Showing posts with label Roots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roots. Show all posts

Greek and Latin roots in English_Z

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
zel- zeal, jealousy Greek ζῆλος (zēlos) jealousy, zeal, zealot
zo- animal, living being Greek ζῷον (zōion) azotemia, protozoa, zoanthropy, zodiac, zoic, zoo, zoology, zoomorphism, zoon, zooxanthella
zon- belt, girdle Greek ζώνη (zōnē) zonal, zone
zyg- yoke Greek ζυγός (zugon) heterozygous, zygote
zym- ferment Greek ζύμη (zumē) enzyme, lysozyme

Greek and Latin roots in English_X

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
xanth- yellow Greek ξανθός (xanthos) xanthium, xanthochromia, xanthogenic, xanthophyll
xen- foreign Greek ξένος (xenos) xenoblast, xenogamy, xenophobia, xenon
xer- dry Greek ξηρός (xēros) xeroderma, xerography, xeromorph, xerophagy, xerophile, xerophyte
xiph- sword Greek ξίφος (xiphos) xiphisternum, xiphoid, xiphophyllous
xyl- wood Greek ξύλον (xulon) xylem, xylocarp, xyloid, xylophone

Greek and Latin roots in English_V

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
vac- empty Latin vacare evacuate, vacancy, vacant, vacate, vacation, vacuous, vacuum
vacc- cow Latin vacca vaccary, vaccination, vaccine
vacil- waver Latin vacillare "sway, be untrustworthy" vacillate, vacillation
vad-, vas- go Latin vadere evade, pervasive
vag- wander Latin vagus, vagare vagabond, vague
val- strength, worth Latin valere ambivalence, avail, equivalent, evaluate, prevail, valence, valiant, valid, valor, value
van- empty, vain, idle Latin vanus "empty", also vanescere "vanish" evanescent, vain, vanish, vanity
vap- lack (of) Latin vapor evaporation, vapid, vaporize
vari- vary Latin variare variable, variance, variant, variate, variation, variety, various, vary
varic- straddle Latin varicare "to straddle", from varus "bowlegged" prevaricate
veh-, vect- carry Latin vehere "to carry", vectus invective, inveigh, vector, vehement, vehicle
vel- veil Latin velum revelation, velate
vell-, vuls- pull Latin vellere, vulsus convulsion
veloc- quick Latin velox, velocis velocity
ven- vein Latin vena intravenous, venosity, venule
ven- hunt Latin venari venison
ven-, vent- come Latin venire advent, adventure, avenue, circumvent, contravene, convene, convenient, convention, event, intervene, intervention, invent, prevent, revenue, souvenir, supervene, venue, venture
vend- sell Latin vendere vendor, vending
vener- respectful Latin venus, veneris venerable, veneration, venereal
vent- wind Latin ventus ventilation, ventilator
ventr- belly Latin venter, ventris ventral
ver- true Latin verus aver, veracious, verdict, verify, verisimilar, verisimilitude, verity, very
verb- word Latin verbum verbal, verbatim, verbosity
verber- whip Latin verber reverberation
verm- worm Latin vermis vermiform, vermin
vern- spring Latin ver, vernus vernal
vers-, vert- turn Latin versus, past participle of vertere adverse, adversity, advertise, anniversary, avert, controversy, controvert, conversant, conversation, converse, convert, diversify, divert, extrovert, introvert, inverse, invert, perverse, pervert, reverse, revert, subvert, tergiversate, transverse, universe, versatile, verse, version, versus, vertex, vertical, vertigo
vesic- bladder Latin vesica vesical
vesper- evening, western Latin vespera vesperal
vest- clothing, garment Latin vestire "to clothe", related to vestis "garment" divest, invest, investiture, transvestite, travesty, vest, vestment
vestig- track Latin vestigium investigate, vestigial
vet- forbid Latin vetare veto
veter- old Latin vetus, veteris inveterate, veteran
vi- way Latin via deviate, obviate, obvious, via
vic- change Latin vicis vicar, vicarious, vice versa, vicissitude
vicen-, vigen- twenty each Latin viceni vicenary
vicesim-, vigesim- twentieth Latin vicesimus vicesimary, vicesimation, vigesimal
vid-, vis- see Latin videre, visus evident, provide, providence, provident, revise, supervise, video, visible, vision, visit, vista
vigil- watchful Latin vigil, also vigilare invigilate, reveille, surveillance, vigil, vigilance, vigilant, vigilante
vil- cheap Latin vilis revile, vile, vilify
vill- country house Latin villa villa, village, villain
vill- shaggy hair Latin villus velour, velvet, villiform
vin- wine Latin vinum vine, vinous
vinc-, vict- conquer Latin vincere (past participle victus) convict, convince, evict, evince, invincible, province, vanquish, victor, victory
vir- man Latin vir triumvirate, virility
vir- green Latin virere virid, viridian
visc- thick Latin viscum viscosity
viscer- internal organ Latin viscus, visceris eviscerate, visceral
vit- life Latin vita vital, vitamin
vitell- yolk Latin vitellus vitellogenesis
viti- fault Latin vitium vice, vitiate, vituperate
vitr- glass Latin vitrum vitreous, vitriol
viv- live Latin vivere "to live", related to vita "life" convivial, revive, survive, viable, victuals, vital, vitality, vitamin, vivacious, vivacity, vivid, vivisection
voc- call, voice Latin vocare (to call), from vox "voice" (genitive vocis) advocate, avocation, convocation, equivocal, equivocate, evoke, invocation, invoke, provocative, provoke, revoke, vocal, vocation, vociferous
vol- fly Latin volare volatility
vol- will Latin voluntas "will" from velle "to wish" benevolent, malevolent, velleity, volition, voluntary, Voluntaryism, volunteer, voluptuary, voluptuous
volv-, volut- roll Latin volvere, volutus convolution, devolve, evolve, involve, revolve, valve, vault, voluble, volume, voluminous, volvox, vulva
vom- discharge Latin vomere vomit
vor-, vorac- swallow Latin vorare, vorax carnivorous, devour, herbivorous, locavore, omnivorous, voracious
vov-, vot- vow Latin vovere, votus votive
vulg- crowd Latin vulgus divulge, vulgarity, vulgate
vulner- wound Latin vulnus, vulneris vulnerable
vulp- fox Latin vulpēs, vulpis vulpine

Greek and Latin roots in English_U

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
uber- fruitful Latin uber, uberare exuberant
uligin- in marshes Latin uligo, uliginis uliginous
ulo- wooly Greek οὖλος (oulos) Ulotrichi
ultim- farthest Latin ultimus ultimate, ultimatum
ultra- beyond Latin ultra ultrasonic
umbilic- navel Latin umbilicus umbilical
umbr- shade, shadow Latin umbra adumbrate, penumbra, umbrage, umbrella
un- one Latin unus, unius unanimous, unary, unicorn, unify, union, universe, university
unc- hooked Latin uncus uncinate, Uncinia
unci- ounce, twelfth Latin uncia uncial
und- wave Latin unda abundant, redundancy, undulate
undecim- eleventh Latin undecimus undecimal
unden- eleven each Latin undeni undenary
ungui- claw, nail Latin unguis unguiform
ungul- claw, hoof Latin ungula ungulate
ur- tail Greek οὐρά (oura) uroid, uroborus
ur- urine Greek οὖρον (ouron) urology
urb- city Latin urbanus "belonging to a city", from urbs (genitive urbis) "city" suburbanite, urban, urbane, urbanism, urbanize
urg- work Latin urgere urgent
urs- bear Latin ursus Ursa Major, ursine, Ursus
ut-, us- use Latin uti, usus usual, utility
uv- grape Latin uva uvea
uxor- wife Latin uxor uxoricide

Greek and Latin roots in English_T

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
tac-, -tic- be silent Latin tacere, tacitus reticent, reticence, tacit, taciturn
tach- swift Greek ταχύς (tachus) tachometer, tachycardia
taeni- ribbon Greek ταινία (tainia) taenidium, taeniodont, Taeniolabis
tal- ankle Latin talus talus bone
tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- touch Latin tangere (past participle tactus) attain, contact, contagious, contingent, contingency, contiguous, intact, tactile, tangent, tangible
tapet- carpet Latin tapete, tapetis tapestry, tapetum, tapis
tard- slow Latin tardus retard, tardigrade, tardy
tars- ankle Greek ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket) tarsal
taur- bull Greek ταῦρος (tauros) Minotaur
taur- bull Latin taurus Taurus
tax- arrangement, order Greek τάξις (taxis) taxonomy
techn- art, skill Greek τέχνη (technē) technology
teg-, tect- cover Latin tegere, tectus integument, protection
tele- far, end Greek τῆλε (tēle) telecast, telegram, telegraph, telepathy, telephone, telescope, television
tele- complete Greek τέλος (telos) teleology
temn- cut Greek τέμνω (temnō) Temnospondyli
tempor- time Latin tempus, temporis contemporaneous, contemporary, extemporaneous, tempo, temporal, temporary
ten-, -tin-, tent- hold Latin tenere, tentus abstain, contain, content, contents, continence, continent, continue, countenance, detain, detention, entertain, maintain, pertain, pertinacious, pertinacity, pertinent, retention, tenacious, tenacity, tenant, tenet, tenor, untenable
tend-, tens- stretch, strain Latin tendere (past participle tensus) attend, contend, contention, contentious, extend, extension, extent, intend, ostensible, ostentatious, portend, portent, portentous, pretense, tend, tendentious, tendency, tender, tensile, tension
tenu- slender, thin Latin tenuare "make thin", from tenuis "thin" attenuate, extenuate, tenuous
tep- be warm Latin tepere tepid, tepor
ter-, trit- rub Latin terere, tritus attrition, contrite, detritus, trite
teret- rounded Latin teres, teretis subterete, teretial
terg-, ters- wipe Latin tergere, tersus detergent, terse
termin- boundary, limit, end Latin terminus determine, terminal, termination
tern- three each Latin terni ternary, ternion
terr- earth Latin terra inter, subterranean, terrace, terracotta, terrain, terrarium, terrestrial, territory
terti- third Latin tertius tertian, tertiary
test- witness Latin testis attest, contest, detest, protest, testament, testify, testimony
tetr- four Greek τέσσαρες (tessares) tetrahedron, tetrode
tex-, text- weave Latin texere, textus context, subtle, pretext, text, textile, texture
thalam- chamber, bed Greek θάλαμος (thalamos) hypothalamus
thalass- sea Greek θάλασσα (thalassa) Panthalassa, thalassemia
than- death Greek θάνατος (thanatos) euthanasia, thanatology
the-, thus- god Greek θεός (theos) atheism, enthusiasm, monotheism, polytheism, theology
the- put Greek τίθημι (tithēmi), θήκη (thēkē) antithesis, Bibliotheca, deem, doom, epithet, hypothesis, synthesis, theca, thematic, theme, Themis, thesis
thel- nipple Greek θηλή (thēlē) epithelium, thelium, thelial
theori- speculation Greek θεωρία (theōria) theorem, theory
ther- beast, animal Greek θήρ, θηρός (thēr) theroid, theropod
therm- heat, warm Greek θερμός (thermos) thermal, endotherm, hypothermia, thermometer, thermos, thermostat
thym- mood Greek θυμός (thumos) dysthymia
thyr- door Greek θύρα (thura) thyratron
thyre- large shield Greek θυρεός (thureos) Thyreophora, thyroid, thyrotropin, thyroxine
tim- be afraid Latin timere timid, timorous
-tim- most Latin -timus, e.g. in intimus "inmost", optimus "best", ultimus "last" intimate, intimation, optimum, ultimate
ting-, tinct- moisten Latin tingere, tinctus tincture
tom- cut Greek τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos) anatomy, appendectomy, atom, dichotomy, ectomy, embolectomy, tome, tonsillectomy, vasectomy
ton- stretch Greek τόνος (tonos) isotonic, monotone, tone
top- place Greek τόπος (topos) atopy, isotope, topiary, topic, topography, topology, toponymy, utopia
torn-, tourn- turn or rotate Latin from Greek tornare < τόρνος (tornos) tornado, tournament
torpe- be numb Latin torpere torpent, torpid, torpor
torqu-, tort- twist Latin torquere, tortus contort, distort, extort, extortion, retort, torque, torsion, tortuous, torture
tot- all, whole Latin totus subtotal, total, totality
tox- arrow, bow Greek τόξον (toxon) antitoxin, intoxicate, toxic, toxology, toxoplasmosis
trab- beam Latin trabs, trabis trabeculae
trachy- rough Greek τραχύς (trachus) trachea
trag- goat Greek τράγος (tragos) tragus
trah-, tract- draw, pull Latin tractare, frequentative of trahere, tractus attract, contract, detract, retract, subtract, subtrahend, tractable, traction, tractor
trans-, tra-, tran- across Latin trans intransigent, tradition, transact, transcend, transient, transitory, transport
trapez- four-sided, table Greek τράπεζα (trapeza) trapezius, trapezoid
traum- wound Greek τραῦμα (trauma) trauma, traumatic, traumatize
trecent- three hundred Latin trecenti trecentennial, trecentillion
tredec- thirteen Latin tredecim tredecimal
treiskaidek- thirteen Greek τρεισκαίδεκα (treiskaideka) triskaidekaphobia
trem- tremble Latin tremere tremor
trema- hole Greek τρῆμα (trēma) monotreme, trematode
trepid- tremble Latin trepidare "to tremble, hurry", from trepidus "alarmed, scared" intrepid, trepid, trepidation
tri- three Greek τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria) triad, trigon, triode, tripod
tri- three Latin trēs triangle, triumvirate, trivia
trib- rub Greek τρίβειν (tribein) diatribe, tribology
tribu- pay Latin tribuere "to pay", from tribus attribute, contribute, retribution, tribe, tribulation, tribunal, tribune, tributary, tribute
tricen- thirty each Latin triceni tricenary
tricesim-, trigesim- thirtieth Latin tricesimus trigesimal
trich- hair Greek θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos) peritrichous, trichopathophobia, Trichoptera
trin- three each Latin trini trinary, trine, trinity
trit- third Greek τρίτος (tritos) tritagonist
tritic- wheat Latin triticum triticale
troch- wheel Greek τροχός (trochos) trochlea
trop- turning Greek τρόπος (tropos) contrive, heliotropism, isotrope, psychotropic, retrieve, trope, tropic, tropism, troposphere, troubadour, trove
troph- feed, grow Greek τροφή, τροφός (trophos) dystrophy, pogonotrophy, trophic
truc- fierce Latin trux, trucis truculent
trud-, trus- thrust Latin trudere, trusus extrusion, intrude
trunc- cut off Latin truncare "to maim, mutilate", from truncus "mutilated, cut off" trench, trenchant, truncate, truncheon, trunk
tum- to swell up Latin tumere contumely, contumacious, tumid, tumor, tumular, tumulose, tumulous, tumult, tumultuous
turb- disturb Latin turba disturb, perturb, turbid, turbine, turbulent,
tuss- cough Latin tussis, tussire pertussis
tympan- drum Greek τύμπανον (tumpanon) tympani
typ- stamp, model Greek τύπος (tupos) archetype, phenotype, prototype, type, typewriter, typical, typify, typography, typology

Greek and Latin roots in English_S

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
sacchar- sugar Greek σάκχαρον (sakcharon) saccharin
sacr-, -secr- sacred Latin sacrare, from sacer (genitive sacri) consecrate, desecrate, sacrament, sacred, sacrosanct
sagac- wise Latin sagax, sagacis sagacious, sagacity
sagitt- arrow Latin sagitta sagittal plane, Sagittaria
sal- salt Latin sal, salis, salere salinity
sali-, -sili-, salt- jump Latin salire, saltus desultory, resilient, salient, saltus
salic- willow Latin salix, salicis salicin
salu- health, welfare Latin salus salubrious, salubrity, salutary, salute
salv- save Latin salvus, salvare salvage, salvation, salve
san- healthy Latin sanus insane, sanity
sanc- holy Latin sancire (past participle sanctus) sacrosanct, saint, sanctify, sanction, sanctuary
sanguin- blood Latin sanguis, sanguinis consanguinity, sanguinary, sanguine
sapi-, -sipi- taste, wise Latin sapere "to have a taste, be wise", related to sapor "taste, flavor" insipid, insipience, sapient
sapon- soap Latin sapo, saponis saponification
sarc- flesh Greek σάρξ, σαρκός (sarx, sarkos) sarcophagus
sart- tailor Latin sartor "tailor", from sarcire "to mend" sartorial
sati- enough Latin satis asset, sate, satiate, satiety, satisfy, saturate
saur- lizard, reptile Greek σαῦρος (sauros) dinosaur
sax- rock Latin saxum saxatile, saxicavous, saxicoline, saxifrage, saxifragous
scab- scratch Latin scabere scabies
scal- ladder, stairs Latin scala scalar, scale
scalen- uneven Greek σκαληνός (skalēnos) scalene muscles, scalene triangle
scand-, -scend-, scans-, -scens- climb Latin scandere ascend, descend, transcendent
scaph- anything hollow, bowl, ship Greek σκάφη, σκάφος scaphoid bone
scel- leg, thigh Greek σκέλος, σκέλεος (skelos) isosceles
schem- plan Greek σχῆμα (schēma) schematic
schis- split, cleft Greek σχίζω, σχίσμα (schisma) schism, schismatic
sci- know Latin scire conscience, conscious, conscientious, omniscious, omniscient, prescient, science, scienter
scind-, sciss- split Latin scindere rescind, scissors
scler- hard Greek σκληρός (sklēros) scleroderma, sclerosis, sclerotic
scoli- crooked Greek σκολιός (skolios) scoliosis
scop-, scept- look at, examine, view, observe Greek σκέπτομαι, σκοπός (skopos) horoscope, kaleidoscope, microscope, periscope, scope, stethoscope, telescope
scrib-, script- write Latin scribere, scriptus describe, inscribe, manuscript, prescribe, scribble, scribe, script, scripture, subscribe
scrupl- uneasiness Latin scrupus "sharp stone" scruple, scrupulous, unscrupulous
sculp- carve Latin sculpere, sculptus sculpture
scut- shield Latin scutum scute
scyph- cup Greek σκύφος (skyphos) Scyphozoa
se-, sed- apart Latin se secede, sedition
seb- tallow Latin sebum sebaceous, sebum
sec-, sect-, seg- cut Latin secare secant, section, segment
sed- settle, calm Latin sedare, sedatus sedative
sed-, -sid-, sess- sit Latin sedere, sessus assiduous, insidious, obsession, possess, preside, president, reside, resident, sediment, sedulity, sedulous, session, subside, supersede
sedec- sixteen Latin sedecim sedecimal
seget- in cornfields Latin segetum
sei- shake Greek σείω, σεισμός (seismos) seismograph
selen- moon Greek σελήνη (selēnē) Selene, selenium
sell- saddle, seat Latin sella sella turcica
sema- sign Greek σῆμα (sēma) semantics, semaphore
semi- half Latin semis semifinal
semin- seed Latin semen, seminis insemination
sen- old man Latin senex, senis senator, senescent, senile, senility, senior
sen- six each Latin seni senary
senti-, sens- feel Latin sentire, sensus assent, consensus, consent, dissent, resent, scent, sensation, sense, sensible, sensitive, sensory, sentence, sentient, sentience, sentiment
sept- fence, partition, enclosure Latin saeptum transept
sept- seven Latin septem septennial
septen- seven each Latin septeni septenary
septim- seventh Latin septimus septimal, septime
septuagen- seventy each Latin septuageni septuagenary
septuagesim- seventieth Latin septuagesimus septuagesima, septuagesimal
septuagint- seventy Latin septuaginta Septuagint
sequ-, secut- follow Latin sequere, from sequi, see also secutus consecutive, consequence, ensue, non sequitur, obsequious, prosecute, pursue, second, sequel, sequence, subsequent
ser- sow Latin serere (past participle satus) sative, season, seasonable, seasonal, semen
ser- attach, join Latin serere (past participle sertus) assert, desert, dissertation, exert, insert, serial, serialize, series
ser- body fluid Latin serum serous
ser- late Latin sērus serein, serotine
serp- crawl, creep Latin serpere, serptus serpent
serr- saw, saw-toothed Latin serra, serrare serration
serv- save, protect, serve Latin servare conserve, deserve, observe, preserve, reserve, servant, service, servile, servitude, subservient
sesqui- one and a half Latin sesqui sesquicentennial
set- bristle, hair Latin saeta seta, setose
sever- stern, strict, serious Latin severus severity
sex-, se- six Latin sex semester, sexangle, sexennium
sexagen- sixty each Latin sexageni sexagenary
sexagesim- sixtieth Latin sexagesimus sexagesimal
sext- sixth Latin sextus sextant
sibil- hiss Latin sibilus, sibilare sibilance
sicc- dry Latin siccus desiccation
sider- star Latin sidus, sideris sidereal
sign- sign Latin signum design, designate, insignia, signal, signature, significant
sil- quiet or still Latin silere silence
silv- forest Latin silva silviculture
simi- ape, monkey Latin simia simian
simil-, simul- likeness, imitating Latin simulare "to emulate", from similis "alike" assimilate, dissimilate, dissemble, ensemble, resemble, semblance, similar, similarity, simile, similitude, simulacrum, simular, simulate, simulation, simulator, simultaneous, verisimilar, verisimilitude
singul- one each Latin singulus singular
sinistr- left Latin sinister, sinistri sinistral
sinu- (to draw) a line Latin sinuare insinuate
sinus- hollow, bay Latin sinus sinusoidal
siph- tube Greek σίφων (siphōn) siphon
sist- cause to stand Latin sistere assist, consist, desist, exist, insist, persist, resist, solstice, subsist
sit- food, grain, wheat Greek σῖτος (sitos) sitology
soci- group Latin socius, sociare associate, social
sol- sun Latin sol, solis solar, solstice
sol- comfort, soothe Latin solari consolation, console, solace
sol- alone, only Latin solus desolate, sole, soliloquy, solipsism, solitaire, solitary, solitude, solo
sole- accustomed Latin solere "be accustomed" insolence, insolent, obsolescence, obsolescent, obsolete
solen- pipe, channel Greek σωλήν (sōlēn) solenoid
solv-, solut- loosen, set free Latin solvere, solutus absolute, absolve, dissolute, dissolve, resolute, resolve, soluble, solute, solution, solve, solvent
soma- body Greek σῶμα, σώματος (sōma, sōmatos) somatic
somn- sleep Latin somnus insomnia, somnambulist, somnolent
somni- dream Latin somnium somnial
son- sound Latin sonus dissonance, resonance
soph- wise Greek σοφός (sophos) philosophy, sophism, sophist, sophisticate, sophomore, sophomoric
sopor- deep sleep Latin sopor sopor, soporific
sorb-, sorpt- suck Latin sorbere absorb, absorption
sord- dirt Latin sordes, sordere sordid
soror- sister Latin soror sorority
spars-, -spers- sprinkle Latin spargere asperse, aspersion, disperse, intersperse, sparse
spati- space Latin spatium spatial
spec-, -spic-, spect- look Latin specere aspect, conspicuous, expect, inspect, introspective, prospect, respect, retrospective, species, specific, specimen, specious, speculate, spectacle, spectator
spect- watch, look at Latin spectare spectator
specul- observe Latin speculari speculation
sper- hope Latin spes, sperare desperation, esperance
sperm- seed Greek σπέρμα (sperma) angiosperm
sphen- wedge Greek σφήν (sphēn) sphenoid
spher- ball Greek σφαῖρα (sphaira) hemisphere, sphere, spheroid, stratosphere
sphing-, sphinct- closing Greek σφίγγω sphingein, σφίγγα sphinga sphincter
spic- spike Latin spica spicule
spin- thorn Latin spina spine
spir- breathe Latin spirare aspire, conspire, expire, inspire, perspire, respiration, spirit
spond-, spons- a surety, guarantee; give assurance, promise solemnly Latin spondere, sponsus respond
spondyl- vertebra Greek σπόνδυλος (spondylos) spondylosis
spu-, sput- spew, spit Latin spuere sputum
squal- scaly, dirty, filthy Latin squalere squalid, squalor
squam- scale Latin squama squamous
squarros- spreading at tips Latin squarrosus squarrose
st- cause to stand Greek ἵστημι histēmi, histánai antistatic, ecstatic, stasis, static, systasis, system
st- stand Latin stare "to stand", also causative form statuere "to enact, set", from status "condition, position" circumstance, consist, constant, constitute, distant, extant, instant, obstacle, presto, stable, stamen, stamina, stance, stanchion, stanza, state, station, stationary, statistic, statue, status, staunch, stay, substance, substitute, superstition
stagn- pool of standing water Latin stagnare stagnant
stala- dripping, trickling Greek σταλακτός (stalaktos) and σταλαγμός (stalagmos), both from σταλάζειν (stallassein) "to drip" stalactite, stalagmite
stann- tin Latin stannum stannous
stasi- standing, discord Greek στάσις (stasis) static
statu-, -stitu- stand Latin statuere institution, statute
stear- fat, tallow Greek στέαρ, στέατος (stear, steatos) stearic acid
steg- covering Greek στέγη (stegē), στεγανός (steganos) steganography, Stegosaurus
stell- star Latin stella constellation, stellar
stell- send Greek στέλλω (stellein) apostle, epistle, stole
sten- stand Greek στεναί (stenai) apostasy, apostate
sten- narrow Greek στενός (stenos) stenography, stenosis
stere- solid Greek στερεός (stereos) stereometry
stern-, strat- spread, strew Latin sternere, stratus consternation, prostrate, stratify, stratum, stratus, street
stern- breastbone Greek στέρνον (sternon) sternum
stich- line, row Greek στίχος (stichos) distich
stigmat- mark, puncture Greek στίγμα (stigma) astigmatic, stigma
still- drip Latin stilla, stillare distillation, instill
stimul- goad, rouse, excite Latin stimulus stimulate
stin- stand Latin stinare destination, obstinate
stingu-, stinct- apart Latin stinguere distinction, distinguish
stoch- aim Greek στόχος (stochos) stochastic
stom- mouth Greek στόμα (stoma) stomatoplasty
streper- noise Latin strepere obstreperous
strept- twisted Greek στρεπτός (streptos) Streptococcus
strig- compress Latin strix, strigis strigogyps
strigos- having stiff bristles Latin strigosus from striga strigose
string-, strict- tight, upright, stiff Latin stringere, strictus astringent, constrain, constrict, constringe, restrict, strain, strict, stringent
stroph- turning Greek στροφή (strophē) apostrophe
stru-, struct- to make up, build Latin struere, structus construct, construction, construe, destroy, destruct, instruct, obstruct, structure
stud- dedication Latin studere student
stup- wonder Latin stupere stupid, stupor
styl- column, pillar Greek στῦλος (stulos) Stylites
su-, sut- sew Latin suere, sutus couture, suture
suad-, suas- urge Latin suadere, suasus persuasion
suav- sweet Latin suavis assuage, suave, suavity
sub-, su-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sus- below Latin sub submarine, submerge, suffix, suggest, support
subter- under Latin subter subterfuge
sucr- sugar Latin succarum sucrose
sud- sweat Latin sudare exude, sudoriferous
sui- self Latin sui sui generis, suicide
sulc- furrow Latin sulcus sulcus
sum- sum Latin summare "to sum up", from summa "sum" consummate, consummation, sum, summa cum laude, summary, summation
sum-, sumpt- take Latin sumere, sumptus assume, assumption, consume, consumption, presumption, subsume
super- above, over Latin super insuperable, soprano, sovereign, summit, superable, superb, supercilious, supercomputer, superficial, superfluous, superheat, superimpose, superior, superlative, supermarket, supernal, supernatural, supernova, superposition, superpower, superscript, supersede, supersonic, superstition, supervene, supervise, supreme, supremum, surname, surplus, surround, survive
supin- lying back Latin supinus supination, supine
supra- above, over Latin supra supranationalism
surd- deaf Latin surdus absurdity
surg- rise Latin surgere resurgent
syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- with Greek σύν (sun) symbol, symmetry, sympathy, synchronous, synonym, system
syring- pipe Greek σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx, syringos) syringe

Greek and Latin roots in English_

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
rad-, ras- scrape, shave Latin radere, rasus abrade, abrasion, erasure
radi- beam, spoke Latin radius, radiare radiance, radiation
radic- root Latin rādix, rādīcis eradicate, radical
ram- branch Latin rāmus ramification, ramose
ran- frog Latin ranaR Rana
ranc- rancidness, grudge, bitterness Latin rancere rancid, rancor
rap- rob, seize Latin rapere "to seize, rob" rape, rapacity, raptor, surreptitious
rap- turnip Latin rapum rapeseed
raph- seam Greek ῤαφή (rhaphē) raphe, raphae
rar- rare Latin rarus rarity
rauc- harsh, hoarse Latin raucus raucous
re-, red- again, back Latin re- recede, redact
rect-, reg-, -rig- straight, direct Latin regere "to direct, lead straight, guide", related rectus "straight, right" correct, direct, dirigible, erect, erection, ergo, rectangle, rectify, rectitude, rectum, regent, regime, regimen, regiment, region, surge
reg-, rex- king Latin rex (genitive regis) anorexia, regal, regicide, rex, royal
regul- rule Latin regula "to rule" regular, regulate, regulation, rule
rem- oar Latin remus bireme, trireme
ren- kidney Latin renes renal
reneg- deny Latin renegare renegade, renege
rep-, rept- crawl, creep Latin repere, reptus reptile
ret- net Latin rete reticle, retina
retro- backward, behind Latin retro retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus
rhabd- rod Greek ῥάβδος (rhabdos) rhabdoid, rhabdom
rhach-, rach- spine Greek ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rhachis) rhachiodont
rhag- tear, rent Greek ῥαγίζω rhagades
rhe- flow Greek ῥεῖν (rhein) rheostat
rhig- chill Greek ῥῖγος (rhigos) rhigosaurus
rhin- nose, snout Greek ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis, rhinos) rhinoceros, rhinoplasty
rhiz- root Greek ῥίζα (rhiza) rhizome
rhod- rose Greek ῥόδον (rhodon) rhododendron
rhomb- spinning top Greek ῥόμβος (rhombos) rhombus
rhynch- snout Greek ῥύγχος Rhynchobatus
rid-, ris- laugh Latin ridere "to laugh" (past participle risus) deride, derision, ridicule, ridiculous, risible
robor- oak, strength Latin roborare "to strengthen", from robur, robus "strength" corroborate, corroboration, robust
rod-, ros- gnaw Latin rodere, rosus corrode, erosion, rodent
rog- ask Latin rogare abrogate, arrogant, arrogate, derogatory, interrogation, prerogative, prorogue, rogation, rogue, surrogate
rostr- beak, prow Latin rostrum rostral, rostriform, rostrum
rot- wheel Latin rota, rotare rotation, rotunda
ruber-, rubr- red Latin ruber rubric, ruby
rudi- unskilled, rough, unlearned Latin rudis erudite, erudition, rude, rudimentary
rug- wrinkle Latin ruga, rugare corrugation
rumin- throat Latin rumen, ruminis rumination
rump-, rupt- break Latin rumpere, ruptus abrupt, corruptible, disrupt, erupt, eruption, interrupt, rupture
rur- country Latin rus, ruris rural

Greek and Latin roots in English_Q

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
quadr- four Latin quattuor quadrangle, quadrillion, quadrilateral, quadruped
quadragen- forty each Latin quadrageni quadragenarian, quadragenary
quadragesim- fortieth Latin quadragesimus quadragesimal
quart- fourth Latin quartus quartary, quarter, quartile
quasi- as if Latin quasi quasar
quatern- four each Latin quaterni quaternary, quaternion
quati-, quass- shake Latin quatere quassation
quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit- search, seek Latin quaerere Inquisition, query
qui- rest Latin quies quiet, requiem
quin- five each Latin quini quinary
quindecim- fifteenth Latin quindecimus quindecimal
quinden- fifteen each Latin quindeni quindenary
quinque- five Latin quinque quinquennium
quint- fifth Latin quintus quintary, quintile
quot- how many, how great Latin quotiens quota, quotient

Greek and Latin roots in English_P

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
pac- peace Latin pax, pacis appease, Pacific Ocean, pacifism, pacifist, pacify
pach- thick Greek παχύς (pachus) pachydermata, Pachypodium
pact- fasten Latin pangere "to fix, fasten" compact, impact, impaction, impinge, pact, page, propagate
paed- child Greek παῖς (pais), genitive παιδός (paidos) orthopedic, paediatric, page, pedagogue, pedagogy, pedant, pedantic, pediatric, pedophilia
pagin- page Latin pagina pagination
pal- stake Latin palus impalement, pale
palae-, pale- ancient, old Greek παλαιός (palaios) Paleo Diet, Paleolithic era, paleomagnetism, paleontology, paleopsychology, Paleozoic
palin- back Greek πάλιν (palin) palindrome
pall- be pale Latin pallere pallid, pallor
palli- cloak Latin palliare "to cover, cloak", from pallium "cloak" pall, palliate, palliative, pallium
palm- palm Latin palma palmate
palp- touch Latin palpare palp, palpable, palpate, palpation, palpitant, palpitation
palustr- in marshes Latin paluster palustral
pan-, pam- all Greek πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos) Pan-American, panacea, pandemic, pandemonium, panoply, panoptic
pand-, pans- spread Latin pandere, pansus expand, expansion
par- equal Latin par compare, disparage, par, parity, peer, subpar
par- prepare, provide, procure Latin parare apparatus, disparate, empire, imperative, pare, prepare, repair, separate, sever, vituperate
para- beside, near Greek παρά (para) parallel, parameter
parc-, pars- spare, save Latin parcere, parsus parcity, parsimony
pariet- wall Latin paries, parietis parietal
part- part Latin pars, partis apart, bipartite, compartment, depart, impartial, parcel, part, partial, participate, particle, partisan, partition
parthen- maiden Greek παρθένος (parthenos) Parthenon, parthenogenesis
parv- little Latin parvus parvovirus
pasc-, past- feed Latin pascere, pastus pastor, pasture, repast
pass- pace, step Latin passus
passer- sparrow Latin passer passeriform, passerine
pat- be open Latin patere paten, patent
path- feeling, disease Greek πάθος (pathos) antipathy, apathy, empathy, pathetic, pathogen, pathology, sympathy
pater-, patr- father Latin pater (genitive patris) paternity, patrilocal, patriot, patron, patronage, patronize
pater-, patr- father Greek πατήρ, πατριά (patēr, patria) patriarch
pati-, pass- suffer, feel, endure, permit Latin pati, passus passion, passive, patience
pauc- few Latin paucus paucal, pauciloquent, paucity
pav- beat Latin pavire pave, pavement
pecc- sin Latin peccare impeccable, peccant, peccavi
pect- fixed Greek πηκτός (pēktos) pectic, pectin
pector- chest Latin pectus, pectoris pectoral
pecu- property Latin pecunia "property", from pecu "cattle" peculiar, pecuniary, pecunious
ped- foot Latin pes, pedis centipede, impede, pedal, pedestrian
pejor- worse Latin pejor pejorative
pell-, puls- drive, push Latin pellere, pulsus appulse, compel, compulsory, dispel, expel, expulsion, impel, impulse, propel, propellent, propulsion, propulsive, propulsor, pulsate, pulse, push, repel, repellent, repulsive
pen- almost Latin paene peninsula, penultimate, penumbra
pen-, poen-, puni- punish Latin punire "punish" (earlier poenire), from poena "punishment" impune, impunity, pain, penal, penalize, penalty, penance, penitence, penitent, penitentiary, pine, punish, punitive, repent, subpoena
pend-, pens- hang Latin pensare, frequentative of pendere append, penchant, pendant, pending, pendulum, pensive, prepense, suspend, suspense
penn-, pinn- feather Latin penna, pinna pennate, pinnacle, pinnate, pinnule
pent- five Greek πέντε (pente) pentagon, pentagram, pentagrid, pentode
pentecost- fiftieth Greek πεντηκοστός (pentēkostos) pentecostalism
pept- digest Greek πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos) dyspepsia, peptic, peptide, peptone
per- thoroughly, through Latin per perfection, permeate, persistence, peruse, pervade
peran- across, beyond Greek πέραν (peran) Perates
peri- around Greek περί (peri) perigee, perihelion, perimeter, peripheral, periscope
persic- peach Greek περσικός (persikos)
pessim- worst Latin pessimus pessimal
pet- strive toward Latin petere appetite, compete, competition, impetus, petition, petulant, propitiate, repeat, repetition
petr- rock Greek πέτρα (petra) petroglyph
phae- dark Greek φαιός (phaios) phaeomelanin, pheochrome
phag- eat Greek φαγεῖν (phagein) bacteriophage, macrophage, phagocyte, sarcophagus
phalang- close formation of troops, finger bones Greek φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos) phalanges
phalar- having a patch of white Greek φάλαρος (phalāros)[1] phalarope
pharmac- drug, medicine Greek φάρμακον (pharmakon) pharmacy
phan-, phen- to show, visible Greek φαινειν (phainein) diaphanous, emphasis, epiphany, fantasy, phanerozoic, phantasm, phantom, phase, phene, phenetic, phenology, phenomenon, photic, sycophant, theophany, tryptophan
pher-, phor- bear, carry Greek φέρω (pherō), φόρος (phoros) metaphor, pheromone
phil-, -phile love, friendship Greek φιλέω (phileō, philia) bibliophile, hydrophile, philanthropy, philharmonic, philosophy
phleg- heat, inflammation Greek ϕλέγω (phlegein) "to burn", φλέγω (phlegō) phlegm, phlegmatic
phloe- tree bark Greek φλοιός (phloios) phlobaphene, phloem
phob- fear Greek φόβος (phobos) acrophobia, claustrophobia, ergophobia, homophobia, hydrophobia
phon- sound Greek φωνή (phōnē) cacophony, euphony, homophone, microphone, phonetic, phonograph, symphony
phos-, phot- light Greek φῶς, φωτός (phōs, phōtos) phosphor, phosphorus, photic, photo, photoelectric, photogenic, photograph, photosynthesis
phragm- fence Greek φράγμα (phragma) diaphragm
phren- diaphragm, mind Greek φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos) frenetic, schizophrenia
phryn- toad, toad-like Greek φρύνη (phrunē) Phrynobatrachus
phyl- tribe Greek φύλον (phulon) phylogenetics, phylum
phyll- leaf Greek φύλλον (phullon) chlorophyll, phyllotaxis
physi- nature Greek φύσις (phusis) physics
physalid- bladder Greek φυσαλ(λ)ίς (phusal(l)is) physalis
phyt- plant Greek φυτόν (phuton) neophyte, phytoplankton
pi- kind, devout, pity Latin pius expiate, impious, piety, pious, pity
pic- pitch Latin pix, picis piceous
pil- hair Latin pilus depilatory, epilator
pil- pillar, ball Latin pila pile, pill, pillar, pillory
pin- drink Greek πίνειν (pinein) pinocytosis
pin- pine Latin pinus pineal gland
ping-, pict- paint Latin pingere, pictus depiction, picture, pigment
pingu- fat Latin pinguis Pinguicula, pinguitude
pir- pear Latin pirus piriformis muscle
pisc- fish Latin piscis Pisces, piscivore
pis- pea Greek πίσος (pisos)
plac- plate, tablet Greek πλάξ, πλακός (plax, plakos) duplex, duplicity
plac- calm Latin placare, placatus implacable, placable, placate, please, supple
plac-, plea- please Latin placēre, placitus complacent, complaisant, displease, placebo, placid, plea, please, pleasure
plagi- oblique Greek πλάγιος (plagios) plagiocephaly, plagioclase
plan- flat Latin planus explanation, planar, plane
plang-, planct-
Latin plangere, planctus plangent
plas- mould Greek πλάθω (plathō) plasma, plastic
platy- flat, broad Greek πλατύς (platus) plaice, plateau, platitude, platypus
plaud-, -plod-, plaus-, -plos- approve, clap Latin plaudere, plausus applaud, applause, explosion, implode, plaudits, plausible
ple-, plet- fill Latin plere complement, complete, deplete, implement, replete, suppletion, supply
pleb- people Latin plebs, plebis plebeian, plebs
plec- interwoven Greek πλέκω (plekō) plectics, symplectomorphism
plect-, plex- plait Latin plectere, plexus perplex
plen- full Latin plenus plenary, plenitude, plenty, replenish
plesi- near Greek πλησίος (plēsios) plesiosaur
pleth- full Greek πλῆθος (plēthos) plethora
pleur- side Greek πλευρά (pleura) pleuritis
plic- fold Latin plicare, plicatus appliance, application, apply, duplication, explicate, explicit, implicate, implicit, imply, ply, replicate, supplicant, supplicate, supplication
plinth- brick Greek πλίνθος (plinthos) Plinthograptis
plor-
Latin plorare implore
plu- rain Latin pluere, see also pluvia pluvial
plum- feather Latin pluma plumage, plumate
plumb- lead Latin plumbum plumber
plur-, plus- more Latin plus, pluris double, plural, pluralist, plus, quadruple, surplus, triple
plurim- most Latin plurimus plurimal
plut- wealth Greek πλοῦτος (ploutos) plutocracy
pneu- air, breath, lung Greek pnein, πνεῦμα (pneuma) apnoea, pneumatic, phneumonia
pod- foot Greek πούς, ποδός (pous, podos) antipode, podiatry, tripod
pogon- beard Greek πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos) pogonotrophy
poie- make Greek ποιέω (poieō) poet, poiesis
pol- pole Greek πόλος (polos) dipole, polar
pole-, poli- city Greek πόλις (polis) acropolis, cosmopolitan, megalopolis, metropolis, police, policy, politics
polem- war Greek πόλεμος (polemos) polemic
poli- grey Greek πολιός (polios) poliomyelitis
pollic- thumb Latin pollex, pollicis pollicate
pollin- fine flour Latin pollen, pollinis pollination
poly- many Greek πολύς (polus) polyandry, polygamy, polygon, polysaccharide, polytheistic
pon-, posit- put Latin ponere, positus apposite, apropos, component, deposit, exponent, expose, expound, impose, impound, opponent, position, positive, postpone, posture, propone, proponent, proposition, propound
ponder- weight Latin pondus, ponderis, ponderare ponder, preponderance
pont- bridge Latin pons, pontis pontoon
popul- people Latin populus, populare population, popular, populous
por- passage Greek πόρος (poros) pore, porosity
porc- pig Latin porcus porcine, pork
porn- prostitute Greek πόρνη (pornē) pornography
porphyr- purple Greek πορφύρα (porphura) porphyrin
port- carry Latin portare "to carry", porta "gate" comportment, deport, export, import, port, portable, portage, portal, porter, portfolio, purport, rapport, report, support, transport
portion- part, share Latin portio portion, proportion
post- after, behind Latin post posterior, posterity, postscript
pot- power Latin potere "be powerful", from potis "powerful, able" despot, impotent, possess, potent, potentate, potential, power
pot- drink Latin potus, potare potable, potion
potam- river Greek ποταμός (potamos) hippopotamus, Mesopotamia
prasin- leek-green Greek πράσινος (prasinos) prasinous
prat- meadow Latin pratum
prav- crooked Latin pravus depravity
pre- before Latin prae previous
prec- pray Latin precāri "to ask, beg, pray", from prex "prayer" deprecation, imprecation, pray, prayer, precarious
pred- prey Latin praedari "plunder", from praeda "prey" depredate, predation, predator, predatory, prey
prehend-, prend-, prehens- grasp Latin prehendere, prehensus apprehend, comprehend, comprehensive, enterprise, prehensility, prehension, prey, prison, prize, reprehend, surprise
prem-, -prim-, press- press Latin premere, pressus pressure
presby- old Greek πρέσβυς (presbus) Presbyterianism
preter- past Latin praeter preterite, pretermission
preti- price Latin pretium, pretiare
prim- first Latin primus primacy, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive
prior- former Latin prior priority
priv- separate Latin privus, privare, privatus deprivation, privilege
pro- before, in front of Greek πρό (pro) prologue, prostate
pro- for, forward Latin pro procrastinate, propel, propulsion
prob- worthy, good Latin probare "prove to be worthy", probus approbation, approve, disapprobation, opprobrium, probable, probation, probe, probity, proof, prove, reprobate, reprove
proct- anus Greek πρωκτός (prōktos) proctology
prodig- waste Latin prodigus "wasteful", from prodigere "drive away, waste" prodigal, prodigality
prodig- prodigy Latin prodigium "prodigy" prodigious, prodigy
propri- property; one's own Latin proprietas "appropriateness, property, ownership", from proprius "one's own" appropriate, proper, property, proprietary, proprietor, propriety
pros- forward Greek πρός (pros) prosenchyma, prosthesis
prot- first Greek πρῶτος (prōtos) protagonist, Proterozoic, protocol, protoindustrial, protoplasm, prototype, protozoan
proxim- nearest Latin proximus, proximare approximate, proximity
prun- plum Latin prunus prune
psamm- sand Greek ψάμμος (psammos) psammite, psammophyte, psammosere, psammous
pseud- false Greek ψευδής (pseudēs) pseudonym
psil- bare Greek ψιλός (psilos) epsilon, psilocybin
psych- mind Greek ψυχή (psuchē) psyche, psychiatry, psychology, psychosis
psychr- cold Greek ψυχρός (psuchros) psychrometer
pter- wing, fern Greek πτερόν (pteron) helicopter, pterodactyl
pto- fall Greek πτῶσις (ptōsis) ptosis
pty- saliva Greek πτύον (ptuon) ptyalin
ptych- fold, layer Greek πτύξ, πτυχή (ptuchē) triptych
pub- sexually mature Latin pubes, puberis pubescent, pubic
public-
Latin publicus publication, publicity
pude- shame Latin pudere impudent, pudendum, repudiate
pug-, pugn- fight Latin pugnare "to fight", from pugnus "fist" impugn, pugilism, pugnacious, repugnant
pulchr- beautiful Latin pulcher, pulchri pulchritude
pulmon- lung Latin pulmo, pulmonis pulmonary
pulver- dust Latin pulvis, pulveris pulverize
pung-, punct- prick Latin pungere, punctus acupuncture, expunge, poignant, point, punch, punctual, punctuation, puncture, pungent
pup- doll Latin pupa pupa, pupate, puppet
pur- pure Latin purare "to purify", from purus "pure" impurity, pure, puree, purge, purify, purity
purg- cleanse Latin purgare expurgate, purgatory, purge
purpur- purple Latin purpura purpurate, purpureal
put- prune, reckon Latin putāre amputation, compute, dispute, impute, putative, reputation
pyg- rump Greek πυγή (pugē) callipygian, pygostyle
pyl- gate Greek πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn, pulōnos) pylon
pyr- heat, fire Greek πῦρ, πυρός (pur, puros) pyrolysis
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