Part III: Word Roots
The roots below, most of which come from Greek or Latin, form the basis for many common words in English. Not all words you will see on the ASVAB are based on the word parts below. In fact, many short English words do not have Greek or Latin roots. However, knowing the word roots in this list will usually help you determine the definitions of longer words.
A
- AC/ACR: sharp, bitter, sour
- acid: (n) something that is sharp, sour, or ill-natured
- acrimonious: (adj) bitter; hostile
- acumen: (n) mental sharpness; quickness of wit
- acute: (adj) sharp at the end; ending in a point
- exacerbate: (v) to make (a problem or conflict) worse
- ACT/AG: to do, to drive, to force, to lead
- activate: (v) to cause something to act
- agile: (adj) having good coordination and quick movements
- agitate: (v) to stir up or roil
- ACOU: hearing
- acoustic: (adj) related to sound or hearing
- AL/ALI/ALTER: other, another
- alias: (n) an assumed name; another name
- alibi: (n) an excuse, often that a person was at another place at the time a crime was committed
- alien: (n) one born in another country; a foreigner
- alter ego: (n) the second self; a substitute or deputy
- alternative: (n) a possible choice
- altruist: (n) someone who cares about others or gives (money or resources) in support of others
- AM: love
- amateur: (n) someone who does an activity for the love of it, rather than as part of her job; a hobbyist; an inexperienced person; (adj) lacking or displaying a lack of experience; non-professional
- amiable: (adj) friendly, likable
- amicable: (adj) characterized by exhibiting good will
- amity: (n) friendship; peaceful harmony
- amorous: (adj) inclined to love, esp. sexual love
- enamored: (adj) inflamed with love; charmed; captivated
- AMBL/AMBUL: to go, to walk
- ambulance: (n) a vehicle equipped for carrying sick people (from a phrase meaning “walking hospital”)
- ambulatory: (adj) able to walk; having to do with walking
- preamble: (n) an introductory statement (originally: to walk in front)
- ANIM: of the life, mind, soul, breath
- animal: (n) a living being
- animosity: (n) hostility
- equanimity: (n) ability to remain calm under pressure
- magnanimous: (adj) generous; forgiving
- unanimous: (adj) of one mind; in complete accord
- ANNUI/ENNI: year
- annals: (n) a log or record, often with yearly entries
- anniversary: (n) yearly observance
- annual: (adj) yearly
- annuity: (n) periodic cash payments or receipts
- perennial: (adj) lasting for an indefinite amount of time
- ANTHRO/ANDR: man, human
- androgynous: (adj) having both male and female traits or anatomy
- android: (n) robot; mechanical man
- anthropology: (n) a branch of science dealing with human origins, traits, and behavior
- AQUA/AQUE: water
- aquamarine: (n) a bluish-green color
- aquarium: (n) a tank for keeping fish and other underwater creatures
- aquatic: (adj) having to do with water
- aqueduct: (n) a channel for transporting water
- ARCH/ARCHI/ARCHY: chief, principal, ruler
- anarchy: (n) the absence of a formal government; a state of lawlessness
- archenemy: (n) chief enemy
- architect: (n) the devisor, maker, or planner of anything
- monarchy: (n) rule by a single person
- oligarchy: (n) a state or society ruled by a select group
- AUTO: self
- autocrat: (n) an absolute ruler
- automatic: (adj) self-moving or self-acting
- autonomy: (n) independence or freedom
B
- BEN/BENE: good
- benediction: (n) act of uttering a blessing
- benefit: (n) anything advantageous to a person or thing
- benevolent: (adj) desiring to do good to others
- benign: (adj) gracious, kindly; not harmful
- BON/BOUN: good, generous
- bona fide: (adj) true, authentic (literally, in good faith)
- bonus: (n) something of value given beyond what is expected
- bountiful: (adj) generous
- BREV/BRID: short, small
- abbreviate: (v) to shorten
- abridge: (v) to shorten
- brevity: (n) shortness
- brief: (adj) short
- BURS: purse, money
- bursar: (n) treasurer
- disburse: (v) to pay
- reimburse: (v) to pay back
C
- CANT/CENT/CHANT: to sing
- accent: (n) emphasis or stress
- chant: (n) a song; singing
- enchant: (v) to fascinate or captivate
- incantation: (n) a magical chant or spell
- recant: (v) to take back something spoken or written
- CAP/CIP/CEPT: to take, to get
- anticipate: (v) to look forward to something; to foresee
- capture: (v) to take by force
- precept: (n) a rule to govern behavior
- susceptible: (adj) capable of receiving, admitting, undergoing, or being affected by something
- CARN: flesh
- carnage: (n) slaughter, widespread killing
- carnivorous: (adj) eating flesh
- incarnation: (n) a being invested with a bodily form
- reincarnation: (n) rebirth in a new body
- CAUS/CAUT: to burn
- caustic: (adj) burning or corrosive
- cauterize: (v) to burn or deaden
- CED/CEED/CESS: to go, to yield, to stop
- accede: (v) to yield to a demand; to give in
- antecedent: (adj) existing or going before
- cessation: (n) the act of stopping or discontinuing (either temporarily or permanently)
- concede: (v) to admit the truth of a statement (especially in a debate); to yield; to admit defeat
- incessant: (adj) without stop
- predecessor: (n) a person who holds an office or position prior to another person; one who comes before
- CELER: speed
- accelerant: (n) something used to speed up a process
- accelerate: (v) to increase in speed
- decelerate: (v) to decrease in speed
- CENTR: center
- centrist: (adj) pertaining to moderate political or social ideas; (n) a person who holds moderate views
- concentrate: (v) to converge; to bring together in a central location; to focus one’s attention; to intensify
- concentric: (adj) (of circles or spheres) having the same center point
- eccentric: (adj) off-center
- CERN/CERT/CRET/CRIM/CRIT: to separate, to judge, to distinguish, to decide
- ascertain: (v) to make sure of; to determine
- certitude: (n) freedom from doubt
- criterion: (n) a standard used in judging something
- discreet: (adj) careful to keep secrets; prudent in speech; careful to avoid causing embarrassment
- discrete: (adj) detached from others, separate
- discriminate: (v) to distinguish between; to show preference
- hypocrite: (n) someone who pretends to have beliefs or virtues he does not actually have
- CHROM: color
- chromatic: (adj) having to do with color
- chrome: (n) a metallic element (chromium) used to make vivid colors; something plated with chromium
- monochromatic: (adj) having only one color
- CHRON: time
- anachronism: (n) something or someone that seems to belong to a different historical time than the one it is in
- chronic: (adj) constant, habitual
- chronology: (n) the sequence in which events in the past occurred; a history recounted sequentially
- chronometer: (n) a highly accurate clock or watch
- synchronize: (v) to occur at the same time or agree in time
- CIS: to cut
- incision: (n) a cut, gash, or notch
- incisive: (adj) penetrating, cutting
- precise: (adj) definitely stated or defined
- scissors: (n) cutting instrument for paper, cloth, or other material
- CLA/CLO/CLU: to shut, to close
- claustrophobia: (n) an abnormal fear of enclosed places
- cloister: (n) enclosed courtyard; secluded place; monastery or convent
- conclusive: (adj) final; closing an argument
- disclose: (v) to reveal or make known
- exclude: (v) to shut out from inclusion or consideration; to omit; to be incompatible with
- preclude: (v) to prevent; to make impossible; to exclude
- CLAIM/CLAM: to shout, to cry out
- clamor: (n) a loud uproar
- disclaim: (v) to claim to have no interest in; to deny; to renounce
- exclaim: (v) to cry out; to say loudly or emphatically
- proclaim: (v) to announce or declare in an official way
- reclaim: (v) to claim or demand the return of a right or possession
- CLI: to lean toward
- climax: (n) the highest point; the most intense point in a story or development
- decline: (v) to refuse (an offer); to withhold (from another)
- disinclination: (n) aversion, distaste
- recline: (v) to lean back
- COGN/CONN: to know
- cognition: (n) the process of knowing
- incognito: (adj) with one’s name or identity concealed
- recognize: (v) to identify as already known
- CORP/CORS: body
- corporation: (n) a company legally treated as an individual
- corps: (n) an organized body of troops
- corpse: (n) a dead body
- incorporation: (n) the act of combining into a single body; the act of forming a corporation
- COSM: order, universe, world
- cosmetic: (adj) improving the appearance; (n) substance used to beautify
- cosmic: (adj) relating to the universe
- cosmology: (n) a theory of the universe as a whole
- cosmopolitan: (adj) worldly
- cosmos: (n) the universe; an orderly system; order
- microcosm: (n) a small system that reflects a larger whole
- COUR/CUR: running, a course
- concur: (v) to accord in opinion; to agree
- courier: (n) a messenger
- curriculum: (n) the regular course of study
- cursive: (n) a fluid style of handwriting in which letters are joined
- cursory: (adj) superficial (of a review of material); hasty
- excursion: (n) a short journey or trip
- incursion: (n) a hostile, sudden entrance into a place or group
- recur: (v) to happen again
- CRE/CRESC/CRET: to grow
- accretion: (n) an increase by natural growth
- accrue: (v) to gain by natural growth; to accumulate
- creation: (n) the act of creating, inventing, or producing
- increase: (v) to make greater or more in number; to grow in number or size
- increment: (n) an amount added or increased; an addition; profit
- CRED: to believe, to trust
- credentials: (n) written proof of authority or status
- credit: (n) trustworthiness
- credo: (n) any formula of belief
- credulous: (adj) too willing to trust in or believe
- incredible: (adj) unbelievable
- CRYPT: hidden
- apocryphal: (adj) having questionable authenticity; possibly not genuine
- crypt: (n) an underground vault or tomb
- cryptology: (n) the science of interpreting secret writings, codes, ciphers, and the like
- CUB/CUMB: to lie down
- cubicle: (n) a small, partitioned space
- incubate: (v) to cause to develop or hatch (as when hens sit on eggs); to develop or take form
- incumbent: (n) a person who holds an office; (adj) holding an office or position
- succumb: (v) to yield; to give way
- CULP: fault, blame
- culpable: (adj) blameworthy; at fault; guilty
- culprit: (n) a person guilty of an offense
- inculpate: (v) to accuse; to incriminate
D
- DAC/DOC: to teach
- didactic: (adj) related to instruction; prone to instruct too often
- docile: (adj) tame, teachable
- doctor: (n) a medical practitioner; someone with an advanced degree
- doctrine: (n) principles or teachings relating to a specific principle or group
- indoctrinate: (v) to teach a doctrine to a person
- DELE: to erase
- delete: (v) to erase; to remove
- indelible: (adj) impossible to erase; lasting
- DEM: people
- democracy: (n) government by the people
- demographics: (n) vital and social statistics of populations
- epidemic: (adj) affecting a large number of people simultaneously; (n) a widespread disease or problem
- DEXT: right hand, right side, deft
- ambidextrous: (adj) able to use both hands (e.g., for writing)
- dexterity: (n) quality of being skilled at working with one’s hands
- DI: day
- dial: (n) a surface that displays information in a circular form (such as a clock face); a rotatable knob
- diary: (n) a record of one’s days
- dismal: (adj) gloomy (from “bad days”)
- DIC/DICT/DIT: to say, to tell, to use words
- dictionary: (n) a compilation of the meanings of words
- interdict: (v) to forbid; to prohibit
- predict: (v) to foresee; to give a forecast of
- verdict: (n) a judgment or decision
- dictate: (v) to give a directive; to talk while being recorded
- DIGN: worth
- deign: (v) to think fit or in accordance with one’s dignity
- dignitary: (n) a person who holds a high rank or office
- dignity: (n) the state of being titled or privileged; worthiness
- DOG/DOX: opinion, belief
- dogma: (n) a strongly held specific belief
- orthodox: (adj) holding customary or traditional beliefs
- paradox: (n) a situation that seems to contradict itself
- DOL: to suffer, to pain, to grieve
- condolence: (n) expression of sympathy
- doleful: (adj) sorrowful; mournful
- dolorous: (adj) sorrowful; causing sorrow
- indolence: (n) tendency to be inactive; laziness
- DON/DOT/DOW: to give
- anecdote: (n) a short narrative about an interesting event
- antidote: (n) a remedy intended to counteract a poison
- donate: (v) to give; to contribute
- endow: (v) to give in a way that provides future income or future benefits
- pardon: (n) forgiveness; (v) to forgive
- DORM: sleep
- dormant: (adj) sleeping; inactive
- dormitory: (n) a place for sleeping; a residence hall
- DORS: back
- dorsal: (adj) having to do with the back
- endorse: (v) to sign on the back; to vouch for
- DUB: doubt
- dubious: (adj) doubtful
- indubitable: (adj) unquestionable
- DUC/DUCT: to lead
- abduct: (v) to lead away by force or coercion
- conducive: (adj) contributive; helpful
- conduct: (n) behavior; (v) to lead
- induce: (v) to cause an action by influence
- induct: (v) to admit to a group or position, usually with formal ceremonies
- produce: (v) to make; to cause to be to bring into existence; (n) (usually used collectively) things brought into existence; agricultural products
- DUR: hard, lasting
- dour: (adj) sullen, gloomy, stern
- durable: (adj) able to resist deterioration
- duration: (n) the length of time something exists
- duress: (n) compulsion by threat or force
- endure: (v) to last, to sustain under pressure
E
- EGO: self
- ego: (n) oneself; the part of oneself that is self-aware
- egocentric: (adj) focused on oneself
- egoism/egotism: (n) selfishness; self-absorption
- EQU: equal, even
- adequate: (adj) equal to the requirement or occasion
- equation: (n) the act of comparing two equal things; the act of equalizing
- equivalent: (n) the same
- iniquity: (n) injustice; act of evil
- ERR: to wander
- err: (v) to be mistaken; to make a mistake
- errant: (adj) wandering, unsteady, deviating
- erratic: (adj) deviating from the proper or usual course in conduct
- error: (n) something that is incorrect or untrue; a mistake
- ESCE: becoming
- adolescent: (adj) between childhood and adulthood
- convalescent: (adj) recovering from illness
- incandescent: (adj) glowing with heat; shining
- reminiscent: (adj) reminding of; suggestive of
F
- FAB/FAM: to speak
- affable: (adj) friendly; courteous
- defame: (v) to slander; to publicly speak ill of
- fable: (n) fictional tale, esp. legendary
- famous: (adj) well known; celebrated
- ineffable: (adj) inexpressible
- FAC/FIC/FIG/FAIT/FEIT/FY: to do, to make
- configuration: (n) manner of arrangement; shape
- counterfeit: (n) imitation; forgery
- deficient: (adj) incomplete or insufficient
- faction: (n) a subgroup within a larger group or party; strife; dissention
- factory: (n) building used for manufacturing
- prolific: (adj) producing many offspring or much output
- FAL: to err, to deceive
- default: (v) to fail
- fail: (v) to be insufficient; to be unsuccessful; to die out
- fallacy: (n) a flawed argument
- false: (adj) not true; erroneous; lying
- infallible: (adj) incapable of being wrong or being deceived
- FATU: foolish
- fatuity: (n) foolishness; stupidity
- fatuous: (adj) foolish; stupid
- infatuated: (adj) swept up in a fit of passion, impairing one’s reason
- FER: to bring, to carry, to bear
- confer: (v) to grant; to bestow
- offer: (v) to present for acceptance, refusal, or consideration
- proffer: (v) to offer
- proliferate: (v) to reproduce; to produce rapidly
- referendum: (n) a vote on a political question by the entire electorate; the process of referring political questions to such a vote
- FERV: to boil, to bubble
- effervescent: (adj) bubbling; lively; high-spirited
- fervid: (adj) ardent; intense
- fervor: (n) passion; zeal
- FI/FID: faith, trust
- affidavit: (n) written statement made under oath
- confide: (v) to entrust with a secret
- fidelity: (n) faithfulness; loyalty
- infidel: (n) one who does not accept a particular religion
- FIN: end
- confine: (v) to keep or restrict within certain limits; to imprison
- definitive: (adj) decisive; unconditional; final
- final: (adj) at the end; coming last
- infinite: (adj) boundless; endless
- infinitesimal: (adj) infinitely or very small
- FLAGR/FLAM: to burn
- conflagration: (n) a large destructive fire
- flagrant: (adj) blatant; scandalous
- inflame: (v) to set on fire
- FLECT/FLEX: to bend, to turn
- deflect: (v) to bend; to cause to turn aside; to dissuade from a purpose
- flexible: (adj) able to bend without breaking
- inflect: (v) to bend; to change pitch
- reflect: (v) to throw back
- FLU/FLUX: to flow
- confluence: (adj) merging into one
- fluctuation: (n) continual change between one state and another; wavelike motion
- fluid: (n) a substance that is capable of flowing freely; (adj) able to flow freely
- FORT: chance
- fortuitous: (adj) happening by luck
- fortunate: (adj) lucky; auspicious
- fortune: (n) chance or luck in human affairs
- FORT: strength
- forte: (n) a person’s best skill or talent; strong suit
- fortify: (v) to strengthen; to strengthen defenses against attack
- FRA/FRAC/FRAG/FRING: to break
- fractious: (adj) irritable; peevish
- fracture: (n) breakage, esp. of a bone
- fragment: (n) an incomplete or broken-off part
- infringe: (v) to break or violate (a law, etc.)
- FUG: to flee, to fly
- fugitive: (adj) on the run; (n) someone who flees
- refuge: (n) a haven for those fleeing
- refugee: (n) a person who flees in search of safety or freedom
- subterfuge: (n) a trick or stratagem used to deceive, hide something, or avoid punishment
- FUM: smoke
- fume: (n) smoke; (v) to emit smoke or vapors
- fumigate: (v) to treat with smoke or vapors
- perfume: (n) scents, from burning incense or other sources of fragrance
- FUS: to pour
- diffuse: (v) to spread over a wide area; to scatter; to pour out
- fusillade: (n) sustained delivery of gunshots or criticism
- infusion: (n) the act of introducing or pouring; the act of steeping or soaking in liquid; the resulting liquid
- profuse: (adj) occurring in large amounts; abounding; overly giving
- suffuse: (v) to spread over or throughout
G
- GEN: birth, creation, race, kind
- carcinogenic: (adj) producing cancer
- congenital: (adj) (of a disease or defect) existing from birth
- generous: (adj) giving or given freely
- genetics: (n) study of heredity and variation among animals and plants
- progeny: (n) offspring; descendants
- GN/GNO: to know
- agnostic: (n) one who believes that it cannot be known whether or not God exists
- diagnose: (v) to determine the nature of (a sickness or problem) by examining symptoms
- ignorant: (adj) possessing inadequate knowledge
- ignore: (v) to overlook; to refuse to consider
- prognosis: (v) to forecast, especially of disease
- GRAD/GRESS: to step
- aggressive: (adj) given to hostile acts or feelings
- degrade: (v) to humiliate; to dishonor; to reduce to lower rank
- digress: (v) to depart from the main subject
- progress: (n) forward movement
- regress: (v) to move backward; to revert to an earlier state
- GRAM/GRAPH: to write, to draw
- diagram: (n) a figure made by drawing lines; an illustration
- epigram: (n) a short poem; a pointed statement
- grammar: (n) a system of language and its rules
- graph: (n) a diagram used to convey mathematical information
- graphite: (n) mineral used for writing, as the “lead” in pencils
- photograph: (n) a picture, originally made by exposing chemically treated film to light
- GRAT: pleasing
- gracious: (adj) kindly, esp. to inferiors; merciful; courteous
- grateful: (adj) thankful
- gratuity: (n) money given above what is due for a service or product
- ingratiate: (v) to bring oneself into favor
- GREG: flock
- aggregate: (n) a number of things considered as a collective whole
- congregate: (v) to come together in a group
- gregarious: (adj) sociable; enjoying spending time with others
- segregate: (v) to separate a larger group into two or more groups; to set an individual or subgroup apart from the larger group
H
- HAP: by chance
- haphazard: (adj) at random
- hapless: (adj) without luck
- happen: (v) to occur (originally: to occur by chance)
- happy: (adj) pleased, as by good fortune
- mishap: (n) an unlucky accident
- perhaps: (adv) maybe; possibly
- HER/HES: to stick
- adherent: (adj) able to adhere; (n) believer or advocate of a particular school of thought
- adhesive: (adj) sticky; coated with glue; (n) an adhesive substance
- coherent: (adj) logically consistent; hanging together (as an argument)
- inherent: (adj) existing as a permanent, inborn, or essential trait
- HOL: whole
- catholic: (adj) universal
- holocaust: (n) complete destruction by fire or other means
- hologram: (n) a two-dimensional picture that appears to be three-dimensional
- holistic: (adj) considering something as a unified whole
I
- ICON: image, idol
- icon: (n) a symbolic, religious picture; something seen as representative of a culture or movement
- iconic: (adj) representative of a culture or movement
- iconology: (n) symbolism
- IT/ITER: way, journey
- ambition: (n) desire to achieve
- itinerant: (adj) traveling
- itinerary: (n) travel plans
- reiterate: (v) to repeat
- transit: (n) means of transportation
J
- JECT: to throw, to throw down
- abject: (adj) miserable; wretched; contemptible
- conjecture: (n) the act of forming an opinion based on inadequate information; an opinion so formed
- dejected: (adj) sad; depressed
- eject: (v) to throw out; to expel
- inject: (v) to insert into a space or body; to introduce
- JOIN/JUG/JUNCT: to meet, to join
- adjoin: (v) to be next to and joined with
- conjugal: (adj) related to marriage
- conjunction: (n) the act or instance of joining; an instance of events occurring together; a connecting word
- injunction: (n) a command; a legal order
- junction: (n) the act of joining; a combination; a place where multiple paths join
- rejoinder: (n) a reply or retort
- subjugate: (v) to make subservient; to place under a yoke
- JUD: to judge
- adjudicate: (v) to act as a judge
- judiciary: (n) a system of courts; members of a court system
- judicious: (adj) having good judgment
- prejudice: (n) a previous or premature judgment; bias
- JUR: law, to swear
- abjure: (v) to renounce on oath
- adjure: (v) to beg or command
- jurist: (n) a legal expert; a judge
- perjury: (n) willful lying while on oath
- JUV: young
- juvenile: (adj) young; immature
- rejuvenate: (v) to refresh; to make young again
L
- LANG/LING: tongue
- bilingual: (adj) speaking two languages
- language: (n) a system of spoken or written communication
- linguistics: (n) the study of language
- LAUD: praise, honor
- applaud: (v) to give praise
- laudable: (adj) praiseworthy
- laudatory: (adj) expressing praise
- LAV/LAU/LU: to wash
- deluge: (n) a great flood of water
- dilute: (v) to thin (a liquid) with water
- laundry: (n) items of clothing or linens collected for washing; a building where clothing is washed
- lavatory: (n) a room for washing (esp. hand-washing)
- LEC/LEG/LEX: to read, to speak
- dialect: (n) a regional variety of a language
- lectern: (n) a reading desk
- lecture: (n) an instructional speech
- legend: (n) a story; a written explanation of a map or illustration
- legible: (adj) readable
- lexicon: (n) dictionary
- LECT/LEG: to select, to choose
- collect: (v) to gather; to assemble; to accumulate
- eclectic: (adj) selecting ideas, etc. from various sources
- elect: (v) to choose; to decide
- predilection: (n) preference; liking
- select: (v) to choose one thing over another
- LEV: to lift, to rise, light (weight)
- alleviate: (v) to ease or lessen (pain, discomfort, or problems)
- levee: (n) embankment against river flooding
- levitate: (v) to rise in the air or cause to rise
- levity: (n) humor; frivolity; gaiety
- relevant: (adj) bearing on the current situation or topic; pertinent
- relieve: (v) to ease a person of, or separate a person from, a burden or problem; to take away pain or responsibility
- LI/LIG: to tie, to bind
- ally: (v) to unite; (n) one in an alliance
- league: (n) an association; a group of nations, teams, etc. that have agreed to work for a common cause
- liable: (adj) legally responsible; bound by law
- liaison: (n) a connection; one who serves to connect
- lien: (n) the right to hold a property due to an outstanding debt
- ligament: (n) a band holding bones together; a bond
- oblige: (v) to make a person obligated; to make indebted or form personal bonds by doing a favor
- rely: (v) to depend upon (originally: to come together; to rally)
- LIBER: free
- deliver: (v) to set free; to save; to hand over
- liberal: (adj) generous; giving away freely
- liberality: (n) generosity
- liberate: (v) to set free
- liberty: (n) freedom
- LOC/LOG/LOQU: word, speech, thought
- colloquial: (adj) of ordinary or familiar conversation
- dialogue: (n) conversation, esp. in a literary work
- eulogy: (n) a live speech or a written piece in praise of a specific person, often one who has recently passed away
- loquacious: (adj) talkative
- prologue: (n) an introduction to a written work such as a novel or play
- LUC/LUM/LUS: light (brightness)
- illuminate: (v) to make bright or fill with light; to clarify an idea
- illustrate: (v) to clarify an idea by providing alternate explanations, examples, or ways of expressing it
- illustrious: (adj) highly distinguished
- lackluster: (adj) lacking brilliance or radiance
- lucid: (adj) easily understood; intelligible
- luminous: (adj) bright; brilliant; glowing
- translucent: (adj) having the quality of allowing light to pass through but without perfect clarity
M
- MAG/MAJ/MAX: big, great
- magnanimous: (adj) lacking in pettiness or spite; forgiving and understanding
- magnate: (n) a powerful or influential person
- magnify: (v) to make an image larger than the actual object
- magnitude: (n) measurement, value, or strength of a quantity
- maxim: (n) an accepted principle or code within a system of thought
- maximum: (n) the greatest value possible for a quantity
- MAN/MANU: hand
- emancipate: (v) to free from bondage
- manifest: (adj) apparent; evident
- manual: (adj) operated by hand
- manufacture: (v) to make objects by hand or using tools or machines
- MAND/MEND: to command, to order, to entrust
- command: (v) to order; (n) an order; control
- commend: (v) to give something over to the care of another; to praise
- countermand: (v) to retract an order
- demand: (v) to strongly ask for; to claim; to require
- mandatory: (adj) commanded; required
- recommend: (v) to praise and suggest the use of; to advise
- remand: (v) to send back
- MIS/MIT: to send
- emissary: (n) a messenger or agent sent to represent the interests of another
- intermittent: (adj) operating at intervals rather than continuously
- remission: (n) a lessening; a cessation; in medicine, a period when the symptoms of a disease disppear
- remit: (v) to send money
- transmit: (v) to cause an item to travel from its sender to a recipient
- MOB/MOM/MOT/MOV: to move
- automobile: (n) a motorized vehicle
- demote: (v) to move downward in an organization
- immovable: (adj) impossible to move
- locomotion: (n) moving from place to place, or the ability to do so
- mobile: (adj) movable
- mobilize: (v) to make ready for movement; to assemble
- moment: (n) an instant; importance
- momentous: (adj) of great importance (originally: having the power to move)
- momentum: (n) the force driving a moving object to keep moving; a growing force
- motion: (n) movement
- motive: (n) a reason for action; what moves a person to do something
- motor: (n) a device that makes something move
- promote: (v) to move to a higher rank in an organization
- remove: (v) to take away; to move away
- MON/MONIT: to remind, to warn
- admonish: (v) to mildly criticize or warn against an action
- monitor: (n) a person who supervises or reminds; (v) to watch over or supervise
- monument: (n) a structure, such as a building, tower, or sculpture, erected as a memorial
- premonition: (n) a feeling or intuition that something is going to happen before it does
- remonstrate: (v) to plead, argue, or object
- summon: (v) to call together
- MOR/MORT: death
- immortal: (adj) undying; not subject to dying
- morbid: (adj) susceptible to preoccupation with unwholesome matters
- MORPH: shape
- amorphous: (adj) having an indefinite shape; shapeless
- metamorphosis: (n) a transformation in which a person or thing completely changes form
- MUT: to change
- commute: (v) to substitute; to exchange; to interchange
- immutable: (adj) unchangeable, invariable
- mutation: (n) the process of being changed
- permutation: (n) a complete change; transformation
- transmute: (v) to change from one form into another
N
- NAT/NAS/NAI/GNA: birth
- cognate: (adj) related by blood; deriving from a common origin
- naive: (adj) ignorant or credulous
- native: (adj) indigenous or natural to a place
- natural: (adj) present due to nature, not to artificial or man-made means
- NAU/NAV: ship, sailor
- astronaut: (n) one who travels in outer space
- nauseous: (adj) causing a squeamish feeling (originally: sea-sickness)
- nautical: (adj) related to sailing or sailors
- naval: (adj) related to the navy
- nave: (n) the main and central section of a church (resembling the shape of a ship)
- navy: (n) a military force consisting of ships and sailors
- NIHIL: nothing, none
- annihilate: (v) wipe out; reduce to nothing
- nihilism: (n) denial of all moral beliefs; denial that existence has any meaning
- NOC/NOX: harm
- innocent: (adj) not guilty; uncorrupted
- innocuous: (adj) harmless, inoffensive
- noxious: (adj) injurious or harmful to health or morals
- obnoxious: (adj) highly disagreeable or offensive
- NOM/NYM/NOUN/NOWN: name
- acronym: (n) a word formed by the initials of other words
- anonymous: (adj) lacking a named author; having an unknown author
- nominal: (adj) existing in name only; negligible
- nominate: (v) to suggest that someone be considered as a candidate or member
- noun: (n) a word that names a person, place, or thing
- renown: (n) fame; reputation
- synonym: (n) a word having a meaning similar to that of another word of the same language
- NULL: nothing
- annul: (v) to cancel; to make into nothing
- null: (adj) worth nothing; lacking; nonexistent
- nullify: (v) to cancel; to make into nothing
O
- ONER: burden
- exonerate: (v) to free from blame; originally: to relieve of a burden
- onerous: (adj) burdensome; difficult
- onus: (n) a burden; a responsibility
P
- PAC/PEAC: peace
- appease: (v) to satisfy or pacify; to soothe
- pacifier: (n) something or someone that eases anger or agitation
- pacify: (v) to ease anger or agitation
- pact: (n) a formal agreement, as between nations
- PAR: equal
- disparage: (v) to belittle; to speak disrespectfully about someone or something
- disparate: (adj) dissimilar; different
- par: (n) a state of equality; an average amount or trait
- parity: (n) equal representation; equivalent
- PAS/PAT/PATH: feeling, suffering, disease
- compassion: (n) a deep feeling of sympathy for another
- dispassionate: (adj) lacking personal feeling or passion
- empathy: (n) the identification with the feelings or thoughts of others
- impassive: (adj) showing or feeling no emotion
- sociopath: (n) a person whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility
- sympathy: (n) agreement in feeling; the attempt to share in the feelings of others
- PAU/PO/POV/PU: few, little, poor
- impoverish: (v) to deplete
- paucity: (n) small quantity; scarcity
- pauper: (n) a poor person
- poverty: (n) the condition of being poor
- PED: child, education
- encyclopedia: (n) a collection of texts that contains a broad range or extensive detail of information
- pedant: (n) one who displays learning ostentatiously
- pediatrician: (n) a doctor who primarily has children as patients
- PED/POD: foot
- expedite: (v) to do something more quickly; to cause something to be done more quickly
- impede: (v) to hinder or obstruct
- pedal: (n) a platform upon which one places a foot to work an instrument
- pedestrian: (n) a person who walks
- podium: (n) a raised platform used by a speaker or conductor
- PEL: to drive, to push
- compel: (v) to force; to command
- dispel: (v) to drive away; to disperse
- expel: (v) to drive out; to banish; to eject
- impel: (v) to set in motion, to push forward
- propel: (v) to drive forward
- PEN/PUN: to pay, to compensate
- penal: (adj) pertaining to criminal punishment
- penalty: (n) a punishment for a crime or transgression
- penitent: (adj) wanting to repent or confess
- punitive: (adj) having to do with punishment
- PEND/PENS: to hang, to weigh, to pay
- appendage: (n) a limb or other subsidiary part that diverges from the central structure
- appendix: (n) additional material found at the end of a text; a small attachment to the colon in some animals
- compensate: (v) to offset with something equivalent
- depend: (v) to rely; to place trust in
- indispensable: (adj) necessary
- stipend: (n) a payment that occurs at regular intervals
- PET/PIT: to go, to seek, to strive
- appetite: (n) a desire for food, drink, or something else
- compete: (v) to strive to outdo another
- impetuous: (adj) impulsive; acting quickly without thinking
- petition: (n) a formal request addressed to a position of power
- PHIL: love
- bibliophile: (n) one who loves or collects books
- philharmonic: (n) a lover of music; (adj) devoted to music
- philology: (n) the study of literary texts to establish their authenticity and determine their meaning
- philosophy: (n) the study of knowledge and being; a type of knowledge
- PHOB: fear
- claustrophobia: (n) fear of enclosed places
- hydrophobia: (n) fear of water, which is a symptom of rabies; rabies
- phobia: (n) fear; an irrational fear
- PHON: sound
- megaphone: (n) a device for magnifying the sound of one’s voice
- phonetics: (n) the study of the sounds used in speech
- telephone: (n) a device for transmitting sound at a distance
- PHOTO: light
- photograph: (n) a picture, originally made by exposing chemically treated film to light
- photon: (n) a packet of electromagnetic radiation
- photosynthesis: (n) the process through which plants turn light into energy
- PLAC: to please
- complacent: (adj) self-satisfied; unconcerned
- implacable: (adj) unable to be pleased
- placebo: (n) an inert substance which a patient believes to be a medicine
- placid: (adj) pleasantly calm or peaceful
- PLE/PLEN: to fill, full
- complete: (adj) whole, entire
- deplete: (v) to reduce or exhaust a supply
- implement: (n) an instrument or tool; (v) to use as a tool; to put to use
- plethora: (n) excess; overabundance
- replete: (adj) abundant
- supplement: (n) something added to remedy a shortage; (v) to add to
- PON/POS/POUND: to put, to place
- component: (n) a part or ingredient
- expose: (v) to uncover or reveal; to put in the way of danger
- expound: (v) to explain in detail
- juxtapose: (v) to place next to; to contrast with
- repository: (n) a place where things are kept or stored
- PORT: to carry
- deportment: (n) conduct, behavior
- disport: (v) to amuse oneself
- export: (v) to transmit out of the country
- import: (v) to bring in from another country
- portable: (adj) easily carried
- POT: to drink
- potable: (adj) drinkable; safe to drink; a drink
- potion: (n) a drinkable substance, often medical, poisonous, or magical
- PREHEND/PRISE: to take, to get, to seize
- apprehend: (v) to take into custody
- comprise: (v) to include or contain
- enterprise: (n) a project or business
- reprehensible: (adj) worthy of blame or disgust
- reprisal: (n) act of retaliation
- surprise: (v) to act in a way that produces astonishment or shock; (n) something unexpected
- PRI/PRIM: first
- primary: (adj) first; most important
- primal: (adj) original; most important
- prime: (n) first in quality; best
- primeval: (adj) ancient; going back to the first age of the world
- pristine: (adj) original; like new; unspoiled; pure
- PROP/PROX: near
- approximate: (adj) near; close to being accurate
- proximate: (adj) nearby; coming just before or just after
- proximity: (n) nearness; distance
- PUG: to fight
- pugilist: (n) a fighter or boxer
- pugnacious: (v) to quarrel or fight readily
- repugnant: (adj) objectionable or offensive
- PUNC/PUNG/POIGN: to point, to prick, to pierce
- compunction: (n) a feeling of uneasiness for doing wrong
- expunge: (v) to erase, eliminate completely
- poignant: (adj) heartfelt, moving, distressing, tending to stir emotions
- puncture: (n) the act of piercing; (v) to pierce
- pungent: (adj) caustic, sharp or biting (as a smell or idea)
- PYR: fire
- pyre: (n) a pile of combustible material to be set afire, often for burning a dead body
- pyromania: (n) an urge to start fires
- pyrotechnics: (n) fireworks
Q
- QUE/QUIS: to seek
- acquire: (v) to obtain
- conquest: (n) the act of gaining control by force
- exquisite: (adj) of near-perfect workmanship
- inquisitive: (adj) curious; hungry for knowledge
- query: (n) a question; an inquiry
- QUIE/QUIT: quiet, rest
- acquiesce: (v) to comply; to give in
- disquiet: (n) lack of calm or peace; (v) to upset or irritate
- tranquil: (adj) calm, peaceful
R
- RECT: straight, right
- correct: (v) to set right
- direct: (v) to guide; to put straight
- erect: (adj) upright; (v) to construct
- rectangle: (n) a four-sided figure in which every angle is a right angle
- REG: king, rule
- realm: (n) a kingdom; a domain
- regal: (adj) kingly; royal
- regent: (n) one who serves on behalf of a king; one who rules
- regiment: (n) a military unit; (v) to subject to a rule
- regular: (adj) having a structure following some rule; orderly; normally used; average
- ROG: to ask
- arrogant: (adj) conceited
- derogatory: (adj) belittling; disparaging
- interrogate: (v) to ask a series of questions of, often formally or aggressively
- surrogate: (n) a person acting in place of another
S
- SACR/SANCT: holy
- sacrament: (n) a holy symbol or practice
- sacred: (adj) holy
- sacrifice: (n) an offering to a deity; the act of giving up something of value; (v) to give up (something of value)
- sacrilege: (n) actions or words contrary to sacred practice
- sanctify: (v) to make holy
- sanction: (n) approval or permission from one in authority
- SALV: to save
- salvage: (v) to save; (n) something saved or recovered
- salvation: (n) being saved
- salve: (n) a substance that aids healing and is applied to the skin
- savior: (n) one who saves
- SAN: healthy
- sane: (adj) mentally healthy
- sanitarium: (n) a place of healing
- sanitary: (n) promoting health; clean; sterile
- SCI: to know
- conscience: (n) an instinctive sense of moral right and wrong
- conscious: (adj) aware; awake
- omniscient: (adj) knowing everything
- prescient: (adj) able to predict future events
- unconscionable: (adj) very evil
- SCRIBE/SCRIPT: to write
- ascribe: (v) to assign, attribute, or credit to
- circumscribe: (v) to encircle, either by drawing a circle around or by traveling in a circle around
- conscription: (n) military draft
- describe: (v) to explain or create an image with words
- postscript: (n) a written addition or addendum, usually to a letter
- scribble: (v) to write hastily or sloppily; (n) a hastily or sloppily done piece of writing or drawing
- script: (n) handwriting
- transcript: (n) a written record of oral speech
- SEC/SEQU/SUE/SUI: to follow
- obsequious: (adj) fawning
- prosecute: (v) to seek to prove guilt by legal action
- pursue: (v) to chase after
- second: (adj) next after the first
- sequence: (n) the order of events
- suite: (n) a series; a set; originally, a train of followers
- SED/SESS/SID: to sit, to settle
- dissident: (adj) disagreeing with prevailing opinion or authority (literally, “sitting apart”); (n) one who disagrees with prevailing opinion or authority
- preside: (v) to exercise control; to lead (as a meeting)
- resident: (n) one who resides; a dweller in a place; (adj) living in a place
- residual: (adj) remaining; leftover
- sediment: (n) matter (usually small particles) that has settled to the bottom of a liquid or that has been deposited by a body of water
- session: (n) a meeting at which people sit together in discussion
- SEM: seed, to sow
- disseminate: (v) to spread; to scatter around
- semen: (n) seed (of male animals)
- seminary: (n) a school, esp. for religious training (originally: a place for raising plants)
- SEN: old
- senate: (n) the highest legislative body (from “council of elders”)
- senile: (adj) relating to old age; experiencing memory loss or other age-related mental impairments
- sire: (n) a title for a king; a father (originally: an important person; an old man)
- SENS/SENT: to feel, to be aware
- dissent: (v) to disagree with the prevailing opinion or majority
- presentiment: (n) a foreboding; a feeling that something will occur
- resent: (v) to feel displeasure
- sense: (v) to become aware of through a faculty such as sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, or intuition; (n) one of the avenues through which one perceives stimuli
- sensory: (adj) related to the senses
- sentiment: (n) an attitude or feeling about something
- sentinel: (n) a person or thing that watches over, especially over a border
- SOL: alone
- desolate: (adj) deserted; laid waste; left alone; (v) to lay waste
- isolate: (v) to separate from the group; to make alone or apart
- soliloquy: (n) a long speech delivered by one actor
- solitude: (n) the state of being alone
- SOL: sun
- parasol: (n) an umbrella that protects from the sun
- solar: (adj) related to the sun
- solstice: (n) one of two days when the sun reaches its highest point at noon and seems to stand still
- SOMN: sleep
- insomnia: (n) inability to sleep
- somnolent: (adj) sleep-inducing; sleepy; drowsy
- SOURC/SURG/SURRECT: to rise
- insurgent: (adj) rising up in revolution; rushing in; (n) a person rising in revolution
- insurrection: (n) armed rebellion
- resurrection: (n) the act of coming back to life; the act of rising again
- source: (n) where something comes from (such as spring water rising out of the ground)
- surge: (v) to rise up forcefully, as ocean waves
- SPEC/SPIC: to look, to see
- conspicuous: (adj) easy to see or notice
- perspective: (n) one’s mental view of facts, ideas, and their interrelationships
- retrospective: (n) a review of the past; (adj) reflecting on or reviewing the past
- specious: (adj) deceptively attractive
- spectrum: (n) a broad range of related things that form a continuous series
- speculation: (n) the act of making guesses based on known ideas; the act of hypothesizing
- SPIR: breath
- aspire: (v) to desire to achieve something
- expire: (v) to breathe one’s last; to die; to reach the end of viability
- spirit: (n) the breath of life; the soul; an incorporeal supernatural being; a lively quality; an essence
- STA/STI: to stand, to be in place
- constitute: (v) to make up
- destitute: (adj) extremely poor
- obstinate: (adj) stubborn; unwilling to change
- stasis: (n) a state of inaction; a state of equilibrium
- static: (adj) unmoving or in equilibrium
- STRICT/STRING/STRAN: to tighten, to bind
- constrain: (v) to confine; to bind within certain limits
- restriction: (n) a limitation
- strangle: (v) to kill by suffocation, usually by tightening a cord or one’s hand around the throat
- SUA: sweet, pleasing, to urge
- assuage: (v) to ease, lessen, or relieve
- dissuade: (v) to deter; to advise against
- persuade: (v) to encourage; to convince
- suave: (adj) smooth, agreeable, pleasing
- SUMM: highest, total
- consummate: (adj) highly qualified; complete; perfect
- sum: (n) total; amount of money
- summary: (n) concisely stating the total findings on a subject; comprehensive
- summit: (n) highest point
T
- TAC/TIC: to be silent
- reticent: (adj) reluctant to speak
- tacit: (adj) unspoken
- taciturn: (adj) uncommunicative
- TACT/TAG/TAM/TANG: to touch
- contact: (v) to touch; to get in touch
- contagious: (adj) able to spread by contact, as disease
- contaminate: (v) to corrupt, taint, or otherwise damage the integrity of something by contact or mixture
- intact: (adj) untouched; whole
- intangible: (adj) unable to be touched; not physical or material
- tactile: (adj) touchable; having to do with the sense of touch
- TAIN/TEN/TENT/TIN: to hold
- abstention: (n) the act of refraining voluntarily
- detain: (v) to delay or restrain
- pertain: (v) to be relevant to
- sustenance: (n) nourishment, means of livelihood
- tenable: (adj) workable, maintainable
- tenacious: (adj) holding fast
- tenure: (n) length of time holding a position
- TEND/TENS/TENT/TENU: to stretch, to thin
- contentious: (adj) quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerent
- distend: (v) to lengthen or distort by stretching
- extenuating: (adj) making less serious by offering excuses
- tension: (n) tautness, stress, strain
- tentative: (adj) not certain, hesitant, not finalized
- TEST: to bear witness
- attest: (v) to bear witness
- contest: (v) to dispute (from bringing a lawsuit by calling witnesses); (n) event in which people compete
- detest: (v) to hate (originally: to curse something by calling upon God to witness it)
- protest: (n) a dissent; a declaration of disagreement; (v) to express dissent
- testament: (n) a witnessed statement of wishes to be carried out after one’s death; a will
- testify: (v) to bear witness
- THEO: god
- atheist: (adj) one who does not believe in a deity or divine system
- theocracy: (n) a form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler
- theology: (n) the study of divine things and the divine faith
- THERM: heat
- thermal: (adj) relating to heat; retaining heat
- thermometer: (n) a device for measuring temperature
- thermostat: (n) a device for regulating temperature
- TOR/TORQ/TORT: to twist
- contort: (v) to twist; to distort
- distort: (v) to pull out of shape, often by twisting; to twist or misrepresent facts
- extort: (v) to get something of value by threats or force
- torque: (n) twisting force; a force that creates rotation
- torture: (v) to inflict pain (including by twisting instruments like the rack or wheel)
- TOX: poison
- intoxication: (n) the state of being poisoned; drunkenness
- toxic: (adj) poisonous
- toxin: (n) poisonous or harmful substance
- TRACT: to drag, to pull, to draw
- abstract: (v) to draw or pull away; to remove; (adj) theoretical; related to ideas rather than to specific instances or objects
- attract: (v) to draw toward by force or enticement
- contract: (n) a legally binding document; (v) to enter into a contract
- detract: (v) to take away from, esp. a positive thing
- protract: (v) to prolong; to draw out; to extend
- tractor: (n) a powerful vehicle used to pull farm machinery
U
- ULT: last, beyond
- ulterior: (adj) beyond what is immediately present; future; beyond what is stated; hidden
- ultimate: (adj) last; final
- ultimatum: (n) final offer; final terms
- ultraviolet: (adj) beyond the spectrum of visible light (on the violet end of the spectrum)
- URB: city
- suburb: (n) a residential area just outside a city; an outlying area of a city
- urban: (adj) relating to a city
- urbane: (adj) polite; refined; polished (considered characteristic of those in cities)
- urbanization: (n) the process through which a place becomes more like a city
V
- VAIL/VAL: strength, use, worth
- ambivalent: (adj) caught between contradictory feelings of equal power or worth
- avail: (v) to have force; to be useful; to be of value
- convalescent: (adj) recovering strength; healing
- equivalent: (adj) of equal worth, strength, or use
- evaluate: (v) to determine the worth of
- invalid: (adj) having no force or strength; void; sickly; (n) a chronically sickly person
- valid: (adj) having force; legally binding; effective; useful
- value: (n) worth
- VEN/VENT: to come or to move toward
- contravene: (v) to conflict with; to go against
- convene: (v) to assemble for some public purpose
- intervene: (v) to step in between parties in a dispute; to mediate
- VER: truth
- aver: (v) to affirm; to declare to be true
- veracious: (adj) habitually truthful
- verdict: (n) a judgment or decision
- verity: (n) truthfulness
- VERB: word
- proverb: (n) an adage; a byword; a short, commonly known saying
- verbatim: (adj) exactly as stated; word-for-word
- verbose: (adj) wordy
- verbiage: (n) excessive use of words; diction
- VERS/VERT: to turn
- aversion: (n) dislike
- avert: (v) to turn away from
- controversy: (n) a prolonged debate or disagreement over a topic
- diverse: (adj) of different kinds
- extrovert: (n) an outgoing person
- introvert: (n) a person concerned primarily with inner thoughts and feelings
- revert: (v) to return to a previous state, habit, or position
- VI: life
- viable: (adj) capable of living
- vivacity: (adj) the quality of being lively, animated, spirited
- vivid: (adj) bright or intense
- VID/VIS: to see
- adviser: (n) one who gives counsel
- evident: (adj) plain or clear
- survey: (v) to view in a general or comprehensive way; (n) a comprehensive, high-level account
- video: (n) the elements of television or other media pertaining to the image
- vista: (n) a view, as of a landscape
- VIL: base, mean
- revile: (v) to criticize with harsh language
- vile: (adj) loathsome; unpleasant
- vilify: (v) to slander, to defame
- villain: (n) the bad person in a story
- VOC/VOK: call, word
- advocate: (v) to support or argue in favor of; (n) one who supports or argues in favor of
- avocation: (n) something one pursues, outside one’s main vocation or career
- convoke: (v) to call together
- equivocate: (v) to speak ambiguously; to avoid taking a position
- invoke: (v) to call on for assistance (as from a deity)
- vocabulary: (n) a collection of words used by a group or person
- vocation: (n) occupation; calling
- VOL: wish
- benevolent: (adj) characterized by or expressing good wishes
- malevolent: (adj) characterized by or expressing bad wishes
- volition: (n) free choice; free will; act of choosing
- voluntary: (adj) freely undertaken; not forced
- VOLU/VOLV: to roll, to turn
- convolution: (n) a twisting or folding
- evolve: (v) to develop naturally; literally, to unfold or unroll
- revolt: (v) to rebel; to turn against those in authority; (n) a rebellion
- revolve: (v) to rotate; to turn around
- voluble: (adj) easily turning; fluent; changeable
- volume: (n) a book; size or dimensions (originally, of a book)
- VOR: to eat
- carnivorous: (adj) meat-eating
- omnivorous: (adj) eating or absorbing everything
- voracious: (adj) having a great appetite