After H.S.

C level, university admission aspirants are often required to know a substantial number of
new words as often questions address vocabulary knowledge of the examinees.

Learning etymology , precisely, root of the words can help student understand and retain new words
quite efficiently. This doc’s contents will help the students understand and easily remember 1500+
words.

English Root Word List 1

1. Root Word – Mal – a Latin word, Meaning – bad or evil.

English words having ‘mal’ root word –

• Malignment – defame something badly

• Malice – evil intention
• Maltreat. – Treat someone/something badly
• Malfunction – working badly
• Dismal – A gloomy situation
• Maleficent – Someone who deliberately try causing harm to someone
*All the words having ‘mal’ root word gives a negative connotation.
2. Root Word – Phobia, Meaning – Fear or dislike
English words formed of it –

• Demophobia – demo is people so one who fears public speaking have demophobia
• Zoophobia – people who fear animals.
• Theophobia – Thei is God/Religion, so a person who fears religion has theophobia.
• Pedophobia – Pedo means child, so a person who doesn’t like children has pedophobia.
• Gynophobia – a person who dislikes girls/women because Gyno is a girl/woman.
.
3. Root word – Fin – a Latin word, Meaning – to end something, limit, or boundary.
English words containing ‘Fin’ in them –

• Infinity – No limit
• Infinitesimal – immeasurably small
• Confinement – concluding state of pregnancy
• Definite – Precise
We can see, the words mean to end or limit something. Examples: We take a final exam at the end of the
course. The one who watches reality TV Shows, see the Finale episode or the final episode of the season.In
a race, the Finish line is known as the end of it.

4. Root word – Phil – a Greek word, Meaning – to Love.

English word with root word ‘Phil’-

• Bibliophile – the one who loves books

• Philologist – word lover who is a scholar of language
• Philanthropist – is a person who loves mankind.
• Philosopher – A person who will love wisdom
• Philodendron – A tree that curls up while growing and are called love trees.
So we can see all the words with root words are associated with love. Did you know the city of Philadelphia
actually means the city of brotherly love.
5. Root word – Logy a Greek word, Meaning – to study something
Words formed with the root word ‘logy’ are –

• Analogy – the study of comparison of two or more things

• Anthropology – the study of human beings as ‘anthrop’ means human.
• Theology – ‘theo’ means God/religion so theology is the study of religion
• Morphology – the study of structures is morphology. Morph means structures.

6. Root word – Thie, a Greek word – Meaning – God/Religion

English words formed using the root word ‘Thei’ are –

• Theist – ‘ist’ is follower, so theist is one who believes in God

• Atheist – A [person who do not believe in God
• Pantheist – Pan means that is all over, so the person who believes in all God across all religion is
Pantheist
• Monotheist – Mono connotes one, so those who believe in one god are monotheists.

7. Root word – Fact – coming from the Latin language – Meaning – something that is “made” or “done”.
Let’s check the different words with this root word –

• Factory: is a place where something is “made”.

• Manufactured: A place where something is made too. Manufactured originally means something
that is made in large scale.
• Artifact – something that is made by human skills
• Factor – is a “maker”. For example, a beautiful painting done by someone is a deciding factor who
gained the rank of a master- painter.
• Benefactor – Someone who does good for other people
• Stupefaction – something that made you completely surprised
• Petrifaction – a superpower that makes people turn into stones by just gazing at them
• Malefactor – someone that does evil to human
• Satisfaction – done enough
All the words formed of the root word ‘fact’ connotes something done or made.

8. Root Word – Dict/Dic – a Latin word – Meaning– Say

English words containing Dict/Dic in them –

• Prediction – say something beforehand.

• Dictated – say something to someone
• Verdict – speaking or saying the truth
• Indicate – make known about something by saying
• Contradict – say something against
• Dictionary – a book that tells us how to say a certain word correctly.
• Addicted – when we want to say or declare that we are in love with certain things.
10. Root Word – Anti, a Greek word, Meaning – Opposite or against
The English words formed of the root word ‘Anti’ –

• Antiseptic – working against infection

• Antidote – working against the effect of the poison
• Antisocial – opposite to social norms
• Antioxidants – compounds that work against the chemical reactions that damage the cells of an
organism.

List of Root Words That are Common English Words 1

There are certain root words that form a standalone word of its own or as part of other common words in
the English language. Given below are some common English words that are root words as well:

• Act – meaning – to move or do, other English words- actor, acting, reenact
• Crypt – Meaning – to hide, other English words – cryptic, apocryphal, cryptography
• Ego – meaning – Self-importance, Other words formed of it egotist, egocentric, egomaniac
• Legal – meaning – related to the law, other words in English – illegal, legalities, paralegal
• Form – meaning – shape, words formed from it – conform, reform, formulate
• Phobia – meaning – fear – words formed from this root word are already discussed above.
• Norm – meaning – typical, other English words – abnormal, paranormal, normality.
Given below is the Root words list that originates from either Latin or Greek words and forms the basis of
different English words.

Root Words from the Greek Language

Root Words Meaning Examples

meter/metr measure thermometer, perimeter

tele far off television, telephone

psycho soul; spirit psychology, psychic

therm heat thermal, thermometer

techno art; science; skill technique, technological

pseudo not genuine, false pseudonym, pseudoscience

morph form; shape morphology, morphing

photo/phos light photograph, phosphorous

phon sound phone, symphony

hydr water hydration, dehydrate

mono one monologue, monotonous

mis/miso hate misanthrope, misogyny

micro small microbe, microscope

hetero different heteronym, heterogeneous

scope viewing instrument microscope, telescope

hypo below; beneath hypothermia, hypothetical

homo same homonym, homogenous

chron time chronological, chronic

gram thing written epigram, telegram

auto self autobiography, automobile

dyna power dynamic, dynamite

bio life biology, biography

dys bad; hard; unlucky dysfunctional, dyslexic

phobia fear claustrophobia, phobic

logy study of biology, psychology

graph writing graphic, phonograph

nym name antonym, synonym

anthrop man; human; humanity anthropologist, philanthropy

English Root Words From the Latin Language

Root Words Meaning Examples

aqua water aquarium, aquamarine

bene good benefactor, benevolent

circum around circumference, circumstance

duc/duct to lead conduct, induce

cent one hundred century, percent

mal bad malevolent, malefactor

mater mother material, maternity

form shape conform, reform

ambi both ambiguous, ambidextrous

dict to say dictation, dictator

mit to send transmit, admit

fort strength fortitude, fortress

 fract to break fracture, fraction

struct to build destruction, restructure

scrib/scribe to write inscription, prescribe

ject throw projection, rejection

multi many multimedia, multiple

fac to do; to make factory, manufacture

aud to hear audience, audition

sect/sec to cut bisect, section

jud judge judicial, prejudice

mort death mortal, mortician

pater father paternal, paternity

port to carry portable, transportation

contra/counter against contradict, encounter

rupt to break bankrupt, disruption

voc voice; to call vocalize, advocate

spect to look inspection, spectator

vid/vis to see video, televise

sent to feel; to send consent, resent

ambul - to move or walk (ambulance, ambulate)

cardio - heart (cardiovascular, electrocardiogram, cardiology)
cede - to go or yield (intercede, recede, concede)
counter - against or opposite (counteract, counterpoint, counterargument)
dem - people (democracy, democrat, demographic)
derm - skin (dermatitis, dermatology, epidermis)
equi - equal (equity, equilateral, equidistant)
hypno - sleep (hypnosis, hypnotic, hypnotism)
intra - within or into (intrapersonal, intramural, intravenous)
ject - to throw (reject, eject, inject)
magni - big or great (magnificent, magnify, magnitude)
mal - bad (malignant, malfunction, malice)
omni - all (omnipotent, omnipresent, omnivore)
pater - father (paternal, paternity, patriarch)
script - to write (manuscript, postscript, scripture)
List of Root Words That are Common English Words 2
1. Root Word: pan
Meaning: all
Words: pandemic, panacea, panorama

2. Root Word: thei

Meaning: God
Words: pantheist, atheist

3. Root Word: logy

Meaning of the English root word: study of something
Words: theology, biology, anthopology

4. Root Word: cert

Meaning: sure
Words: certain, certify

5. Root Word: carnio

Meaning: skull
Words: craniotomy, carniology

6. Root Word: max

Meaning: largest
Words: maxima, maximum

7. Root Word: min

Meaning: smallest
Words: minimal, minimize

8. Root Word: medi

Meaning: medium
Words: medieval, medium

9. Root Word: meta

Meaning: change
Words: metamorphosis, metastasis
10. Root Word: tox
Meaning: Poison
Words: Toxic, Intoxicated, detox

11. Root Word: man

Meaning: hand
Words: manual, manuscript

12. Root Word: poly

Meaning: many
Words: Polyglot, Polygamy, Polyandry

13. Root Word: Mono

Meaning: Single
Words: Monogamy, Monorail, Monotonous

14. Root Word: Somni

Meaning: Sleep
Words: Insomnia, Somniloquy

15. Root Word: Soli

Meaning: Single

Words: Solitude, Solitary

This is an exhaustive list of the root words. Understanding their meaning and remembering them can help you retain
the highest number of words

Complete List of Root Words

Root Meaning Sample Words & Meaning Synonyms

A without • Abyss- without • Abyss- chasm,
bottom fissure
• Achromatic- • Achromatic-
without colour achromous,
• Anhydrous- without diatonic
water • Anhydrous-arid,
evaporated
A on • Afire- on fire • Afire-aflame,
• Ashore- on the shore burning
• Aside- on the side • Ashore-
deserted,
abandoned
• Aside- apart,
digression
ab/s, a from, away, • Abduct- carry • Abduct- grab,
off away by force kidnap,
• Abnormal-away remove, seize
from normal, not • Aversion-
normal antipathy,
• Absent- away, abhorrence,
not present hatred
• Aversion- the • Abbreviate-
act of turning abridge, abstract,
away from clip, compress,
• Abbreviate- to condense
shorten
ac, ad to, toward, • Accelerate- to • Accelerate-
near increase the spread advance, drive,
of dust, expedite,
• Accessible- easily fire up,
entered, approached, forward
or obtained • Accessible-
admittance- approachable, attainable
allowing into
Acro top, height, • Acrobat- a “high • Acrobat- aerialist,
tip, beginning walker” artist, athlete,
• Acronym- a word balancer, clown,
formed from the contortionist
first(capital) letters
of a word
• Acrophobia- fear of
height
Act-, -act do • Activity- something • React- answer
that a person does back, backfire, be
• React- to do affected, act,
something in answer,
response acknowledge
• Interaction-
communication
between two or more
entities
aer/o air • Aerate-to let air reach • Aerate- aerify,
something charge, freshen,
• Aerial- relating to the inflate, oxygenate,
air ventilate
• Aerospace- the air
space
agr/i/o farming • Agriculture-
management of the
land
• Agribusiness-
making money by
utilizing land
• Agrarian- relating to
the management of land
alg/o pain • Neuralgia- pain
caused by a nerve
• Analgesic- a drug
that makes one pain
free
• Nostalgia- aching for
the familiar
ambi, both, on • Ambidextrous-able • Ambidextrous- disingenuous,
amphi both sides, to use both hands double- dealing
around equally • Ambiguous- perplexed dubious,
• Ambiguous- having dilemma
more than one
meaning
• Ambivalence-
conflicting or opposite
feeling toward a person
or thing
ambul walk, • Amble- to walk in a • Amble- ankle, boogie, dawdle,
move slow, relaxed way drift, gander, hoof it, loiter
• Ambulant-
walking or moving
around
• Ambulance- a vehicle
that moves a patient
ami/o love • Amiable- • Amiable- friendly,
friendly, agreeable
pleasant, • Amity- harmony, peace
lovable • Amorous- loving, affectionate
• Amity- friendly
and peaceful
relations
• Amorous- showing
romantic love
Ana up, back, • Analysis- a • Anatomy- diagnosis,
against, close dissection, division,
again, examination embryology
throughout of • Anachronism- chronological
• Anatomy- the error, metachronism ,
structure of misdate, misplacement, postdate
something as visible
when cut up for
analysis
• Anachronism-not
being in the right place
in time
andr/o man, • Androgynous- being • Androgynous-
male both male and female bisexual, cross-
• Android- resembling a sexual, trans-
human • Sexual
• Misandry- hatred towards • Misandry-
men acrimony,
pessimism, sarcasm
Anim life, •
Animal- a • Equanimity-
spirit living organism; ataraxic, ataraxy ,
• Animate- to make alive; calm, calmness,
• Equanimity- of balanced composure,
spirit confidence
ann/enn year • Anniversary- a date • Annual- yearly
observed once a year
• Annual- happening once
a year;
• Millennium- 1,000 years
Ante- before, in • Ante cede- to come • Ante cede- precede,
front before something in predate, antedate
time;
• Antemeridian-
before noon;
• Anteroom- a small room
before the main room
anth/o flower • Anthology- a • Anthology-
collection of treasured compendium,
writings; collection
• Anthozoan- half
plant, half animal, like
anemones and coral.
anthrop/o human • Anthropology- the • Philanthropy-
study of mankind humanitarianism,
• Anthropomorphism- altruism,
giving human form to selflessness
non-human thing
Anti against, • Antibody- a • Antiseptic-
opposite substance that destroys medication,
of micro- organisms medicament,
• Antiseptic- healing, soothing,
preventing infection relieving
• Antisocial- opposing
social norm
apo, apho away, • Aphorism- a short • Aphorism-
off, expression of a general apothegm
separate truth • Apology- regret,
• Apology- an excuse
explicit expression of
regret
• Apostrophe- a small
dash used in place of an
omitted letter
aqu/a water • Aquarium- a
water container
for fish
• Aquatic-
relating to water
• Aqueduct- a pipeline
for water
Arbour tree • Arborist- • arborous- arboreal,
someone arborical
working with
trees
• Arbour- a shady
area formed by
trees
Arborous- having many trees
arch/i/e/o/ae chief, • Archbishop- the
most highest ranking
important, bishop
rule • Archenemy- chief or
worst enemy
archa/e,archi primitive, • Archaeology- the • Archaic- primitive,
ancient study of ancient antiquated,
cultures antediluvian
• Archaic- belonging
to an earlier period
• Archive- a collection
of historical materials
arthr/o joint • Arthroscopy- a • Arthritis-
tool to see inside a inflammation
joint
• Arthritis-
inflammation of a
joint
• Arthropod-
invertebrates with
jointed legs, like
spiders, crustaceans,
insects
Art skill • Artifact –object • Artisan- artificer,
made by a person’s craftsman
skill
• Artisan- a person
skilled in a craft
• Artist- aperson ho
creates skilfully
astro, aster star, stars, • Astronaut-a • Astronaut-
outer person travelling cosmonaut,
space to the stars • Astronomer-
• Astronomer- stargazer,
someone who uranologist
studies the stars
• Asterisk- a star-
shaped sign used as a
reference tool
audi/i/io hear • Audible- loud • Audible- hearable
enough to be heard
• Audience-
people who
listen to a
program
• Audio-visual
relating to sound
and vision
Auto self, • Autocrat-a person • Autocrat-
same, who governs with monarch, tyrant,
one absolute power • Automatic-
• Autograph-a reflexive, robotic
person's own machine like
signature
• Automatic- moving
by itself
avi/a bird • Aviary- a large • Aviary- volary, bird
enclosure for birds sanctuary
• aviatrix-a
female
airplane pilot
• aviation -the art of
designing or
operating aircraft
bar/o pressure, • Baric-pertaining • Belittle decry, scorn
weight to pressure, esp. • Bemoan – lament
Make or of the atmosphere • Befriend - assist
cause (milliard - metric
Be- unit, equal to
1/1000th of a bar)
• baryon-heavy
elementary
particle
• belittle- to make
one feel less
important
• bemoan-to express
grief
befriend- to become
friend
bell/i war • bellicose – warlike • Bellicose- Belligerent,
• belligerent - hostile, aggressive, pugnacious,
ready to fight contentious, combative
Bene good, • benefactor - person • Benefactor-
well who gives Charitable
money to a cause humanitarian
• beneficial - • Benevolent- Benign,
producing a good Benignant, Altruist,
effect Philanthropist
• benevolent -
showing kindness or
goodwill
bi/n two, twice • biannual – happening • Biannual- bi-yearly,
once twice a year • half-yearly, semi-
in every • binoculars - annual
two optical device with • Bilateral- two sided
two lenses
• bilateral - of or
involving two sides
bibli/o book • bibliography - a • Bibliography- Listing
list of books used • Bibliophile- book
as sources lover
• bibliomania - an
extreme love of
books
• bibliophile - a person
who loves books
bio life, living • biography- a life • Biography-life
matter story written by history, life story
another person
• biology- the
science of life
• biosphere-
Earth's surface
inhabited by
living things
capt, cept take, hold • intercept-to • Intercept- bug, stop,
stop or interrupt tap
• captivating-taking • Captivating-
hold of enchanting
• enthralling. Beguiling
bewitching, fascinating,
entrancing
cardil/o heart • cardiac-relating
to the heart
• cardiogenic -
resulting from
heart disease
• cardiologist- a heart
doctor
carn/i flesh, meat • carnivorous-fiesh- • Incarnate- corporal,
eating embodied
• carnal- pertaining
to the body or flesh
• incarnate-given
bodily form
Cata down, • cataclysm- a • Cataclysm-
against flood or other catastrophe, disaster,
completely disaster tragedy, calamity
intensive • catalogue- a
according complete listing
to catastrophe-turning for the
worst a substantial disaster
caust, caut to burn • Cauterize-to burn • Caustic- acerbic,
with a hot bitter erosive,
Instrument mordent, virulent,
• caustic-capable of vitriolic
burning or eating • Holocaust- mass
away destruction utter
• holocaust-total chaos
devastation especially
by fire
cede, ceed, go, yield • Exceed-to go • Exceed- outgo,
cess beyond the limits outperform
• Recede-to go back transcend,
• accessible - easily surmount
entered approached, or • Recede- fall back,
obtained move back, retreat,
withdraw
ceive, cept take • accept -to take a • Perceive- comprehend
thing that is understand
offered
• perceive-to take
notice of something
• receive- to take
something given
centi hundred, • Centennial- the • Centennial- centenary
hundredth 100th anniversary
• Centimeter- 1/100
of a meter
Century-100 years
centr/o/i center • Eccentric-not • Eccentric-
having a common unconventional
center, not unusual bizarre odd
according for idlosyncratic
norm
• centrifugal -moving
outward from
cerebr/o brain • Cerebral- • Cerebral- intellectual
pertaining to the
brain
• Cerebrate-to use
the brain
• cerebrospinal -
pertaining to the
brain and the
spinal cord
cert sure • Ascertain- to find • Ascertain-assure,
out something with check, control,
certainty determine, insure.
• certain-being learn, find out
absolutely sure
• certify-to state
that something is
true
chrom/o colour, • Achromatic-
chromat/o, pigment without colour
chros • chromium-a blue-
white metallic
chemical
element chromatics the study
of colour
chron/o time • chronic -lasting for a • Chronic- continuing,
long time inveterate
• chronological-
arranging events in
time order
• synchronize-
happening at the same
time
cide, cise cut, kil • Homicide-murder • Circumscribe-
• incisor - a sharp tooth confine, limit
for cutting food
• insecticide-a
chemical used to
kill insects
circum around, • Circumnavigate-to • Circumscribe-
about sail around confine, limit,
• circumscribe-to restrict
draw around • Circumspect-
• circumspect- discreet perceptive,
looking around sympathetic
• Circumvent- to go • Circumvent-
around or bypass besiege, siege,
restrictions surround, beleaguer
claim, clam shout, • Clamour- to shout • Exclaim – outcry,
speak out and make noise proclaim,
• exclaim-to cry out promulgate, shout
loudly and suddenly
proclamation-something
announced officially in public
Clar clear • Clarification- • Clarity-elucidate
an explanation clear up describe
• clarify- to • Declare- hold,
make announce,
something pronounce, adjudge
clear
• declare-to state
something clearly
clud, clus close • Conclusion-the end • Seclude-
or last part sequester,
• Exclusion-shutting seclude,
out rejecting sequestrate
• Seclude-to keep away • Conclusion-
from, to isolate termination, ending,
finale,
determination,
ratiocination
Cline lean • Inclination- a • Inclination-
leaning toward Liking,
• Incline-a surface interest
that slopes or leans penchant
• recline-to lean back proclivity,
and relax predicament,
love,
disposition
• Recline- repose,
recumb

Co with, • co-operate-work
together, together
joint • co-author- writer who
collaborates with
another author
• coeducation-educating
males
and females together
• cohousing-planning your
neighbour hood in an
intentional neighbourly
fashion
Col together, • Collaborate-to work • Collaborate- co-
jointly together operate. Join forces, get
• collision - smashing together
together • Colloquial-
• colloquial-words formed conversational
by everyday interaction
Com together, • commemorate-to • Commemorate-
common memorize together remember, immortalize,
• composition- an record, memorialize
arrangement or putting
together of parts
• commune-living together
while owning things in
common
cogn/i know • Cognition-process of • Cognition- knowledge,
acquiring knowledge noesis
• incognito - disguised
so no one knows you
• recognize-to discover that
one knows
Con with, • Concur-to agree with • Concur- agree, coincide,
jointly someone concord
• Contemporary-of the • Contemporary-coeval.
same time period as others modern day,
• convention- a gathering contemporaneous
of people with a common
interest
contra/o against • contradict- to argue • Contrary- adverse,
opposite against perverse obstinate,
• contrary- not in reverse
agreement
 • controversy- • Controversy- contention,
disagreement contestation, disputation,
argument, tilt
corp/o body • corporation - a • Corporal- embodied
company recognized by incarnate, somatic
law as a single body
• corpse-a dead body
• corporal-pertaining to the
body

cosm/o universe •cosmonaut- a Russian • Cosmos- cosmic, creation

astronaut existence, universe, world
• cosmos-the universe
• microcosm - a miniature
universe
Counter opposite, • Counteract-to oppose the • Counteract- antagonize,
contrary, effects of an action countermine, countervail, sabotage,
opposing • Countermand- to cancel a neutralize, undermine, weaken
previous order
• Counteroffensive- attack against
an attack
Cranio skull • craniology - the study of skull
characteristics
• cranium - skull of
vertebrates
• cranial - pertaining to the skull
Cred believe • credence - belief that • Credulous- naïve, gullible,
something is true or valid trusting, unquestioning, credible
• credulous - believing things • Incredible- unbelievable, amazing,
too easily, gullible astonishing
• incredible - unbelievable
Crypto hidden, • cryptic - of hidden • Cryptic- mysterious, mystifying,
secret meaning cabalistic, deep, inscrutable,
• cryptography-science of secret abstruse, enigmatic
codes
• encrypt - encode into secret code
Cumul mass, • Accumulate-to gather or pile • Accumulate- collect, compile,
heap up conglomerate
cumulative - gradually building up
Cycl circle, • bicycle -a vehicle with two • Cyclone- tornado
ring wheels
• cycle-a sequence that is
repeated
• cyclone - a storm with
circling winds
De reduce, • decelerate - to slow down, • Decelerate- retard
away, reduce speed
down, • dethrone - to remove from
remove power
debug - to remove bugs
dec/a. Ten •
Decade-10 years • Decade- decennary
deka •
Decathlon-athletic contest
that includes 10
disciplines in which each
participant
compete
Deci one tenth • decilitre - a tenth of a litre
• decimate – reduce
dramatically
• decibel - one tenth of the sound
volume unit bel

dem/o people • democracy - • Democracy- republic,

government of the majority rule
people. • Demographic- statistic
• demographic -the study
of people
dendr/o/i tree • Dendriform- in the shape
of a tree
dent tooth • dental - relating to teeth • Dental- alveolar
• dentist - a doctor for the
teeth
• dentures - a set of false
teeth
derm/a skin • Dermatologist- a Pachyderm- Eutherian, placental
doctor for the skin
• Pachyderm-a class of
animals with very
thick skin (elephant,
rhinoceros)
• Dermatitis- inflammation
of the skin
di two, twice • Dichromatic- • Dilemma- Ambiguity,
displaying two colours Ambivalence, dubious,
• Dilemma- a situation that doubtfulness, perplexity,
requires a choice between enigma, quandary
two alternatives
di/s apart, • Digression- a departure • Digression- deviation,
away, not, from the main issue diversion, excursion,
to the subject deflection
opposite • Disappear- to move • Dissect- analyses, break
out of sight down, take part
• Dissect- to cut apart piece
by piece
Dia through, • Diabetes-disease • Diagnosis- research,
between, characterized by study
apart, excessive thirst and • Dialog- conversation
across discharge of urine
• Diagnosis-
understanding a condition
by going through a
 detailed review of
symptoms
• Dialog- conversation
between two people
Dict speak • Contradict- to • Contradict- contravene,
express the opposite of controvert, negate,
• Prediction-a statement oppose
foretelling the future
• Dictate- to speak out loud
for another person to write
down

Domin master • Dominate- to be the • Dominate- overlook,

master of eclipse,
• Domineering- • Predominate- prevail, reign,
excessively controlling rule
• Predominate- to give
more power than others
don/at give • Donation- a contribution • Pardon-excuse, forgive,
or gift amnesty
• Donor- someone who
gives something
Pardon- a subtraction of an
amount
duc/t lead • Conduct- to lead • Conduct- carry on, behave
musicians in playing comport, demeanour, acquit
music educate – to lead to
knowledge
• Deduction- a subtraction of
an amount
du/o two, • Duplicate - make an • Duplicate- parallel, replicate,
twice identical copy reduplicate, twin, double
• Duet-a musical
composition fortwo
voices or instruments
• duo - a pair normally
thought of as being together.
dyn power, • dynamo - a generator of • Dynamic- active
energy, energy
strength • dynamic - having
physical energy/power
• dynamite-a powerful
explosive
dys- abnormal, • dyspepsia - abnormal
bad indigestion
• dystopia-an imaginary
place of
dyslexia - impairment of the
ability to handle words.
ego self • egoistic - self-centred • Egoist- ego- centric
 • alter ego - a higher • Egocentric- selfish
aspect of
o oneself
• egomania - excessive
preoccupation with
oneself
• egocentric - self- centered
em,en into, • empathy - intention to • Empathy- fellow- feeling,
cover feel like another person; sympathy
with, • empower-put into power
cause • engorge - make larger

enn/I, anni years • Bicentennial - of or • Perennial- recurrent,

relating to an age or repetitive
period of 200 years
• centennial - of or
relating to an age or
period of 100 years
• perennial - lasting
through many years.
en, in inside, • envision - to picture • Envision- visualize,
inwards in the mind foresee, project, figure
• enclose - lock inside
• inwards - towards the
inside.
ep/i on, upon, • epidemic -the rapid
over, among, spread of something
at, after, to, negative
outside • epilogue - a short
speech delivered after a
play
• epicentre - the centre of
an earthquake
equ/i equal, equally • equidistant an equal • Equanimity- calmness,
distance from two composure,
points unflappability
• equanimity – calm
temperament, evenness
of temper
• equation - a statement of
equality.
erg/o work • Ergonomics - study of
the working
environment energy -
the power to
accomplish work
esth/aesth feeling, • esthetician - someone • Aesthetic-artistic,
sensation, who esthetical
beauty • beautifies
 • aesthetic - pertaining
to a sense of beauty
• kinesthesia - the
sensation of bodily
movement.
Ethno race, people • ethnic - pertaining to a • Ethnic- heathen, pagan,
defined group of people cultural
• ethnocentric -
focusing on the
ethnicity of people
• ethnology - the
science of people and
races.

Eu good, well • euphemism - replacing an • Euphemism- genteelism

offensive word with an
inoffensive one
• euphonious - having a
pleasant sound
• euphoria - feeling of well-being
Ex from, out • excavate - to dig out • Excavate- hollow, tur- up,
• exhale - to breathe out unearth
• extract - ta pull out • Exhale- breath out, emanate,
give forth
extra, extro outside, • extraordinary - beyond • Exyrovert-extroversive,
beyond ordinary extroverted
• extra-terrestrial- outside the
Earth
• extrovert- an outgoing person.
fac/t make, do • artefact- an object made by a • Malefact- malefactor
person
• factory - a place where things
are made
• male fact - a person who does
wrong.
Funct perform, • defunct - no longer
work working or
alive
• function - to work or perform
a role normally
• malfunction - to fail to
work
correctly
Hetero different, • Heterogeneous-made up of • Heterogeneous-
other unrelated parts versatile
• Heteronyms-words with same • Heterodox- non- conformist
spelling but different iconoclast, unconventional,
meanings unorthodox
• heterodox-not
conforming to traditional beliefs
hex/a six • hexagon - a shape with six
angles/sides
• hexameter- a verse
measured in six
• hexapod - having six legs.
histo tissue • histology - study of the
microscopic structure of
tissues
• Histochemistry - study of the
chemical constitution of
cells and tissues.

homo, like, alike, • homogeneous - of the • Homogeneous- same,

homeo same same similar
nature or kind • Homonym-
• homonym - sounding homophones
alike
• homeopath - a therapy
that is
based on treating "same with
same”.
hydr/o liquid, water • 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.
hygr/o moisture, • hygrometer-tool used to
humidity measure humidity
• hygrograph-instrument
for
recording variations in
atmospheric humidity
Hyper too much, • hyperactive - very • Hyperactive, unstopping
over, restless
excessive, • hypercritical- too critical
beyond • hypertension - above normal
pressure
hyp/o under • Hypoglycaemia - 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
iatr/o medical care • Geriatrics- medical care
of the
elderly
• Paediatrician - a doctor
who treats children
• podiatry - medical care for
feet

icon/o image • icon -an (often religious) • Iconoclast- heterodox,

image, in modern usage a pragmatic, icon, stigma,
simplified graphic of high breaker, unorthodox,
symbolic content unconventional
• iconology- science of
symbols
and icons
• iconoclast- someone
who
destroys religious images and
traditional beliefs.
Idio peculiar, • Idiomatic-Peculiar to a • Idiosyncrasy- odd,
personal, particular language bizarre, strange
distinct • idiosyncrasy - a physical
or
mental characteristic
typical or a particular
person
• idiot-someone who is
distinctly foolish or stupid
il, in in, into • illuminate -to give light to
• innovation - a new idea,
method or device
• inspection - the act of
examining or reviewing
ig, il, im, in not, without • illegal - not legal
• impossible - not possible
• inappropriate - not
appropriate image a likeness
of someone
imag likeness • image- a likeness of • Imaginative-
someone hypothetical, false,
• imaginative - able to untrue, creative,
think up new ideas or innovative
images
 • imagine - to form a
picture or
likeness in the mind
infra beneath, • infrastructure-underlying
below framework of a system
• infrared - below the regular
light spectrum
inter between, • International - involving • Intercept- interrupt,
among, two or more countries hinder, stop, prevent
jointly • intersection - place course of
where roads come
together
• intercept - to stop or
interrupt the

intra, intro within, inside • intrastate - existing in one • Intravenous-inner part,

state inside
• intravenous - inside or into
a vein.
• introvert-shy person who
keeps within him/herself
Ir not • irredeemable - not • Irredeemable-futile,
• irreformable - not • pessimistic, dejected
reformable
• irrational - not rational
• irresponsible-not responsible
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.
-ject throw • Eject-to throw someone/ • Eject-cast out,
something out disbar, discharge,
• interject- to throw a remark disgorge, dislodge
into a discussion • Interject- force in
• project- to cast or throw implant, import,
something include, infiltrate, infuse
Jud- law • judgment - a decision of a • Judicial- constitutional,
court of law discriminating,
• judicial - having to do with distinguished, equitable
judges or courts of law
• judiciary - a system of courts
of law
Junct jin • conjunction - a word that • Conjunction- together,
joins combined, union
parts of sentences
• disjunction - a
disconnection
 • junction - a place where
two
things join.
Juven young • juvenile-youthful or • Juvenile-babyish,
childish beardless, blooming ,
• rejuvenate - to bring boyish, budding, callow,
back to childlike
youthful strength or appearance. • Rejuvenate- enliven,
energize, enthuse,
exhilarate, give new life
to , make young again
Kilo thousand • Kilobyte - 1,000 bytes
• kilometre 1,000 meter
• kilograms - 1,000 grams.

kine/t/mat motion, • kinetics - study of the • Kinetic- motion, energy,

division force of enthusiasm, activeness,
o motion alertness
• psychokinesis or
telekinesis – the ability
to move objects with
your mind.
• Cinematography motion
picture making
Lab work • collaborate - to work • Collaborate- together,
with a person concert, concur, conspire,
• elaborate - to work out the cooperate, coproduce
details • Elaborate- clarify,
• laborious - requiring a lot comment, complicate,
of hard work deck, decorate, develop
lact/o milk • lactate - to give milk,
nurse
• lactose - the sugar
contained in milk
Later side • bilateral - of or involving • Unilateral- one sided
two sides
• unilateral - affecting one
side of something.
Lex word, law, • lexicology - the study
reading and history of words
• alexia - loss of the ability
to read
• illegal - not authorized by
the
official rules or laws
Liber free • liberate - to set free • Liberate- to set free,
• libertine - a person with deliver, detach, discharge,
a free, wild lifestyle disembarrass, emancipate,
• liberty- freedom. free
Lingu language, • linguist - one who • Linguist- grammarian,
togue studies interpreter, lexicographer,
languages linguistician, philologist
• multilingual - able to
communicate
in multiple languages
• linguine - long, flat
"tongue-
shaped" pasta
Loc place • dislocate - to put • Dislocate-disarticulate,
something out of its disconnect, disengage,
usual place disjoint, disorder
• location a place
• relocate - to move to a new
place

log/o word, • logic-correct reasoning • Analogy-comparison,

doctrine, • monologue - a long drawing parallel
discourse speech by
one speaker
• analogy - similarity,
especially
between things
otherwise dissimilar
loqo, luco speak • eloquent - speaking • Eloquent- orator, soft
beautifully and forcefully spoken
• loquacious-very talkative • Loquacious- talkative,
• elocution - art of public chatterbox, verbose,
speaking wordy, voluble
Luc light • elucidate - to explain, to • Elucidate- to clarify
throw light on
• lucid-easily understood,
giving off light
• translucent- allowing light
through
lud, lus to play • prelude - introduction to the •
major performance
• illusion - misleading
optical image or
impression
• delude - to mislead, deceive.
Lum light • illuminate - to fill with • Illuminate- brighten,
light fire, flash, floodlight,
• lumen - unit measuring light highlight, hit with a
light, ignite, illume
lun/a /i moon • lunar - relating to the
moon
• lunarscape - the surface of
the
o moon
 • lunatic - insane (as if driven
mad by the moon)
Macro large, great • macroevolution-large
scale
evolution
• macromolecule - a large
molecule
• macroeconomics- study
of the
overall forces of
economy
magn/a/i great, large • magnify - make larger • Magnify-enlarge
• magnificent – grand
• magnate - a powerful
person,
especially in business or
industry

mal/e bad, ill, • malcontent - • Malicious- ill-

wrong wrong content intentioned, malefic,
• malaria - "bad malefactor, malevolent
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 il
will
• malevolent- having wish
to do evil to others
man/i/u hand • manoeuvre-to
move by hand
• manual-done
with the hands
• manuscript- a
book written
by
hand
Mand to order • command - an order • Mandate- rule,
or instruction command, order, law,
• demand - a hard-to- edict, commandment
ignore order
• mandate - an official
order
Mania madness, • bibliomania - a crazy • Bibliomania-obsessed
insanity, love of boats with books
excessive, • egomania - a mad love
desire of oneself
• maniac- an insane person
mar/i sea • marina - a harbour
for pleasure boats
• maritime - relating to
the sea
• submarine - an
undersea boat
• aquamarine - blue-green
in colour, like sea water
mater, mother • maternal-relating • Matriach- dame,
matr/i to motherhood dignified, woman,
• maternity- the state dowager, grande,
of being a mother dame, matron, mother,
• matriarch - a queen
woman head of a
household
Max greatest • maximal-the best or
greatest
possible
• maximize - to make
as great as
possible
• maximum the greatest
amount.

Medi middle • medieval- pertaining • Medieval- antediluvian,

to the Middle Ages antiquated, antique,
• medium - in the middle archaic, feudal, old-
• mediocre - only fashioned, primitive
of medium
(inferior) quality
Mega great, large • megalopolis - an area
with many nearby
cities
• megaphone - a
device that
projects a loud voice
• mega structure - huge
building or other
structure
melan/o black • melancholy - a state • Melancholy-dejected,
of dark despondent, destroyed,
emotions disconsolate, dismal,
• melanoma - malignant dispirited, doleful
dark tumour of the skin
• melodrama - a
dark, pathetic
drama
memor/i remember • commemorate-to • Commemorate-
honour the memory of, celebrate, immortalize,
as by a ceremony keep, memorize,
• memorial related to monument,
remembering a person or monumentalize
event
 • memory- an ability
to retain
knowledge or an
individual's stock of
retained knowledge

Micro very small, • Microbe-a very

short, minute small living thing
• microchip - a tiny
wafer with an integrated
circuit
microscope - a device to see
very small things
Mid middle • midriff - the area
between the
chest and the waist
• midterm - middle of a
term in
school
• midway - halfway
between
Migr move • immigrant - a person who • Immigrant- alien, colonist,
moves to a new documented
country to settle alien, foreigner, incomer, migrant
• migrant - person who moves
from place to place
• migration - the process of
moving
Milli One • millimetre - one thousandth of
thonsandth a meter
• millibar - one thousandth of a
bar
• millilitre one thousandth of a
liter
min/i small, less • mini - something that is very • Miniscule- diminutive, dwarf,
small infinitesimal, itsy-bitsy, little, meager,
• minuscule-extremely tiny microscopic
• minutiae-very small or trivial
details
mis/o bad, badly, • misbehave - to behave badly
wrong, • misprint- an error in printing
wrongly, to misnomer-an error in naming a
hate person or thing

miss/ mit send, let go • dismiss- to send someone • Dismiss- cancel, nullify, declare null
away and void
• missile - a weapon sent into
the air
• emit - to send something out
• admittance- entry

Mob move • immobilize - to stop from • Immobilize- attenuate, batter, blunt,

moving cripple, damage, debilitate, disarm,
• mobile - able to move freely disenable, disqualify, enervate
• mobility - the quality of
being able to move
mon/o one, single, • monochromatic- having • Monologue- soliloquy
alone one colour
• monologue - a speech
spoken by one person
• monotheism - belief in one
god
mot, mov move • motion - the act of moving
• motivate - to move someone
to action
• promote to move someone
forward
• removable - able to be taken
or carried away
morph/o form • metamorphosis - complete •Metamorphosis
change of form change, changeover, evolution, mutation,
rebirth, transfiguration
 • endorphins - chemical in
the brain able to transform
pain
• amorphous - without
distinct shape or form
Mort death • immortal - living forever,
unable to die
• mortal - certain to die
mortician - an undertaker
Multi many, • multi-coloured - having
more, than many colours
one of two • multimedia - using a range
of media
• multi-tasking - doing many
things at once
Mut change • immutable - not changing • Immutable-ageless, changeless, constant,
• mutant - an organism that enduring, fixed, immovable, inflexible
has undergone change
• mutate - to undergo a
change
my/o muscle • myocardium - the middle
muscle of the heart
• myasthenia - muscle fatigue
or weakness
• myosin - common protein in
muscle tissue

Narr tell • narrate - to tell a • Narrate- describe, detail,

story characterize, chronicle, delineate,
• narrative-a story
• narrator - a
person whotells a
story
tells a story depict, descant, disclose
Nat born • innate - included • Innate-inherited, native
since birth • Natal-innate, inherent
• natal -relating to
birth
• natural-gotten at
birth, not afterward
Nav ship • Circumnavigate- • Circumnavigate-bypass, circle,
to sail around a place circumvent
• Naval-relating to a • Navigate- cross, cruise, direct, drive,
navy or warships handle, head out for, helm, journey
• Navigate-to sail a
ship through a place
necr/o dead, death • necrophilia - • Necrology- death notice, eulogy,
loving death mortuary tribute, obit, register
 • necrosis - the
death of tissue due to
disease or injury
• necrology - a list
of persons who have
recently died
Neg no • negate to say it • Renege- cop ot, default, reverse,
didn't happen weasel out, welsh
• negative meaning
"no"
• renege to go back
on a promise
Neo new, recent • neoclassic - a
revival of classic
form,
• neo-colonialism -
the indirect ('new)
economic and
political control of a
region by a more
powerful foreign
power
• neonatal - a
newborn child
especially first few
weeks

nephr/o kidney • nephritis-

inflammation of the
kidneys
• nephrotomy-
surgical incision of
a kidney

• nephron - a
single, excretory
unit in the kidney
neur/o nerve • neuralgia - pain
along a nerve
• neurologist -
doctor specializing
in the nerves
• neurotic - mental
disorder that usually
does not include an
impaired perception
of reality

norm/in name • misnomer-an • Nominate- assign, call, choose,

error in naming a cognominate, commission, decide,
person or thing denominate, draft, elect, elevate,
• nominal - being empower
something in name
only but one in
reality
• nominate - to
name for election or
appointment, to
designate

Non no, not, without • nondescript- with • Nondescript-

no special characterless, colorless, common, dull,
characteristics empty, featureless
• nonfiction-true,
real, not made-up
• non-sense -
without sense
Not mark • notable- marked • Notarize- authenticate, document,
as worthy of endorse, register
attention
• notarize to certify
a signature on a
legal document
• annotate to add
remarks
noun, nunc declare • announce - to declare in
public
• denounce - to proclaim
harsh criticism
• enunciate - to speak or
declare something clearly
• Announce- annunciate,
blast, blazon, broadcast,
call, communicate, declare,
disclose
• Denounce- adjudicate,
arraign, blacklist, blame,
boycott, brand, castigate,
censure

Nov new • innovate - to introduce a • Novice- beginner,

new way
• novelty - something new
novice a person who is new at
a job
• renovate - to make something
like new again
neophyte, rookie, amateur,
inexperienced
• Novelty- newness,
freshness, innovation,
creativity

ob, op in the way, against • object -to be against • Opposition- antinomy,

something antithesis, aversion, brush,
• obscure- hard to understand civil disobedience, clash,
• opposition - the act of combat, competition
resistance or action against

oct/a/o eight • Octagon-a figure with 8

sides and 8 angles
• octogenarian - person in his
or her 80s
• octopus- sea animal with 8
arms

Ocu all • omnipotent- with all the • Omnipotent- almighty,

power divine, godilike, mighty,
• omniscient- knowing all supreme, unlimited,
things unrestricted
• omnivorous-eating all types
of foods
Omni all • omnipotent- with all the • Omnipotent- almighty,
power divine, godilike, mighty,
• omniscient- knowing all supreme, unlimited,
things unrestricted
• omnivorous-eating all types
of foods
op/t/s eye, visual, • optic - relating to
condition, the eyes
sight • optician - a person
who fits eyeglasses
• autopsy - the
examination of a dead
body
Opt best • optimal - the best, • Optimize- utilize
the most
desirable
• optimize - to make
the best of
• optimum - the best
something could be.
Ortho straight • orthodontist - a
dentist that straightens
teeth
• orthopaedic - a
doctor concerned with
the proper alignment
of the bones
• orthography the
correct way of writing
Osteo bone • 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
Out goes beyond, • Outgoing - being of • Outgoing- extrovert, social, sociable,
surpasses, lively, sharing nature gregarious
exceeds • outdoing doing
better than
• outdoor - outside
Over excessive • overconfident -
more confident than is
appropriate
• overstock - more
supplies than is
desirable
• overexcited-more
excited than one
should be
Oxy sharp • oxymoron - • Oxymoron- allegory,
combining two ideas alliteration, allusion,
that sharply contradict analogue, analogy,
each other anaphora, ant-climax,
• oxidize - corrode a antistrophe, antithesis
surface

pale/o ancient • palaeontology - study

of ancient fossils
• palaeography- the
study of ancient forms
of writing
• palaeolithic period of
the Stone Age

Pan all, any, everyone • panacea a cure for all • Panacea- cure-all,
diseases or problems remedy for all
• panorama an all- • Pandemic-
around view widespread,
• pantheism- the omnipresent
worship of all gods
• pandemic- affecting
all

Para beside, beyond, • parasite - an • Parasite- sycophant,

abnormal, assistant organism that lives on bootlicker, deadbeat,
and off another living dependent, flunky,
being freeloader, groupie
• parallel- alongside
and always an equal
distance apart
• paragraph - a portion
of a written document
that presents a distinct
idea

Para protection from • parachute-protection

from falling
• parasol - an umbrella
used to protect from the
sun

pater, part/i father • paternal - relating to • Patriarch-chief,

father creator, elder, father,
• paternity –fatherhood founder, gaffer,
• patriarch - a man generator, grandfather
who rules a group
Path feeling, emotion • antipathy - a feeling of • Antipathy-aversion,
great dislike abhorrence, hatred,
• apathy - a lack of annoyance
feeling or interest • Apathy-
• empathy - ability to indifference
understand another's
feelings

ped/i/e foot, feet • pedal - a lever pushed

by
the foot
• pedestrian - one who
walks
• pedicure - cosmetic
treatment feet and toes
Pel drive, force • compel - to force • Expel- cast out,
someone to act disgorge, dislodge,
• expel - to drive drive out, ejaculate,
someone out of a place eruct, erupt, evacuate
• repel -to force back

pent/a five • pentagon- shape having

5 angles and 5 sides
• pentagram - a
fivepointed star formerly
used as a symbolic figure
in magic
• pentathlon - an athletic
contest that includes five
events

pept, peps digestion • dyspepsia - abnormal

digestion
• peptic - aiding digestion
• pepsin-a digestive
enzyme

Per through, throughout • permanent - lasting • Perennial- chronic,

throughout all time constant, continual,
• permeate-to spread continuing, deathless,
throughout durable, eternal
• persist - to continue for
a long time
• perennial - lasting
through many years
Peri around, • periodontal • Peripheral-exterior, external,
enclosing pertaining to bone incidental, inessential,
and tissue around a irrelevant, minor, outer
tooth
• peripheral lying
outside of the center
• perimeter the outer
boundary an area
phag/e to eat • Esophagus-
muscular tube that
carries food to the
stomach
• anthropophagy or
sarcophagi
cannibalism •
xylophagous feeding
on wood
phil/o love, friend • philanthropist- one • Philanthropist- altruist,
who loves humanity benevolent, benign
• philology- the love of • Philosophy- beliefs,
words conception, convictions,
• philosophy - the love doctrine, idea, ideology, logic,
of wisdom metaphysics, ontology, outlook,
• bibliophile - loving rationalism
books
phon/o/e/y sound • Cacophony-loud, • Cacophony- jarring noise
unpleasant sounds
• microphone - a
device that records and
amplifies sound
• phonetic - relating to
human speech sounds
phot/o light • photogenic - caused
by light
• photograph - image
made on light-sensitive
film photon- the
smallest possible unit of
light
Phys nature, • Physical-relating to • Physical- corporeal,
medicine, the body environment, gross,
the body • Physician- a doctor materialistic, natural, objective,
• Physique- nature and palpable, phenomenal,
shape of one’s body ponderable, real
phyt/o/e a plant to • epiphyte-a plant • Epiphyte- aerophyte, epiphytic
produce growing independently plant
on the surface of
another
• hydrophytes-a plant
that grows only in water
• neophyte- a beginner,
especially a person
recently converted to a
new belief
pod/e foot • Podiatrist-a doctor
for
the feet
• podium-a small
platform to stand on
• tripod- a stand or
frame with 3 legs
Poli city • metropolis - a large • Metropolis- urban centre
city
• politics - actions of a
government or political
party
Poly many, more • polychrome - with • Polyglot- adapter,
than one many colours cryptographer, cryptologist,
• polyglot - a person decoder, dragoman, explainer,
fluent in many glossator, linguist
languages
• polygon - shape with
3 or more straight sides
Pon place, put • opponent - a person • opponent- antagonist, aspirant,
who places him/herself assailant, bidder, candidate,
against an action, idea, challenger
etc
• postpone - to put off
doing something
Pop people • popular - appealing • Populist- common, communal,
to a lot of people constitutional, egalitarian, equal,
• population - all of the free, friendly, individualistic
people who live in a
particular area
• populist- a supporter
of the rights of people
Port carry • export - to carry
goods out of a place to
another
• portable - able to be
carried
• porter-a person who
carries luggage
Pos place, put • deposit-to place • Expose- confession, construction,
or drop something divulgence, exegesis, explanation,
• expose - to place explication, exposal
out into the open
for all to see
• position- the
place where
someone is
Post after, behind • posthumous - • Postpone- adjourn,
after

someone's death defer, give a rain

• postpone - to delay check, hang fire, hold
something off
• postscript - an addition to
an already completed
document
Pre earlier, before, in • preamble - a part in front • Prediction- cast,
front of of a formal document conjecture, crystal
• prepare to get ready in gazing, divination,
advance dope, forest,
• prediction - a statement forecasting, foresight
foretelling the future
Pro before, in front • prognosis - a prediction of • prognosis- diagnosis,
of, for, forward what will happen ward expectation,
• prologue - a passage foretelling, guess,
before the main part prediction
• prophet-a person who
foretells the future
prot/o primitive, first, • prototype - the first of a • Prototype-
chief kind antecedent, antecessor,
• proton - on of the very archetype, criterion,
basic parts of an atom first, forerunner, Ideal
• protocol - a first draft
from which a document is
prepared
pseud/o wrong, false • pseudonym - a fictitious • Pseudonym- alias
name ananym, anonym,
• pseudoscience - theories assumed, name,
presumed without proof of a nickname
scientific nature
• pseudo pregnancy - a
false pregnancy
psych/o mind, mental • psyche - the human spirit • Psyche-character,
or soul ego, essential, nature,
• psychic - relating to the individually, inner
human mind or someone child, inner self
who has supernatural mental
abilities
• psychology - the study of
the mind
pugn/a, pung to fight • pugnacious - having a • Pugnacious- combative, contentious,
quarrelsome or warlike, bellicose, belligerent
aggressive nature
• repugnant -
distasteful, offensive or
revolting
• pungent-piercing
Pul urge • Compulsion - a very • Expulsion- banishment, boot, bounce,
strong urge debarment, deportment, discharge
• expulsion - to kick
someone out
• impulsive having a
spontaneous urge to do
something
Purg clean • Purge-abolition,
abstersion, catharsis,
clarification, cleaning,
cleanup, coup, crushing,
disposal, disposition
Put think • Computer-an • Dispute- altercate, bicker, brawl, bump
electronic thinking heads, canvass, challenge, clash, confute
device
• dispute-to disagree
with what another
person thinks
• input- contribution of
ones ’s thinking
pyr/o fire, heat • pyrotechnics the art • Pyrotechnics- firework, pyrotechny
of making fireworks
• pyrometer- a
thermometer for
measuring high
temperature
• pyretic-relating to or
producing fever
quad/r/ri four • quadrant - open
space with buildings on
4 sides
• quadrennial -period
of 4 years
• quadruped - a 4-
footed animal
Quart fourth • quarter - one fourth
• quart -a fourth of a
gallon
• quartet- a musical
composition or group
involving 4 voices or
instruments
quin/t five, fifth • quintet -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
radic, • eradicate - pull out • Radical- anarchistic, complete,
radix at the roots entire, excessive, extremist,
• radical - fanatical, far-out, freethinking,
fundamental, iconoclastic, immoderate,
looking at things insubordinate, insurgent,
from a drastic insurrectionary, intransigent
point of view
• radish - an edible
root of the
mustard family
Radio radiation, • radioactive –
ray emitting
radiation
• radiologist-
someone
diagnosing treating via
radiation
ram/i branch • ramification-the • Ramification- bifurcation, branch,
resulting branching, breaking, complication,
consequence of a consequence, divarication, division,
decision excrescence, extension, forking,
• ramify-to offshoot, outgrowth, partition,
spread or radiation, result
branch out
• ramous - a
branchlike part
Re again, back, • rebound -to • Rebound- backfire, boomerang,
backward spring back again convalesce, get back on one’s feet ,
• rewind- to get better, get in shape, get well, heal,
wind kick back, make a comeback, mend,
something overcome, pick up, pull through, rally
backward
• reaction - a response
• recognize to identify
someone or something
seen before
• reverse - to turn
around
• revival - the
act of bringing
back to life
• recapture - taking
something back
Reg guide, rule • regent - a person • Regent- governor, minister, official,
who rules on ruler, viceroy
behalf of a king or queen
• regime a
government that
rules
regulate to apply a rule
Retro backward, • Retroactive- • Retrogress-decline, decrease,
back relating to deprave, descend, die on vine, dis-
something in the improve, disintegrate, fall off, go
past downhill, go to recollection
• retrogress - to go
back to an earlier
condition
• retrospect - the
remembering past events
rhin/o nose • rhinoceros - a
species of animals
with a big horn on
the snout
• rhino-plasty -
surgery of the nose
• rhinovirus -
viruses that are
causing the common cold
rhod/o red • 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
Rid laugh • deride - to make fun of • Deride- detract, dis, distain,
someone disparage, jeer, jolly, kid,
• ridicule - to make fun or knock, laugh at, lout, mock, put
mock down, quiz, rag, rally, razz, rib,
• ridiculous - silly, causing ridicule, roast,
laughter scoff, scorn, slam, sneer, taunt
Rupt break, Bankrupt - unable to pay • Rupture-burst, cleavage, cleft,
burst because you're "broke crack, division, fissure, fracture,
• Interrupt-to break into a hernia, herniation, parting
conversation or event, to
disturb;
rupture - a break in something
San health • Sane- mentally, healthy • Sane- common-sensical, cool,
• Sanitary-relating to down-to-earth, hard-headed,
cleanliness and health judicious, level-headed, matter-
• sanitation - maintenance of-fact, practical, rational,
of public health and cleanliness realistic
Scend climb, • Ascend- to climb upward • Ascend- climb, escalate, float,
go • Crescendo-a climbing up of fly, lift off, mount, move up, rise,
the volume of music scale, soar, sprout, take off
Descend-to go or climb down
Sci know • conscience -sense of • Conscience- compunction,
knowing right from inner voice, morals, duty
wrong
• conscious -knowing what is
happening
• omniscient- knowing
everything
scler/o hard • 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
scop/e/y see, • microscope - a • Microscopic- tiny, small, miniscule,
examine, device used to invisible
observe see tiny things
• periscope - a
seeing
instrument on
a submarine
• telescope - a device
used to see over a
distance
scrib, script write, • inscribe - to • Inscribe- imprint, carve, cut
written write letters or • Scribe-copier, copyist, transcribe
words. on a • Describe- narrate, elucidate, explain,
surface elaborate
• scribe-a person
who writes out
documents
• describe - to
represent with
words or pictures
Se apart • secede - to
formally
break away
from
• seclude- to
keep away from
• serum a liquid
isolated out of
another
Sect cut • dissect - to • Dissect- disconnect, disjointment
cut apart piece
by
piece
• intersection -
the place or
point where two
things cross
each other
• bisect - to cut into
two equal parts
Self of, for, or • self-
by itself discipline -
the ability
to discipline
yourself
• self-respect-
respect for
yourself
• selfish - concerned
only with your own
interest
Semi- half, • semi-annual -
partial every half year
• semicircle - half a
circle
• semiconscious
partly conscious
sept/i seven • 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
-serv save, • conserve - to • Conserve- save, keep, hoard, collect,
keep save or keep compile
something safe • Preserve- to care for, continue, maintain
• preserve - to
save
something
• reservation - a place
kept for a person
Sex six • sextet or sextets -
a composition or
group of six
• sextuple - six fold
• sexagenarian
person in his/her
sixties
Sol alone • desolate - lonely, • Desolate- unused, barren,
dismal, gloomy abandoned
• solitary - done • Solitary- alone, aloof, reserved, shy-
alone, by yourself natured, introvert
• solo - a
performance
done by one
person
alone
Sol sun • solar - involving the
sun
• parasol -
umbrella
protecting from
the sun
• solarium - a room
where one is exposed
to sun light
somn/l sleep • insomnia - inability to • Somnolent- dizzy, lazy, sleepy,
fall asleep lethargic, lackadaisical, dormant
• somniloquy
talking in your
sleep
• somnolent - feeling
sleepy
Son sound • consonant - a • Sonorous- pompous, bombastic,
speech sound grandiloquent, magniloquent, loud
• sonorous- producing voiced
loud, full, rich sounds
Soph wise • philosopher - a
wise person
• sophisticated -
wise about the
ways of the world
• sophism - a clever but
misleading argument
spec/t/spic see, • spectator - a person
look who sees an event
Sphere ball • biosphere - the
whole round
surface of the earth
• hemisphere - half the
earthspherically shaped
like a ball
Spir breathe • inspire - to stimulate • Inspire- encourage, enliven, arouse,
or animate motivate
• transpire - to give of • Transpire- occur, happen, arise, ensue
vapour with waste
product through the
skin or a membrane
• spirit-invisible life
force
Sta stand • stable - standing • Stagnant- motionless, filthy, immobile,
steady and firm constant, stationery
• stagnant - standing
still, not moving
• stationary - at a
standstill, fixed
Stell star • constellation - a • Constellation- destiny, certainty, course
group of stars of events
that forms a pattern
• interstellar -
between the stars
• stellar - relating to stars
Struct build • construct- to build • Construct- compound, create, set up
• destruction- the act • Destruction- demolishing, devastation
of destroying
something that was
built structure -
something built
• infrastructure-
underlying framework
of a system
Sub under, • submarine -
lower an underwater
than, boat
inferior • submerge to
to put underwater
• substandard - inferior
to accepted standards
Sum highest • sum - the combined • Summit- peak, the topmost, point,
total of zenith, peak, acme, apex
everything
• summation - the
total, highest
amount
• summit - the highest
point or top
Super higher • Super bowl - the final • Superior- better, greater, higher,
in annual football game excellent
quality • superior - above
or average, better in
quantity quality
• supersonic - faster
than the speed of sound
sy/m/n/l/s together, • symmetry • Synchronize- attune, agree, collaborate
with, similarity in size,
same form or
arrangement
• synergy - the
combined effect
• synchronize to cause to
occur at the same time
tact, tang touch • contact - a state in • Tactile- palpable, sensible, solid,
which two concrete
things touch • Tangible- real, corporeal, actual
• tactile - relating to
the sense of touch
• tangible - able to
be touched
• intact - with nothing
missing
tax/o arrange- • syntax - the • Syntax- arrangement, order, pattern,
ment systematic structure
arrangement of • Taxonomy- anatomy, dendrology,
words ecology, floristic
• taxonomy - the
science of
classification
• ataxia - loss of the
ability to coordinate
muscle action
Techno technique, • technology - the • Technology- automation, applied,
skill practical application of science
knowledge
• technocracy
rule of
technology
• technologically -
characterized by
technology
tel/e/o far, • telephone - a
distant, device to talk to a
complete 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
temp/or time • temporal relating to • Temporal- materialistic worldly
time
• temporary lasting
for a limited
time
term/ina end, limit • determine - to find • Determine-decide, define, mould
something out at the • Terminate- cease, dismiss, finish
end of an
investigation
• terminate - to end
• exterminate - to
destroy or get rid of
completely
terr/a/i land, • extra-terrestrial -
earth existing outside the
earth
• terrain - ground or
land
• territory - an area of
land
Tetra four •
tetrapod - having 4 legs
•
tetrarchy -
government by 4 rulers
• tetrose - a
monosaccharide with four carbon
atoms
the/o god • monotheism - belief
in one god
• polytheism -
worshiping more than
one god
• theology - the study of
religion, god, etc.
therm/o heat • thermal - relating to heat
• thermos - an
insulated jar that
keeps heat in
• thermostat - a device
that controls heat
Tort twist • contortion - a • Contortion- crookedness,
twisted shape or tortuousness
position • Distort-falsify, strain, twist, wring
• distort - to alter Retort- counter, re-join, replay
the shape or
condition of
• retort-reply in a
manner that is supposed
to change the effect of
something previously
said
Tox poison • Detoxification-the
process of
removing poisons
• toxic poisonous
• toxicology-the study
of poisons
• intoxicated -influenced
by drugs
Tract pull, • attract- to pull • Attract- allure, appeal, pull in
drag objects nearer • Distract- disorder, disquiet, trouble
• distract-to drag
attention away from
something
• tractor-a motor vehicle
that pulls things
Trans across, • transcontinental -
beyond, across the
through continent
• transfer - to move
from one place to
another
• transport- to carry
something
across a space
Tri three, • triangle- a figure with
once in 3 sides and 3 angles
every • triathlon- an athletic
three, contest with 3 events
third • tricycle - a 3-wheel
vehicle with pedals

Ultra beyond, • ultrahigh -

extreme, extremely high
more • ultramodern -more
than modern than anything
else
• ultrasonic- sound waves
beyond human hearing
Un not, • unabridged- not • Unabridged- un- shortened
opposite shortened • Unfriendly-malign, malefic, malicious
of, • unfair-opposite of fair
lacking • unfriendly- lacking
friendliness
Uni one, • Unicycle- a vehicle • Unilateral- one sided
single with one wheel • Unison- consensus, unanimity
• unilateral -decided
byonly one person or
nation
• unique-the only one of
its kind
• unison-as one voice
Urb city • suburb- residential
area on the edge of a
city urban -relating to
a city
• urbanology -the study of
city life
Vac empty • evacuate- to empty a • Evacuate- empty, void
dangerous place
• vacant-empty, not
occupied
• vacation - a time without
work
vent/t come • Convention-a • Intervene- interface, interpose, step in
gathering or
assembly of people with a
common interest
• intervene-to come
between
ver/l truth • veracious - • Veracious- undeceitful, right, upright
truthful, honest • Verify- confirm, re- check
• veracity the truth up
• verify-to make sure
that something is true

Verb word • verbalize - to put • Verbalize- vocalize, to speak up

into words
• adverb - a word
relating to a verb
• proverb - a short
saying that
expresses a well-known
truth
vers, turn • introvert - being
vert turned towards the
inside
• version a variation
of an original
• controversy - a
conversation in which
positions are turned
against each other
Vice acting in • vice-president- the
place of, person next in rank to
next in the president
rank
Vid see • evident - clearly seen
vince, Conquer • convince-to • Invincible- unbeatable, unvanquishable,
vic win someone undefeatable
over
• invincible not able to
be conquered
• victory - the conquest
of an enemy
vis, vid See • vision - the ability to
see
• evident-clearly visible
viv/i/ vit live, life • vital-pertaining to live • Vivacious-exuberant, energetic,
• vivacious - high- zealous, zestful, ebullient, passionate,
spirited and full of life enthusiastic, vibrant
voc/i voice, • advocate - to • Advocate- espouse, support, fight for
call speak in favour of the cause, counsel, preach
• equivocate - to • Equivocate- confuse, obfuscate, to put
use misleading in a quandary
language that could be
interpreted two different
ways
• vocalize -to produce
with your
voice
vol/i/u wish, will • volition - the
act of making a
choice or decision
voluntary – resulting from
your own free will

vor, vour Eat • voracious- • Voracious- avaricious, insatiable, avid,

desiring or eating hungry, greedy, ungratifiable
food in great
quantities
• devour- to eat
quickly
xen/o foreign • Xenophobic-
afraid of
foreigners
• Xenogenesis- the
creation of offspring
that is completely
different from either
parent
• Xenophile- attracted
to foreigners
xer/o/l Dry • Xerophyte- a plant • Xerophyte-xerophile
that grows in dry • Xerography- photography, picture
climate taking
• Xerography- a
dry photocopying
process
• Xeric-requiring small
amounts of moisture
zo/o animal life • Zoology- • Zoology- fauna
study of
animals
• Zooid-
resembling an
animal
• Zooplankton-
minute floating
aquatic animals