Word Roots Flashcards
This is a list of mostly Greek or Latin word roots that could be used to increase your vocabulary in preparation for the Word Knowledge section of the ASVAB
AC / ACR
sharp, bitter, sour
Examples:
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
Examples:
activate (v): to cause something to act
agile (adj): having good coordination and quick movements
agitate (v): to stir up or roil
ACOU
hearing
Examples:
acoustic (adj): related to sound or hearing
AL / ALI / ALTER
other, another
Examples:
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
Examples:
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) lacing or displaying a lack of experience; non-professional
amiable (adj): friendly, likeable
amicable (adj): characterized by exhibiting good will
amity (n): friendship; peaceful harmony
amorous (adj): inclined to love, especially sexual love
enamored (adj): inflamed with love, charmed; captivated
AMBL / AMBUL
to go, to walk
Examples:
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
Examples:
animal (n): a living being
animosity (n): hostility
equanimity (n): ability to remain calm under pressure
magnanimous (adj): generous; forgiving
unanimous (adj): of one mine; in complete accord
ANNUI / ENNI
year
Examples:
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
Examples:
androgynous (adj): having both male and female traits or anatomy
android (n): robot; mechanical man
anthropology (n): branch of science dealing with human origins, traits, and behavior
AQUA / AQUE
water
Examples:
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
Examples:
anarchy (n): the absence of a formal government
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
Examples:
autocrat (n): an absolute ruler
automatic (adj): self-moving or self-acting
autonomy (n): independence or freedom
BEN / BENE
good
Examples:
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
Examples: 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
Examples:
abbreviate (v): to shorten
abridge (v): to shorten
brevity (n): shortness
brief (adj): short
BURS
purse, money
Examples:
bursar (n): treasurer
disburse (v): to pay
reimburse (v): to pay back
CANT / CENT / CHANT
to sing
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
caustic (adj): burning or corrosive
cauterize (v): to burn or deaden
CED / CEED / CESS
to go, to yield, to stop
Examples:
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
Examples:
accelerant (n): something used to speed up a process
accelerate (v): to increase in speed
decelerate (v): to decrease in speed
CENTR
center
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
culpable (adj): blameworthy; at fault; guilty
culprit (n): a person guilty of an offense
inculpate (v): to accuse; to incriminate
DAC / DOC
to teach
Examples:
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
Examples:
delete (v): to erase; to remove
indelible (adj): impossible to erase; lasting
DEM
people
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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 judgement or decision
dictate (v): to give a directive; to talk while being recorded
DIGN
worth
Examples:
deign (v): to thing 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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
to sleep
Examples:
dormant (adj): sleeping; inactive
dormitory (n): a place for sleeping; a residence hall
DORS
back
Examples:
dorsal (adj): having to do with the back
endorse (v): to sign on the back; to vouch for
DUB
doubt
Examples:
dubious (adj): doubtful
indubitable (adj): unquestionable
DUC / DUCT
to lead
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
EGO
self
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
err (v): to be mistaken; to make a mistake
errant (adj): wandering, unsteady, deviating
erratic (adj): deviating from the proper or usual course of conduct
error (n): something that is incorrect or untrue; a mistake
ESCE
becoming
Examples:
adolescent (adj): between childhood and adulthood
convalescent (adj): recovering from illness
incandescent (adj): glowing with heat; shining
reminiscent (adj): reminding of; suggestive of
FAB / FAM
to speak
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
effervescent (adj): bubbling; lively; high-spirited
fervid (adj): ardent; intense
fervor (n): passion; zeal
FI / FID
faith, trust
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
conflagration (n): a large destructive fire
flagrant (adj): blatant; scandalous
inflame (v): to set on fire
FLECT / FLEX
to bend, to turn
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
fortuitous (adj): happening by luck
fortunate (adj): lucky; auspicious
fortune (n): chance or luck in human affairs
FORT
strength
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
GEN
birth, creation, race, kind
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
HAP
by chance
Examples:
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
Examples:
catholic (adj): universal
holocaust (n): complete destruction by fire or other means
holograms (n): a two-dimensional picture that appears to be three-dimensional
holistic (adj): considering something as a unified whole
ICON
image, idol
Examples:
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
Examples:
ambition (n): desire to achieve
itinerant (adj): traveling
itinerary (n): travel plans
reiterate (v): to repeat
transit (n): means of transportation
JECT
to throw, to throw down
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
adjudicate (v): to act as a judge
judiciary (n): a system of courts; members of a court system
judicious (adj): having good judgement
prejudice (n): a previous or premature judgement; bias
JUR
law, to swear
Examples:
abjure (v): to renounce on oath
adjure (v): to beg or command
jurist (n): a legal expert; a judge
perjury (n): willful lying while under oath
JUV
young
Examples:
juvenile (adj): young, immature
rejuvenate (v): to refresh; to make young again
LANG / LING
tongue
Examples:
bilingual (adj): speaking two languages
language (n): a system of spoken or written communication
linguistics (n): the study of language
LAUD
praise, honor
Examples:
applaud (v): to give praise
laudable (adj): praiseworthy
laudatory (adj): expressing praise
LAV / LAU / LU
to wash
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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)
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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)
Examples:
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): having the quality of allowing light to pass through but without perfect clarity
MAG / MAJ / MAX
big, great
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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 disappear
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
Examples:
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
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
immortal (adj): undying; not subject to dying
morbid (adj): susceptible to preoccupation with unwholesome matters
MORPH
shape
Examples:
amorphous (adj): having an indefinite shape; shapeless
metamorphosis (n): a transformation in which a person or thing completely changes form
MUT
to change
Examples:
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
NAT / NAS / NAI / GNA
birth
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
annihilate (v): wipe out; reduce to nothing
nihilism (n): denial of all moral beliefs; denial that existence has any meaning
NOC / NOX
harm
Examples:
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
Examples:
annul (v): to cancel; to make into nothing
null (adj): worth nothing; lacking; nonexistent
nullify (v): to cancel; to make into nothing
ONER
burden
Examples:
exonerate (v): to free from blame; originally: to relieve of a burden
onerous (adj): burdensome; difficult
onus (n): a burden; a responsibility
PAC / PEAC
peace
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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 responsiblity
sympathy (n): an agreement in feeling; the attempt to share in the feelings of others
PAU / PO / POV / PU
few, little, poor
Examples:
impoverish (v): to deplete
paucity (n): small quantity; scarcity
pauper (n): a poor person
poverty (n): the condition of being poor
PED
child, education
Examples:
encyclopedia (n): a collection of texts that contains a broad range of, or extensively detailed, information
pedant (n): one who displays learning ostentaiously
pediatrician (n): a doctor who primarily has children as patients
PED / POD
foot
Examples:
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
Examples:
compel (v): to force; to comman
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
claustrophobia (n): fear of enclosed places
hydrophobia (n): fear of water, which is a synonym of rabies; rabies
phobia (n): fear; an irrational fear
PHON
sound
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
apprehend (v): to take into custody
comprise (v): to include or contain
enterprise (n): a project or business
reprehensible (adj): worth 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
Examples:
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
Examples:
approximate (adj): near; close to being accurate
proximate (adj): nearby; coming just before or just after
proximity (n): nearness; distance
PUG
to fight
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
QUE / QUIS
to seek
Examples:
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
Examples:
acquiesce (v): to comply; to give in
disquiet (n): lack of calm or peace; (v) to upset or irritate
tranquil (adj): calm, peaceful
RECT
straight, right
Examples:
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 angel is a right angle
REG
king, rule
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
SACR / SANCT
holy
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
sane (adj): mentally healthy
sanitarium (n): a place of healing
sanitary (n): promoting health; clean; sterile
SCI
to know
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
insomnia (n): inability to sleep
somnolent (adj): sleep-inducing; sleepy; drowsy
SOURC / SURG / SURRECT
to rise
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
TAC / TIC
to be silent
Examples:
reticent (adj): reluctant to speak
tacit (adj): unspoken
taciturn (adj): uncommunicative
TACT / TAG / TAM / TANG
to touch
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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 witnesses statement of wishes to be carried out after one’s death; a will
testify (v): to bear witness
THEO
god
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
intoxication (n): the state of being poisoned; drunkenness
toxic (adj): poisonous
toxin (n): poisonous or harmful substance
TRACT
to drag, to pull, to draw
Examples:
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
ULT
last, beyond
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
VAIL / VAL
strength, use, worth
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
aver (v): to affirm; to declare to be true
veracious (adj): habitually truthful
verdict (n): a judgment or decision
verity (n): truthfulness
VERB
word
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
viable (adj): capable of living
vivacity (adj): the quality of being lively, animated, spirited
vivid (adj): bright or intense
VID / VIS
to see
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
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
Examples:
carnivorous (adj): meat-eating
omnivorous (adj): eating or absorbing everything
voracious (adj): having a great appetite
