out documen
script rit describe - to represent with words or pictures.
e,
w
rit
te
n

se a secede - to formally break away from; seclude - to keep away from; serum - a liquid isola
p another.
ar
t

sect cu dissect - to cut apart piece by piece; intersection - the place or point where two things cro
t other; bisect - to cut into two equal parts.

sed, sid, sess si reside- be stationed; sediment- the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; session-
t or constructive sitting of a body

self of self-discipline - the ability to discipline yourself; self-respect - respect for yourself; selfish
, only with your own interests.
fo
r,
or
b
y
it
se
lf

semi h semiannual - every half year; semicircle - half a circle; semiconscious - partly conscious; s
al - every half of a year.
f,
p
ar
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

ti
al

sept/i se September - this used to be the seventh month in the Roman calendar; septet - a group o
v musicians; septuagenarian - a person in his/her seventies.
e
n

serv sa conserve - to save or keep something safe; preserve - to save something; reservation - a
v for a person.
e,
k
e
e
p

sex si sextet or sextette - a composition or group of six, sextuple - sixfold; sexagenarian - perso
x his/her sixties.

sol al desolate - lonely, dismal, gloomy; solitary - done alone, by yourself; solo - a performance
o one person alone.
n
e

sol su solar - involving the sun; parasol - umbrella protecting from the sun; solarium - a room w
n exposed to sun light.

somn/I sl insomnia - inability to fall asleep; somniloquy - talking in your sleep; somnolent - feeling s
e
e
p

son so consonant - a speech sound; sonorous - producing loud, full, rich sounds; supersonic - fas
u sound; unison - as one voice.
n
d

soph wi philosopher - a wise person; sophisticated - wise about the ways of the world; sophism - a
se but misleading argument.

spec/t, se circumspect - cautious, looking all around; retrospective - a looking back at past things; s
spic e, a person who sees an event.
lo
o
k

sphere b biosphere - the whole round surface of the earth; hemisphere - half the earth spherically s
all a ball.

spir br inspire - to stimulate or animate; transpire - to give of vapor with waste product through
e a membrane; spirit - invisible life force.
at
h
e

sta st stable - standing steady and firm; stagnant - standing still, not moving; stationary - at a s
a fixed.
n
d
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

stell st constellation - a group of stars that forms a pattern; interstellar - between the stars; stell
ar relating to stars.

struct b construct - to build; destruction - the act of destroying something that was built; structure
ui something built; infrastructure - underlying framework of a system.
ld

sub u submarine - an underwater boat; submerge - to put underwater; substandard - inferior to

n standards.
d
er
,
lo
w
er
th
a
n,

in
fe
ri
or
to

sum hi sum - the combined total of everything; summation - the total, highest amount; summit t
g point or top.
h
es
t

super hi Super bowl - the final annual football game; superior - above average, better in quality; s
g faster than the speed of sound.
h
er
in
q
u
ali
ty

or
q
u
a
nt
it
y

sy/m to symmetry -similarity in size, form or arrangement; synergy - the combined effect; synchr
/n/l/s g cause to occur at the same time.
et
h
er
,
wi
th
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

,
sa
m
e

tact, tang to contact - a state in which two things touch; tactile - relating to the sense of touch; tangib
uc be touched; intact - with nothing missing.
h

tax/o ar syntax - the systematic arrangement of words; taxonomy - the science of classification; a
ra of the ability to coordinate muscle action.
n
g
e
m
e
nt

techno te technology - the practical application of knowledge; technocracy - rule of technology; tech
ch - characterized by technology.
ni
q
u
e,
sk
ill

tel/e/o fa telephone - a device to talk to a distant person; telescope - a device to view distant objec
r, television - a device to receive pictures from afar; telecommuting - working remotely, brid
di distance via virtual devices.
st
a
nt
,
co
m
pl
et
e

temp/or ti contemporary- existing at the same time; temporal - relating to time; temporary - lasting
m limited time.
e

ten, tin, tent h continent- serving to restrain or limit; detention- the act or fact of detaining, tenacious- h
ol parts or elements strongly adhering to each other
d

ter, trit ru attrition- the act of rubbing together or wearing down; detritus- a product of disintegratio
b wearing away; trite- used or occurring so often as to have lost interest, freshness, or forc

term/ina e determine - to find something out at the end of an investigation; terminate - to end; exte
n to destroy or get rid of completely.
d,
li
m
it
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

terr/a/i la extraterrestrial - existing outside the earth; terrain - ground or land; territory - an area of
n
d,
e
ar
th

tetra fo tetrapod - having 4 legs; tetrarchy - government by 4 rulers; tetrose - a monosaccharide

ur carbon atoms.

the p bibliotheca- a list or catalog of books; theme- a proposition for discussion or argument; t
ut dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific

the/o g monotheism - belief in one god; polytheism - worshiping more than one god; theology - th
o religion, god, etc.
d

therm/o h thermal - relating to heat; thermos - an insulated jar that keeps heat in; thermostat - a d
e controls heat.
at

tort t contortion - a twisted shape or position; distort - to alter the shape or condition of; retort
wi manner that is supposed to change the effect of something previously said.
st

tox p detoxification - the process of removing poisons; toxic - poisonous; toxicology - the study
oi poisons; intoxicated - influenced by drugs.
so
n

tract p attract - to pull objects nearer; distract - to drag attention away from something; tractor -
ul vehicle that pulls things.
l,
dr
a
g

trans ac transcontinental - across the continent; transfer - to move from one place to another; tran
ro carry something across a space.
ss
,b
e
y
o
n
d,
th
ro
u
g
h

tri th triangle - a figure with 3 sides and 3 angles; triathlon - an athletic contest with 3 events;
re 3-wheeI vehicle with pedals.
e,
o
nc
e
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

in
e
v
er
y
th
re
e,

th
ir
d

ultra b ultrahigh - extremely high; ultramodern - more modern than anything else; ultrasonic - so
e waves beyond human hearing.
y
o
n
d,
e
xt
re
m
e,
m
or
e
th
a
n

un n unabridged - not shortened; unfair - opposite of fair; unfriendly - lacking friendliness.

ot
,o
p
p
os
it
e
of
,
la
ck
in
g

uni o unicycle - a vehicle with one wheel; unilateral - decided by only one person or nation; uni
n only one of its kind; unison - as one voice.
e,
si
n
gl
e

urb ci suburb - residential area on the edge of a city; urban - relating to a city; urbanology - the
ty city life.
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

vac e evacuate - to empty a dangerous place; vacant - empty, not occupied; vacation - a time w
m work.
pt
y

ven/t co circumvent - to go around or bypass restrictions; convention - a gathering or assembly of

m with a common interest; intervene - to come between.
e

ver/I tr veracious - truthful, honest; veracity - the truth; verify - to make sure that something is t
ut
h

verb w verbalize - to put into words; adverb - a word relating to a verb; proverb - a short saying
or expresses a well-known truth.
d

vers, tu reverse - to turn around; introvert - being turned towards the inside; version - a variation
vert rn original; controversy - a conversation in which positions are turned against each other.

vice ac vice-president - the person next in rank to the president

ti
n
g
in
pl
ac
e
of
,
n
e
xt
in
ra
n
k

vid se evident clearly seen

e

vince, co convince - to win someone over; invincible - not able to be conquered; victory - the conqu
vic n enemy.
q
u
er

vis, vid se vision - the ability to see; envision - to picture in the mind; evident - clearly visible.
e

viv/i liv revival - the act of bringing back to life; vital - pertaining to live; vivacious - high-spirited
vit e, life.
lif
e

voc/i v advocate - to speak in favor of; equivocate - to use misleading language that could be inte
oi two different ways; vocalize - to produce with your voice.
ce
,
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Root word ni Examples and Definitions
n
g
s

ca
ll

vol/i/u wi benevolent - showing good will and kindness; volition - the act of making a choice or decis
sh voluntary - resulting from your own free will.
,
wi
ll

vor, e carnivorous - meat-eating; voracious - desiring or eating food in great quantities; devour
vour at quickly.

xanth y xanthium- a genus of coarse and rough or spiny herbs; xanthochromia- yellowish discolor
ell the skin or cerebrospinal fluid); xanthogenic
o
w

xen/o fo xenophobic - afraid of foreigners; xenogenesis - the creation of offspring that is completel
re from either parent; xenophile - attracted to foreigners.
ig
n

xer/o/I dr xerophyte - a plant that grows in dry climate; xerography - a dry photocopying process; x
y requiring small amounts of moisture.

xyl w xylocarp; xyloid- resembling wood; xylophone-an organ percussion stop of similar tone qu
o
o
d

zo/o a zoology - study of animals; zooid - resembling an animal; zooplankton - minute floating a
ni animals.
m
al
lif
e

zyg/o p zygote - a cell formed by the union of two gametes and the organism developing from tha
ai zygomorphic - pertaining to organisms that can be divided into symmetrical halves along
r only.