latin root word for travel

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“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

What Is the Etymological Origin of the Word 'Travel'?

The image above was possibly inspired by "Noel Kempff Mercado National Park," which was itself inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's book, 'The Lost World.'

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

"The Park is dominated by a large tableland of 7000 sq km, the Bolivian side of which is Serrania Huanchaca, and the Brazilian side is Sererania Ricardo Franco. The intervening Rio Verde marks the national boundary. The tableland is bounded by precipitous cliffs, 200 to 700 metres in height. The rocks of the tableland comprise Proterozoic sandstones, deposited around 1 billion years ago, intruded by a tholeiitic sill/dyke complex. These overlie an older basement of granites and metamorphic rocks which crop out over the Amazonic plain. The surface of the tableland is overlain by Cretaceous sandstones, and there are laterites and siliceous duricrusts which mark stages of Tertiary uplift and peneplanation.[8]

The Huanchaca Plateau within the park is 600-900 m above sea level and is composed of Precambrian sandstone and quartzite of the Brazilian Shield."

~ Wikipedia

Getting Where You Want To Go Easily

Travelling today is not only cheap, but also efficient thanks to modern aerospace technologies like the Airbus A350-900, Airbus A340-600, Boeing 777-300ER, and Boeing 747-8.

Getting around however, was historically not so easy to do. The word travel is originally derived from the word 'torture.'

" Travel and travail are doublets - that is to say, they have a common ancestor, but have split into separate words. Their ultimate source is medieval Latin trepalium, a term for an instrument of torture made of three sharp stakes. This was a compound noun formed from Latin tres 'three' and palus 'stake' (source of English pale ). From it was formed a verb trepaliare 'torture on the trepalium, ' hence generally 'torture.' This passed into Old French as travailler, where its reflexive use 'put oneself to pain or trouble' evolved to 'work hard.' Its noun derivative travail 'painful effort, hard work' was borrowed by English as travail, and this quickly developed a new sense, 'journey' (presumably from the notion of a 'wearisome journey'), which came to be distinguished by the spelling travel. "

~ John Ayto, "Dictionary of Word Origins"

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Translation of "travel" into Latin

vehere, ambulo, iter are the top translations of "travel" into Latin. Sample translated sentence: I traveled all through France. ↔ Per totam Galliam iter feci.

(intransitive) To be on a journey, often for pleasure or business and with luggage; to go from one place to another. [..]

English-Latin dictionary

to pass from here to there; to transmit

act of traveling [..]

I traveled all through France.

Per totam Galliam iter feci.

Less frequent translations

• peregrinatio
• proficiscor

Show algorithmically generated translations

Automatic translations of " travel " into Latin

Translations with alternative spelling

Images with "travel"

Phrases similar to "travel" with translations into latin.

• traveling|staying|living abroad peregrinatio
• walk|travel about circumgredior
• traveling-carriage carruca · carrucha
• while travelling ob-iter
• fellow traveler convector
• go|travel|pass around circummeo
• travel about circumvectitor · peregrinor
• Travellers-joy Clematis vitalba

Translations of "travel" into Latin in sentences, translation memory

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Over 50 Greek and Latin Root Words

How to Identify Greek and Latin Roots in Everyday Language

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In English grammar, a root is a word or portion of a word from which other words grow, usually through the addition of  prefixes and suffixes . By learning root words, you can decipher unfamiliar words, expand your vocabulary, and become a better English speaker.

For example, consider the Greek root bio , meaning "life." This root forms the basis of words like "biology," "biography," and "biodegradable," showcasing how a single root can be used for a variety of related concepts. You can also use multiple root words to construct a word, as is evident in "biology," which combines the roots bio for "life" and logos for "study."

The Roots of Words

Most words in the English language are based on words from ancient Greek and Latin. The root of the word "vocabulary," for example, is ​ voc , a Latin root meaning "word" or "name." This root also appears in such words as "advocacy," "convocation," "evocative," "vocal," and "vowel." By dissecting words such as these, etymologists can study how a word has evolved over time and tell us about the cultures they came from.

In some cases, root words might be slightly transformed en route to becoming part of words that we're familiar with. In the above example, " vowel " is a word that's clearly related to the voc root and its family of derivative words, and yet the "c" in voc is not present. There are several reasons for this sort of pattern, and the changes often depend on what language each individual word comes from, but it serves as a reminder that not every word with the same root will look exactly the same.

Root words are also useful for creating new words , especially in technology and medicine, where innovations occur frequently. Think of the Greek root word tele , which means "far," and inventions that traverse long distances, such as the telegraph, telephone, and television. The word "technology" itself is a combination of two other Greek root words, techne , meaning "skill" or "art," and logos , or "study."

Because several modern languages share some of the same ancestor languages, it's not entirely uncommon for several related languages to share root words . For instance, the Latin root voc, described above, is shared by several Romance languages. Connections between languages can be found in the shared roots between them, although one always has to be wary of false cognates —that is, words that sound like they have the same roots (and thus related meanings) but actually don't.

Greek Root Words

The table below defines and illustrates some of the most common Greek roots.

Latin Root Words

The table below defines and illustrates some of the most common Latin roots.

Tricky Root Words

​Understanding the meanings of the common word roots can help us deduce the meanings of new words that we encounter. But be careful: Root words can have more than one meaning as well as various shades of meaning. Similarly, words that look similar may  derive  from different roots.

In addition, a handful of root words can stand on their own as whole words in and of themselves. This list includes words such as photo , kinesis , chrome , port , and script . Words like this tend to have related meanings on their own, then can also act as roots for longer, more complex words.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Greek and Latin root words can enhance your vocabulary and language comprehension.
• Root words, such as chrono for "time" and hydr for "water," provide essential building blocks for a wide range of terms, such as "chronology" and "hydrogen."
• While root words offer valuable insights, they can have multiple meanings, and similarities between words don't always imply shared roots.

Learning English. " Grow Your Vocabulary by Learning Root Words ."

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• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1.1 Conjugation
• 1.3.1.2 Synonyms
• 1.3.1.3 Derived terms
• 1.3.1.4 Translations
• 1.4.1.1 Usage notes
• 1.4.1.2 Synonyms
• 1.4.1.3 Derived terms
• 1.4.1.4 Translations
• 1.4.1.5 Further reading
• 1.5 References
• 1.6 Anagrams
• 2.1 Etymology
• 2.2 Adjective
• 2.3 References
• 3.1 Etymology
• 3.2 Adjective
• 3.3 References

Alternative forms

• travail ( obsolete )
• travell ( obsolete )

Pronunciation

• IPA ( key ) : /ˈtɹævəl/
• Rhymes: -ævəl

Etymology 1

From Middle English travelen ( “ to make a laborious journey, travel ” ) from Middle Scots travailen ( “ to toil, work, travel ” ) , alteration of Middle English travaillen ( “ to toil, work ” ) , from Old French travailler ( “ to trouble, suffer, be worn out ” ) . See the doublet travail .

Largely displaced fare , from Old English faran ( “ to go [a long distance], to travel ” ) . More at fare .

travel ( third-person singular simple present travels , present participle travelling or ( US ) traveling , simple past and past participle travelled or ( US ) traveled )

• 1661 , John Stephens, An Historical Discourse... , Prol.: He that feareth oblatration must not travel .
• 1930 , Marmaduke Pickthall , transl., The Meaning of the Glorious Koran , surah 28, verse 29: Then, when Moses had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his housefolk, he saw in the distance a fire and said unto his housefolk: Bide ye (here). Lo! I see in the distance a fire; peradventure I shall bring you tidings thence, or a brand from the fire that ye may warm yourselves.
• ( intransitive ) To pass from one place to another; to move or transmit . Soundwaves can travel through water. The supposedly secret news of Mary's engagement travelled quickly through her group of friends.
• ( intransitive , basketball ) To move illegally by walking or running without dribbling the ball.
• ( transitive ) To travel throughout (a place). I’ve travelled the world.
• 1596 (date written; published 1633 ), Edmund Spenser , A Vewe of the Present State of Irelande   [ … ] , Dublin: [ … ] Societie of Stationers,   [ … ] , →OCLC ; republished as A View of the State of Ireland   [ … ] (Ancient Irish Histories), Dublin: [ … ] Society of Stationers, [ … ] Hibernia Press, [ … ] [ b ] y John Morrison, 1809 , →OCLC : They shall not be travailed forth of their own franchises.
• 1707 , Richard Baxter, The Practical Works of the Late Reverend and Pious Mr. Richard Baxter , page 646 : Necessity will make men fare hard, and work hard, and travel hard, go bare, and suffer much; yea it will even cut off a leg or arm to save their lives;
• 1719 , William Tilly, The Acceptable Sacrifice , page 335 : We labour sore, and travel hard, and much Study is a Weariness to our Flesh; and of making many Books there is no End.
• 1794 , “Resignation”, in A Complete Edition of the Poets of Great Britain.Volume 10 , page 144 : Man holds in constant service bound The blustering winds and seas; Nor suns disdain to travel hard Their master, man, to please;

Conjugation

† Archaic or obsolete . * US.

• fare , journey , reyse

Derived terms

• fellow-travel
• road less traveled
• travellable , travelable
• travelled , traveled ( adjective )
• traveller , traveler
• travel light

Translations

Etymology 2.

From Middle English travail , travell , from Old French travail , travaille , travaillie , traval , travalle , traveaul , traveil , traveille , travel . Doublet of travail .

travel ( countable and uncountable , plural travels )

• The act of traveling; passage from place to place. space travel travel to Spain
• 2023 November 29, 'Mystery Shopper', “Does the railway deliver for passengers?”, in RAIL , number 997 , page 53 : But overall, I think the railway delivered very well on my travels . I'd give it 9/10 - there are just a few little rough edges that need smoothing off.
• 1903 , Henry Yule, Arthur Burnell, Hobson-Jobson : CALUAT, s. This in some old travels is used for Ar. khilwat, 'privacy, a private interview' (C. P. Brown, MS.).
• The activity or traffic along a route or through a given point.
• The working motion of a piece of machinery; the length of a mechanical stroke. There was a lot of travel in the handle, because the tool was out of adjustment. My drill press has a travel of only 1.5 inches.
• 1667 , John Tanner, The hidden treasures of the art of physick , page 208 : Hard Labour is when more vehement Pains and dangerous Symptomes happen to Women in Travel , and continue a longer time.
• Distance that a keyboard's key moves vertically when depressed. The keys have great travel .

Further reading

• “ travel ”, in The Century Dictionary   [ … ] , New York, N.Y.: The Century Co. , 1911 , →OCLC .
• “ travel ”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary , Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam , 1913 , →OCLC .
• retval , varlet

Norwegian Bokmål

Possibly from French travail ; compare with Danish travl .

travel ( neuter singular travelt , definite singular and plural travle , comparative travlere , indefinite superlative travlest , definite superlative travleste )

• “travel” in The Bokmål Dictionary .

Norwegian Nynorsk

travel ( neuter singular travelt , definite singular and plural travle , comparative travlare , indefinite superlative travlast , definite superlative travlaste )

• “travel” in The Nynorsk Dictionary .

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50 Latin roots that will help you understand the English language

Anyone who has ever studied a stack of GRE vocabulary words or invested in a word-a-day calendar to try to expand their lexicon can attest to the fact that the English language is incredibly expansive. Data has shown that the average adult knows somewhere around 40,000 words in total, and that includes active (i.e., regularly used) and passive (i.e., familiar, but not utilized) vocabulary. Put that number up against the more than one million total words in the English language, and it becomes clear that the percentage of terms in English speakers' everyday rotation is only a small fraction of the English language as a whole.

Looking at the sheer volume of the English vocabulary, one thing that helps make sense of the words is the notable patterns that emerge in light of its etymological roots; particularly, its Latin roots. Though Latin itself has often been referred to as a dead language, it is very much alive in the 80% of English terms that are borrowed directly from the ancient language and the over 60% of English words that have roots in Latin and Greek. In the same way that a new reader may try to sound out a word phonetically, looking at English through the lens of Latin etymology allows us to obtain a new grasp on the language, such that we can more actively deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words.

To identify key linguistic elements from Latin that appear throughout the English language today, Stacker sorted through educational resources and online databases and compiled a list of 50 important Latin roots that shape the English language as we know it. Read on to get a better understanding of how some of the words you use regularly—and a few perhaps you've never seen before—all share a common foundation in Latin.

- Meaning in English: Yearly

The Latin root “ann”—which means “yearly”—can be found in countless words that reference events and occurrences that happen on a yearly basis. For example, an anniversary celebration marks the passing of another year of a relationship, a business, or a birthday. Then there are yearly events that are characterized as annual, such as award ceremonies (e.g., the Academy Awards), sporting events (e.g., Super Bowl), and holidays (e.g., Halloween).

- Meaning in English: Water, sea

Whether it’s being used in reference to a color such as aqua, a blueish-green hue, or to describe sea life, i.e., aquatic, the Latin root “aqu” is familiar in its relationship to water and large bodies of water. The mainstream familiarity of the Latin root was on full display in the 2006 coming-of-age film “Aquamarine,” where the titular character is a mermaid washed ashore.

- Meaning in English: Hearing, listening, sound

Those who prefer the convenience of listening to their books rather than reading them may recognize this Latin root from the name of Audible, Amazon’s audiobook and entertainment platform. The root also makes an appearance in the English terms audience, as in a group of people gathered together to listen to or receive a performance, and auditorium, the room in which said audience sits to listen.

- Meaning in English: Good

Derived from a Latin term meaning “well,” bene is most commonly used as a prefix in the English language. The word benign means harmless or favorable, and in pathology is used to describe a condition that is not life-threatening. A benefit is something that is considered favorable or advantageous, and the term can also be used to describe a charitable event. A benefactor gives help to a person or a cause. Perhaps the most famous example of a benefactor is Miss Havisham from “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens.

- Meaning in English: Two

The Latin prefix "bi" means two, as does the closely related, Greek-derived prefix "di." A bifurcation describes the act of something splitting off into two distinct branches. In anatomy, the bicep is a muscle of the arm that runs between the shoulder and the elbow, so-named because it splits off into two branches where the muscle connects at the scapula. The word bicep translates to "two-headed muscle of the arm."

- Meaning in English: Book

The Latin root “bibl” may sooner remind college students of having to create bibliographies—detailed lists of the books and sources referenced in academic work—than anything else. However, the root’s connection to the English language has a far deeper history: “bibl” is also the root for the name of the Bible, the collection of Judeo-Christian texts and scripture.

- Meaning in English: Hundred

The term “cent” likely conjures up thoughts of money—i.e., dollars and cents—before anything else, but that ties back perfectly to the Latin root from which the term comes. One cent is 1/100th of a dollar. Pennies aside, the Latin root also makes an appearance in terms like “century” and “centennial,” which pertain to 100-year timespans and a hundredth anniversary, respectively.

- Meaning in English: Around

The Latin root “circum”—meaning “around”—appears in terms like “circumnavigate,” which is the act of traveling all the way around something. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan is remembered for successfully circumnavigating the globe in the early 16th century. This root also appears in terms like “circumvent,” which describes the act of getting around a problem, and “circumstance,” which pairs this root with another Latin root—“stance,” meaning “stand”—to reference a situation that focuses on a core cause.

- Meaning in English: Citizen

“Civility” is characterized by respect towards others, and “civics,” which refers to the infrastructure in place that is intended to facilitate civility, are both rooted in the Latin “civ,” meaning “citizen.” The root also makes an appearance in the name of the Honda Civic, a car that––as the brand puts it–– is meant to improve the lives of citizens.

- Meaning in English: Clear

The term "clarity"—which comes from the Latin root "clar," meaning "clear"—is the property of being both pure and clean, as well as being lucid and coherent. The root has seen a variety of modern uses alluding to its Latin translation, including the brand Clarisonic, a beauty company that develops products meant to provide clearer-looking skin, and Claritin, an allergy medication that promises clarity and relief from chronic allergies.

- Meaning in English: Believe

Credibility is the characteristic of being believable, and it’s a term that comes from the Latin root “cred,” meaning “believe.” While the term may appear in the case of legal proceedings—e.g., a court case requires credible witnesses—it also ties into the idea of credit and credit cards. Since credit cards work by allowing users to acquire items before paying for them in full, they operate on a system of trust and good faith—belief, essentially—that payments will be made in full at a later time.

- Meaning in English: Say/speak

The Latin root “dict” appears in words like dictate, meaning to read something aloud; dictation, the act of speaking aloud with the intention of having your words recorded or transcribed; and predict, the act of stating something that will happen before it actually happens. Of all the instances in which “dict” appears in the English language, though, one of the most important may be the dictionary, which offers a comprehensive guide to all of the officially-recognized words in the English language. Some of the most respected and trusted dictionaries in the U.S. include the Oxford English Dictionary, Collins English Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster.

- Meaning in English: Out

The Latin root “ex” means “out,” while related roots, including “exter” and “extrem,” offer additional variations of the same translation. The word extreme, for example, may refer to something that falls out of a normal expected range, as was the case with weather extremities, including record rainfall and high/low daily temperatures across the U.S. in 2019, which broke more than 120,000 records across the country.

- Meaning in English: Break

The Latin “fract” is closely related to fellow Latin roots “frang,” “fring,” and “frag,” all of which mean “break.” A few of its familiar appearances may include infringe, as in the breaking of a legal agreement or violation of copyright, and fragment, a small piece of an item that has been broken. The root also appears in the word fragile, which can be used to describe items that are easily breakable.

- Meaning in English: Between

The premise of the film "Interstellar" starring Matthew McConaughey is that a NASA physicist travels the universe via a wormhole in a quest to find a new home for mankind. The plot––and the flick's title––reference the Latin root "inter," meaning "between," as McConaughey's character essentially travels between cosmic stars. This root also appears in terms like international, which may refer to travel or political relations between nations, and interpersonal, which may refer to communication happening between different people (as opposed to intrapersonal, which uses the Latin root meaning "within").

- Meaning in English: Law

Legal systems are intended to act as a source of order and justice in society, and it turns out that a lot of the legal terminology that we’re familiar with today stems from the Latin “jur”—as well as the related roots “jus” and “judic”—meaning “law.” This includes the word jury, as in the body of citizens meant to come to a verdict in legal cases; judicial, as in something pertaining to the court or judge; and justice, as in fairness.

- Meaning in English: Not tense

There are a number of ways that someone may choose to relax—yoga, unwinding with a good book, taking a bath, etc. Regardless of the method, the practice of relaxation just comes down to letting go of stress and releasing tension. The root origin of the term—the Latin “lax,” meaning “not tense”—is echoed in this way. The root also appears in the word laxative, which describes an agent used to relieve constipation by reducing tension in the bowels.

- Meaning in English: Free

Liberty—which is defined as freedom from oppression in regards to one’s belief systems and way of life—is a fundamental tenet on which democracy is built. As for the Latin word “liber,” this is a fundamental root from which the term “liberty” stems. Further examples of “liber” in mainstream English language include the words liberate and liberation.

- Meaning in English: Light

This Latin root meaning “light” appears in a number of common English words including luminous, which means that something is bright and shining. However, the Latin root has seen several linguistic iterations that go beyond these everyday terms as well, including brand names such as Luminary, a podcast streaming platform that may be considered to be bringing new and creative ideas “to light,” and fictional terms such as “lumos maxima,” the incantation used in the “Harry Potter” universe to generate a bright flash of light.

- Meaning in English: Big, great

The Latin root "magn," meaning "big" or "great," can be used either in reference to something physically large in size or something that big in its presence, such that it's striking. In regular use today, the root appears in words like magnificent, which simply refers to something that's amazing or awe-inspiring, and magnitude, which is used to characterize the large size or impact of something (e.g., a 3.2 magnitude earthquake).

- Meaning in English: Bad

“Mal” is a Latin root meaning “bad,” and appears in such English terms as malicious, which is defined as having the intention to cause harm, as well as malevolent, which combines this root with another Latin root “volent,” which means “wishing.” Mal is defined as wishing evil or ill will upon another. Perhaps one of the most common pop culture affiliations with the root is “Maleficent,” the Disney film starring Angelina Jolie as the villainous fairy known for cursing Sleeping Beauty.

- Meaning in English: Wander

This Latin root is perhaps most prevalent in its connection to current events. Namely, “migr”—meaning “wander”—appears in the terms immigration and migrant, both of which have become majorly familiar in the collective consciousness as a result of such issues as the European migrant crisis as well as the U.S. border crisis and questions surrounding the country’s immigration policies.

- Meaning in English: Many

There are a multitude of examples in the English language of the Latin root “multi,” meaning “many,” in use (with multitude being one of them). The root is perhaps most notable for its role in arithmetic, as it occurs in multiplication, which is a mathematical process for growing a number in size and count. The root also appears in the title of the 1996 comedy “Multiplicity,” which stars Michael Keaton as a man who clones himself numerous times to manage the demands of his day-to-day life.

- Meaning in English: Say no

The Latin root “neg” appears in English words that are defined by a lack of positive or affirmative response. For example, the word negate means that something is being nullified or shut down, or, it’s being “said no to,” essentially. Negativity, a quality often associated with pessimism and naysaying, is another example of the root in action.

- Meaning in English: Not

When something is described as nonsensical, it means that it doesn't make sense. When something or someone is characterized as noncommittal, it means that they won't commit. These words—along with others that include "non" as a prefix—pull from the Latin root's definition meaning "not." It's important to keep in mind that the line between "non" and "un" can get a little troublesome when navigating common vocabulary. For example, while unprofessional refers to behavior that isn't professional, nonprofessional refers to lines of work that don't require professional training.

- Meaning in English: New

The allure of novels comes from their imaginative stories that can take readers away from the ordinary and mundane. A novel concept or innovative idea is characterized by offering something fresh and new, which all ties back to the Latin root “nov.”

- Meaning in English: Egg

While there are some English words beginning with “ov” that don’t tie back to this Latin root such as “oven,” which actually comes from Germanic origins, there are others that reference the root’s original definition: “egg.” Examples include oval, as in the egg-like shape, and ovary, as in the female reproductive organ that produces eggs.

- Meaning in English: Before

“Pre” is a Latin-derived prefix that clarifies chronological order by signifying that something came before something else. For example, predict means that you talk about something happening before it actually happens. The word preliminary is another example and means that something occurs prior to something else in preparation for the main event. Of course, “pre” also occurs in the word prefix itself, which by definition is a grammatical add-on to the beginning of a word—i.e., it comes “before” the original word—that changes its meaning.

- Meaning in English: First

In addition to words that reflect this root’s origins in its most literal sense such as primary, primordial, and primitive, there are also words derived from this Latin root that more loosely means best-in-class, or top-tier. One such example is the word prime, most commonly used in reference to Amazon Prime, the membership service that provides expedited shipping and a catalog of member-only streaming content for Amazon customers.

- Meaning in English: Nearness

When one makes an approximation of something, they're making an educated guess about the count, measurement, or quantity of something based on information that allows them to come close—though maybe not exact—to the correct value. This word, along with others like proximity or proximal, comes from the Latin root "proxim," meaning nearness.

- Meaning in English: Seek

A Latin root that means “to seek” or “to look for,” “ques” appears in a number of words that English speakers use on a daily basis. Besides the very literal quest, which basically refers to a long search for something, there are also the terms question and request, both of which attempt to elicit some kind of response, information, or action.

- Meaning in English: Again, backward

This Latin root is one that could refer to something happening over and over again, as is the case with such words as repeat or recur. It may also, however, be used to reference something that moves backward by being withdrawn, as is the case with the words renege and revert.

- Meaning in English: Backward, behind

Retro has been a standalone word since the mid-1970s when it started getting used in reference to fashion nostalgia. Before that, though, the word existed in the Latin vocabulary as a prefix meaning “backward” or “behind.” Of all the words that include the prefix—e.g., retrogress, retroactive, retrospective—one of the most familiar nowadays may be retrograde, as in Mercury Retrograde (when Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit).

- Meaning in English: Healthy

This Latin root appears throughout the English language in a few different ways. For starters, it has a very literal and practical application in words like sanitize and sanitary, which simply refer to the eradication of bacteria so as to make something healthier and safer. However, the same root also occurs in the term sanity—and the opposite, insanity—which refers to mental health.

- Meaning in English: Know

The Latin root "sci" (meaning "know") has a few different roles in English. For one, it can refer to the actual act of knowing things, as is the case with terms like omniscience (meaning all-knowing), conscience (knowing right from wrong), and prescience (knowing things before they happen). Beyond that, "sci" also ties into the accumulation of knowledge, as it is a key root in the term science and is thus connected to all scientific branches (formal, natural, and social sciences).

- Meaning in English: Write

While a young child’s doodles on a piece of paper might be dismissed as nothing but a little scribble, it turns out that scribble has some roots in the Latin language. The root “scrib” actually means “write,” and appears in such terms as transcribe, the act of copying down words from a recording or dictation, and describe, the act of writing down (or saying) what something looks, feels, tastes, sounds, or smells like.

- Meaning in English: Half

The Latin root “semi” (meaning “half”) is central to a lot of the traditions that we consider to be commonplace. For example, there’s the idea of a semi-final, where two sports teams face off in a match directly before the final and only one—such as half of the two teams—moves on to the final. A lot of brands, most notably, Victoria’s Secret, are also known for having semi-annual sales: one at the start of the year in January and one around the half-way mark in June.

- Meaning in English: Feel

The Latin root “senti,” which is also close to the root “sens,” means “feel”—which is evident when looking at the English terms that have stemmed from the original root. The root is at the heart of our sensory system, which allows us to feel and experience things through our different senses. The classic book “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen interestingly juxtaposes two words that stem from this same Latin root in its title; here, sense is the ability to act with sound judgment and without being overly emotional, while sensibility refers to the ability to act from the heart or with feelings as a guide.

- Meaning in English: Group

In the most basic sense, the Latin root “soci” appears in the term society, which is very literally a group of people who coexist in some capacity, whether they’re connected by a common government, neighborhood, or even just common interests (e.g., the National Audubon Society). This Latin root is also at the core of one of the biggest trends to have shaped modern culture: social media and the rise of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.

- Meaning in English: Alone

While social networks bring people together—even if only virtually—togetherness isn't always the name of the game. "Sol," the Latin root for "alone," is also a big player in the English language, and is used in words that refer to loneliness or lack of connection. For example, solitude and isolation are two words that pull from the root, as is the name for Solitaire, the computer card game meant to be played solo.

- Meaning in English: Under

When The Beatles released “Yellow Submarine,” they may not have realized that they were incorporating some Latin-based lyrics in their hit song. “Sub” is the Latin root meaning “under,” and beyond showing up in the name of the underwater warship, the root also occurs in terms like submerge, which is the act of putting something underwater. The New York City subway system also employs the Latin root for the name of its network of underground trains and tracks.

- Meaning in English: Rise

Not to be confused with the root for surgery, which comes from the Greek words meaning “hand work,” the Latin “surg” means “rise.” For example, there’s been a “resurgence”: This combines the Latin root “re” with “surg”. Anyone who has attempted to call an Uber during rush hour or an “extreme” (if we’re using Latin) rainstorm is also likely familiar with the phenomenon of surge pricing, where rates increase as a result of heightened demand.

- Meaning in English: Time

Musicians understand that tempo is the speed of a song’s underlying beat, and thus that the tempo helps determine the timing of a piece of music. For those less musically-inclined, however, this Latin root may feel more familiar in words like temporary, meaning something that only lasts for a given period of time, and contemporary, meaning that something is of the current time.

- Meaning in English: Witness

Though the term “test” is a word on its own, the Latin root “test” is unrelated to the term meaning exam. Instead, the Latin here means “witness,” as in testimony, where someone shares their account of what they saw in a court trial. Legal proceedings aside, the root also appears in the word testament, which reflects a reliable account of something, such that it can be used as evidence to make a point.

- Meaning in English: Across

English terms that include the root "trans" are generally referring to something that has traversed a physical or imaginary border in some way. For example, the first trans-Atlantic flight was completed in 1919 by Charles Lindbergh when he spent 34 hours traveling from New York to Paris. A common use of the root is also in reference to transgender individuals, whose gender identity does not align with their birth sex.

- Meaning in English: Empty

The Latin root “vac” appears in several highly-used English words, including what may be a collective favorite: “vacation.” Unlike certain terms that have a more literal tie to this root’s definition––e.g., “vacancy” means there are empty rooms in a space, “vacate” means emptying out a space, etc.––“vacation” is more of a loose derivative of the root, alluding to an empty schedule.

Of the Latin roots on this list, “vag” is one of the more unique in that it has a few different derivative words that reflect the term in unique ways. For example, while vagabond is a pretty literal extension of the Latin root, one of the other common derivative words—vague—reflects the meaning of the Latin root in a less direct way (i.e., it alludes to ideological “wandering” from the main topic).

- Meaning in English: True

“Ver” is one of the more common Latin roots to appear in the English language. There are some terms that include the root—verdict and veracity—that may be less frequently utilized in everyday jargon, but that’s hardly the case with one of the most popular words that stems from this root: very. Whenever something is described as very soft, for example, the intention of the speaker is to communicate that something is “truly” soft.

- Meaning in English: See, visual

While videotapes might have become obsolete, this Latin root, meaning “see,” is still kept alive in plenty of other key terms in the English language. One of the biggest, of course, is video, and though people’s sources of video entertainment have changed over the years, their affinity for it certainly has it. According to recent data, people watch an average of 16 hours of online video per week .

- Meaning in English: One

This root, meaning "one," is incredibly prevalent throughout the English language. It appears in a wide range of words, including unicorn (a one-horned mythical horse), unity (one entity), uniform (one outfit), unicycle (one-wheeled bike), and unibrow (one eyebrow).

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200 Latin Roots to Improve Your Vocabulary Posted by Brittany Britanniae on Apr 9, 2014 in Latin Language

LATIN ROOTS

Whenever learning a new language, students are often overwhelmed by the fact that they must study the grammar and vocabulary. Vocabulary can be tough for anyone, but especially for those learning a new language for the first time or one like Latin which not spoken. However, the vocabulary in Latin should be easier since Latin is integrated into many modern languages: French, Italian, Spanish, English, etc.

Here is a wonderful list of the most basic roots any Latin learner should know! This list is also helpful to anyone wishing to improve their vocabulary along with test taking skills. So, if you are studying for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or even the SATs; this is a great chart for you to study, make flash cared and improve your ability to dissect words to discover their meanings!

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

About the Author: Brittany Britanniae

Hello There! Please feel free to ask me anything about Latin Grammar, Syntax, or the Ancient World.

very helpful thanks and I shared this on FB as well.

Thank you super helpful

Charlotte Heaume:

Brilliant. Many thanks

Brittany, this is a very interesting web page. I studied linguistics, and Latin is a fascinating subject to know.

The complete list of the 1000 Most Common Latin Vocabulary Words

We created this list of the thousand most common Latin words by doing a statistical analysis of a large collection of ancient Latin texts, including:

• works by the Roman poets Ovid, Virgil, and Horace
• works by the Roman scholar Cicero
• writings by Julius Caesar
• writings by the stoic philosopher Seneca

We converted the words in the texts to their dictionary forms (that was necessary because of the grammatical case-based declensions that are so common in Latin). Then, we counted the occurrence of each word and sorted them by frequency.

In Latin dictionaries, verbs are often indexed using the first-person singular form rather than the infinitive form. This is the convention that we followed in this vocabulary list.

List of the most common Latin vocabulary words

In most languages, the verb “ to be ” ranks near the top of the list of most common words, and Latin is no exception.

An example of a Latin phrase containing this word is the expression: “ adaequatio rei et intellectus ” which means “ correspondence of mind and reality ”.

The Latin pronoun “quī” is the origin of the French pronoun “qui”. It is also the origin of the Spanish pronoun “quien”.

• in [preposition] (in)
• is [determiner] (it)

An example of a Latin phrase containing this word is the saying: “ palma non sine pulvere ” which means “ no victory without effort ”.

This Latin conjunction is followed by the subjunctive. It appears in this famous Latin phrase by the Roman poet Ovid: “ ut ameris, amabilis esto ” which means “ to be loved, be lovable ”.

The Latin preposition “ad” appears in a Latin expression that we use in English: “ad hoc” (which means “not previously planned but created only for a particular purpose”).

Latin is a language that doesn’t have definite or indefinite articles. However, demonstratives such as “hic”, “ille” and “is” are among the most common words in Latin.

An example of a Latin phrase containing the preposition ab is “ab uno disce omnes” from Virgil's Aeneid. This phrase, which translates to “from one, learn all”, refers to situations where a universal truth can be learned by observing a single sample.

This Latin preposition also appears in the academic expression “ cum laude ” meaning “ with praise ”.

An example of a Latin phrase containing this word is the saying: “ omnia dicta fortiora si dicta Latina ” which means “ everything said is stronger if said in Latin ”.

• facio [verb] (I do)

This Latin verb is the root of the English word “diction” which refers to the style of enunciation when speaking.

• ille [determiner]

In American English, the word “possum” refers to a cute marsupial. In Latin, however, the word “possum” is a verb that means “to be able to.” Here is a phrase by the Roman poet Virgil that contains this verb: “possunt quia posse videntur” (“they can because they think they can”).

A noun form of this Latin word appears in the phrase “ omnia vincit amor ” by the Roman poet Virgil, which translates to “ love conquers all ”.

• suus [determiner]
• de [preposition]

This reflexive pronoun exists not only in Latin, but also in many Romance languages including French and Spanish.

This word appears in the Latin phrase “Deus ex machina” which means “god from a machine”.

In Latin, the word “ego” is simply the first-person singular pronoun.

• sed [conjunction] (but)

The reason why this is such a common Latin word is that it has a wide range of meanings, including “thing,” “event,” and “issue.”

A declined form of this word appears in the Latin expression “ ipso facto ” which means “ by the fact itself ” and which refers to a direct consequence.

• atque [conjunction] (and)

In this ranking of the most common Latin words, not far below the first-person singular pronoun “ego”, we find the second-person singular pronoun “tu”.

This word appears in the Latin phrase “quod erat demonstrandum” (abbreviated by its initials as QED) which is commonly used in mathematics and translates to “which was to be demonstrated”.

• enim [conjunction]
• habeo [verb] (I have)

In addition to being used as a preposition, this word also serves as a Latin prefix .

This word appears in the following Latin phrase by Seneca, a Roman philosopher: “ necesse est aut imiteris aut oderis ” which means “ you must either imitate or loathe the world ”.

The English words alien and alienate are derived from the Latin word alius .

• autem [conjunction]

The Latin conjunction “nec” appears in the expression “nec plus ultra” (“nothing further beyond”), which refers to the state of the art.

• etiam [adverb] (also)

An example phrase containing this Latin word is: “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”. This phrase by the Roman poet Juvenal can be translated into English as “Who will watch the watchmen?”

• quam [conjunction] (how)
• vel [conjunction] (or)

The Latin verb “dō” means “to give.” It is a synonym of the verb “dōnō,” which is the origin of the English word “donation.”

The Latin word “homō” means “human.” It appears in the scientific term “homo sapiens,” which refers to our species.

• idem [pronoun] (the same)
• multus [adjective] (many, much)
• meus [determiner] (my)
• magnus [adjective] (great)
• quia [conjunction] (because)

This is the possessive form of the pronoun “tu” which is higher up in this Latin frequency dictionary.

• noster [determiner] (our)

This word is a synonym of the term “sed” which appears higher up in this list of Latin words.

• ne [conjunction]
• pars [noun] (a part)
• causa [noun] (cause)
• tempus [noun] (a time)
• nomen [noun] (name)

The Latin word “filius” means “son.” It is the origin of the English adjective “filial.”

The Latin word “unus” appears (in an inflected form) in the motto of the United States of America: “e pluribus unum,” which translates to “out of many, one”.

The accusative form of this Latin word appears in the expression “ Carpe diem ” which is translated as “ seize the day ”.

• ita [adverb] (so)
• nos [pronoun]

The Latin term locus is the root of the English words location and local .

The Latin phrase “quid pro quo”, which translates to “something in exchange for something else”, contains this preposition.

• modus [noun]

Descendents of the Latin word “ rex ” are found in the Romance languages: “ roi ” in French, “ re ” in Italian, “ rey ” in Spanish, and “ rei ” in Portuguese.

• deus [noun] (god)
• quidam [pronoun]
• debeo [verb] (to owe)
• iam [adverb] (already)
• primus [adjective] (first)

The Latin word terra means either “the ground” or “the planet Earth” depending on the context. The English word terrestrial comes from this Latin root.

The Latin word “nihil” is the root of the English word “nihilism”.

The Latin word “ pater ” is the origin of the words “ père ” in French, “ padre ” in Italian, “ padre ” in Spanish, and “ pai ” in Portuguese.

• neque [conjunction]
• quoque [adverb] (too)

This Latin word is used in English in the context of linguistics, where it refers to a collection of written texts.

This Latin verb is the origin of the French verb “agir” which features among the 1000 most common French words .

• iste [determiner]
• quidem [adverb] (indeed)

The Latin word “opus” might sound familiar because it is used in the expression “magnum opus,” which refers to a masterpiece.

• nisi [conjunction] (unless)
• populus [noun]
• nullus [pronoun] (none)

This basic Latin word is the root of the English word “library”.

• accipio [verb]
• vero [adverb]

This Latin preposition is also used as a prefix. It appears in English words such as “international” and “interdisciplinary”.

• bonum [noun]
• sicut [conjunction] (as)
• genus [noun] (kind)
• duo [numeral] (two)
• totus [adjective]
• animus [noun]
• nunc [adverb] (now)

This word appears in a Latin expression used in English: “ sine qua non ” which refers to an indispensable condition.

This Latin preposition appears, for example, in the expression “ honestas ante honores ” which means “ honesty before glory ”.

• dominus [noun] (master)

This word appears in the Latin expression “ casus belli ”, which translates to “ cause for war ”.

An example of a Latin phrase containing this word is the expression: “ macte virtute sic itur ad astra ” which means “ those who excel, thus reach the stars ”.

This Latin word appears in the saying “ ubi amor, ibi dolor ”, which translates to “ where there is love, there is pain ”.

• quaero [verb] (I ask)
• tam [adverb]

This is the Latin root of the English verb “to inscribe”.

The Latin word “ aliquis ” is the origin of the words “ alguien ” in Spanish, and “ alguém ” in Portuguese.

• post [preposition]
• bonus [adjective] (good)
• alter [adjective] (the other)
• nam [conjunction] (for)
• credo [verb] (I believe)

Descendents of this basic Latin vocabulary word are found in the Romance languages: “ loi ” in French, “ legge ” in Italian, “ ley ” in Spanish, and “ lei ” in Portuguese.

• ius [noun] (right)
• ratio [noun] (reason)
• fides [noun] (faith)
• fero [verb]
• apud [preposition] (at)
• igitur [conjunction] (therefore)
• an [conjunction] (or)
• quasi [conjunction] (as if)

The English adjective “ manual ” comes from this Latin word.

Descendents of the Latin word “ lego ” are found in the Romance languages: “ lire ” in French, “ leggere ” in Italian, “ leer ” in Spanish, and “ ler ” in Portuguese.

• annus [noun] (year)
• mitto [verb] (I send)
• super [preposition]
• exercitus [noun]
• natura [noun] (nature)

An example of a Latin phrase containing this word is the argument by the French philosopher Descartes: “ cogito, ergo sum ” which translates to “ I think, therefore I am ”.

• domus [noun] (house)
• tantum [adverb] (only)
• scio [verb] (to know)
• audio [verb] (I hear)
• actio [noun] (action)
• mors [noun] (death)
• contra [preposition]
• tum [adverb] (then)
• intellego [verb] (I understand)
• summus [adjective]
• publicus [adjective] (public)

This Latin verb is the root of the English word “petition”.

• sequor [verb]
• puto [verb]
• aio [verb] (to say)

Depending on the length of the first vowel, this Latin word can either mean “an evil” or “an apple”.

This Latin term is the root of the English words “military” and “militia”.

An example of a Latin saying containing this adverb is: “ amicus Plato, sed magis amica veritas ” which translates to “ Plato is my friend, but truth is a better friend ”.

• inquam [verb] (I say)
• pono [verb] (to place)
• propter [preposition]
• sive [conjunction] (or)
• gens [noun]
• aliqui [determiner] (some)
• relinquo [verb] (to abandon)

This preposition is also used as a prefix that appears in English words such as “submarine” and “subtitle”

This Latin term is the root of the English word “loquacious” which means “chatty”.

This Latin term is the root of the English word “illicit”.

• uterque [pronoun]
• dum [conjunction] (while)
• Dei [proper noun]
• castra [noun] (camp)
• minus [adverb]
• Deus [proper noun]
• morior [verb] (I die)
• reddo [verb]
• teneo [verb]
• iudicium [noun] (judgment)
• ceterus [adjective]
• mens [noun] (mind)
• quoniam [conjunction] (since)
• gero [verb] (I carry)
• frater [noun] (brother)
• solus [adjective] (alone)
• cognosco [verb]
• dux [noun] (leader)
• usque [adverb] (until)
• tantus [adjective] (so much)
• respondeo [verb]

The Latin word “pecūnia” (which means “money”) is the origin of the English adjective “pecuniary.”

• solum [adverb] (only)
• consilium [noun] (plan)
• utor [verb] (I use)
• soleo [verb]
• ordo [noun]

The Latin word “ nascor ” is the origin of the words “ naître ” in French, “ nascere ” in Italian, “ nacer ” in Spanish, and “ nascer ” in Portuguese.

• secundum [preposition] (according to)
• semper [adverb] (always)

The Latin word “caelum” is the origin of the terms “ciel” in French and “cielo” in Spanish.

• praesto [adverb]

This verb is related to the noun “dux” which means “leader”.

• satis [adverb]
• medius [adjective] (middle)
• iudex [noun] (judge)

The resemblance between the Latin word “recipio” and the English word “recipe” is not random. The two words are etymologically related.

• sanctus [participle]
• deinde [adverb] (then)

This Latin word appears for example in the phrase “cor ad cor loquitur” which translates to “heart speaks to heart".

• talis [adjective] (such)
• mater [noun] (mother)
• proprius [adjective]
• certus [adjective]
• regnum [noun] (kingdom)
• tres [numeral] (three)
• refero [verb]
• patior [verb] (I suffer)
• appello [verb]
• inde [adverb] (thence)
• sententia [noun]
• ideo [adverb] (therefore)
• gratia [noun] (grace)
• quisque [pronoun]
• tunc [adverb] (then)
• iudico [verb] (I judge)
• usus [noun] (use)
• singulus [adjective]
• oportet [verb]

The Latin verb “capiō” is found for example in the Latin adage “aquila non capit muscas” (the eagle does not catch flies) which means that an important person doesn’t deal with insignificant things.

• finis [noun] (end)
• heres [noun] (heir)
• princeps [adjective]
• unde [adverb] (whence)
• contineo [verb] (I hold)
• anima [noun] (soul)
• officium [noun] (office)
• potestas [noun] (power)
• trado [verb]
• ager [noun] (field)
• oculus [noun] (eye)

This Latin vocabulary word is the root of the English adjective “ urban ”.

• adhuc [adverb] (still)
• similis [adjective] (like)

The Latin word labor appears in the phrase “ labor omnia vincit ” by the Roman poet Virgil, which translates to “ hard work conquers all ”.

• persona [noun]
• suscipio [verb]
• ob [preposition]
• occido [verb]
• Dominus [proper noun]

The Latin word “ aqua ” is the origin of the terms “ eau ” in French, “ acqua ” in Italian, “ agua ” in Spanish, and “ água ” in Portuguese.

• nemo [pronoun] (no one)
• littera [noun] (letter)
• postea [adverb]
• nosco [verb] (I know)
• ibi [adverb] (there)
• caro [noun]

This Latin word is similar to the Sanskrit word “agní” which also means “fire”. In fact, Latin and Sanskrit are both languages from the Indo-European family, and they originate from a common ancestor language called the Proto-Indo-European language. See this article on Latin vs Sanskrit .

• Deo [proper noun]
• quantum [adjective]
• principium [noun]
• uxor [noun] (a wife)
• urbis [noun]
• communis [adjective] (common)
• species [noun]
• placeo [verb] (to please)
• honor [noun] (honor)
• ullus [adjective] (any)

This Latin word is the origin of the French word “ paix ”, which has preserved the final letter ‘x’ but made it silent. It is also the origin of the words “ pace ” in Italian, “ paz ” in Spanish, and “ paz ” in Portuguese.

This simple Latin vocabulary word is the origin of the words “ ami ” in French, “ amico ” in Italian, as well as “ amigo ” in Spanish and in Portuguese.

• hereditas [noun] (inheritance)
• humanus [adjective] (human)

The Latin adverb “ quandō ” is the origin of the words “ quand ” in French and “ cuando ” in Spanish.

• spiritus [noun]
• constituo [verb]
• hos [pronoun]
• redeo [verb]
• siue [conjunction]
• legatum [noun]
• tertius [numeral]
• ars [noun] (art)
• cogo [verb] (I force)
• libertas [noun] (freedom)
• fructus [noun] (fruit)
• probo [verb]
• transeo [verb]
• vos [pronoun] (you)
• aetas [noun]
• quisquam [pronoun] (anyone)
• possessio [noun] (possession)
• reliquus [adjective]

The Latin word “ mulier ” is the origin of the words “ moglie ” in Italian, “ mujer ” in Spanish, and “ mulher ” in Portuguese.

• sanguis [noun] (blood)
• iubeo [verb] (to command)
• pes [noun] (a foot)
• coepi [verb] (I began)
• videtur [verb]

This basic Latin vocabulary word is the origin of the words “ nuit ” in French, “ notte ” in Italian, “ noche ” in Spanish, and “ noite ” in Portuguese.

• magne [adjective]

This basic Latin vocabulary word is the origin of the words “ luce ” in Italian, “ luz ” in Spanish, and “ luz ” in Portuguese.

• senatus [noun]
• simul [adverb] (at the same time)
• paro [verb]
• promitto [verb] (I promise)
• secundus [adjective]
• signum [noun]

This is the noun form of the verb “spero”.

• itaque [adverb] (therefore)
• ostendo [verb]
• bene [adverb] (well)
• os [noun] (mouth)
• iustus [adjective] (just)
• restituo [verb]
• patrius [adjective]

The Latin word “ peccatum ” is the origin of the words “ péché ” in French, “ peccato ” in Italian, in addition to “ pecado ” in Spanish and Portuguese.

• imperator [noun] (emperor)
• maneo [verb]
• malus [adjective] (bad)
• praedico [verb]
• sentio [verb] (I feel)
• auctor [noun] (author)
• adversus [preposition]
• numquam [adverb] (never)
• uerus [adjective]
• mons [noun]
• testamentum [noun] (testament)
• pertineo [verb] (I belong)
• tamquam [adverb] (as if)

This Latin word is the root of the English word “sermon”.

• imperium [noun]
• quicumque [pronoun] (whoever)
• numerus [noun] (number)
• sensus [noun] (sense)
• Domini [proper noun]
• forma [noun] (form)
• oratio [noun] (speech)
• instituo [verb]
• potius [adverb] (rather)

This Latin word appears in the saying “ audentes fortuna iuvat ”, which translates to “ fortune favors the bold ”.

• arma [noun]
• infero [verb]
• proximus [adjective] (next)
• propono [verb]

The Latin adjective “alienus” is the origin of the English word “alien.” It comes from the word “alius” which means “other”.

• sacer [adjective] (sacred)
• gloria [noun] (glory)
• poena [noun] (punishment)

This Latin word appears in the saying “ beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam ”, which translates to “ blessed is the man who finds wisdom ”.

• fundus [noun] (farm)
• praecipio [verb]
• defero [verb]
• supra [preposition] (above)
• forte [noun]
• doceo [verb] (I teach)
• cura [noun] (care)
• offero [verb]
• vobis [pronoun]
• cunctus [adjective]
• scientia [noun]
• salus [noun]
• possideo [verb]
• Deum [proper noun]
• mundus [noun]
• praesum [verb]
• consto [verb]
• quisquis [pronoun]
• consul [noun] (consul)
• consulo [verb]
• adeo [adverb]
• superior [adjective] (higher)

This Latin noun is the root of the English adjective “equestrian” which means “related to horseback riding”.

• pretium [noun] (price)
• caput [noun]
• nolo [verb] (I do not want)
• diligo [verb]
• muto [verb]
• quantus [adjective] (how many)

The Latin word “ amor ” is the root of the English adjective “ amorous ”.

• auctoritas [noun] (authority)
• confero [verb]
• exemplum [noun] (example)
• par [adjective]

This word also appears in the phrase “ si vis amari ama ” by the philosopher Seneca, which translates to “ if you want to be loved, love ”.

The English words “ prohibit ” and “ prohibition ” come from this Latin word.

• sto [verb] (I stand)
• altus [adjective] (high)
• prior [adjective] (prior)

This Latin preposition is also used in English.

This is a Latin word which many English speakers will recognize because it appears (in an inflected form) in the Latin term “Curriculum vitae” which is commonly abbreviated as CV.

• scilicet [adverb] (of course)
• casus [noun]
• consequor [verb]
• quilibet [pronoun] (anyone)
• longus [adjective] (long)
• verbis [noun]
• efficio [verb]
• appareo [verb] (I appear)
• materia [noun] (matter)
• sumo [verb] (I take)
• legio [noun] (a legion)
• curo [verb]
• quattuor [numeral] (four)
• mare [noun] (sea)
• timeo [verb] (I fear)
• paucus [adjective]
• proelium [noun] (a battle)
• hinc [adverb] (hence)
• nego [verb] (I deny)

This Latin vocabulary word is the origin of the words “ soleil ” in French, “ sole ” in Italian, as well as “ sol ” in Spanish and Portuguese.

• libero [verb]
• tot [determiner] (so many)
• prius [adjective]
• mereo [verb]
• tollo [verb]
• plerusque [adjective]
• absum [verb]

This Latin word appears in the expression “ lingua franca ” which means “ common language ”.

• utique [adverb]
• dignitas [noun]
• qualis [determiner]

This Latin vocabulary word can be recognized as a root in the English word “ puerile ” which means “childish and immature”.

• statim [adverb] (immediately)

This Latin word contains the Latin “multi-” which means “more than one”.

• munus [noun] (office)
• necesse [adjective] (necessary)
• occupo [verb] (I occupy)
• aeternus [adjective] (eternal)
• exsisto [verb]
• cur [adverb] (why)
• familia [noun]
• posterus [adjective]
• traho [verb]
• significo [verb]
• condicio [noun]
• studium [noun] (study)
• at [conjunction]
• memoria [noun] (memory)

This Latin noun is the root of the English word “irate”.

• iniurius [adjective]
• intra [preposition]
• item [adverb]
• defendo [verb] (to defend)
• nomino [verb]
• multo [adverb]
• lapis [noun] (a stone)

The Latin word “ periculum ” is the origin of the words “ péril ” in French, “ pericolo ” in Italian, “ peligro ” in Spanish, and “ perigo ” in Portuguese.

• cogito [verb] (I think)
• auris [noun]
• status [noun] (state)
• motus [noun]

This Latin verb is related to the noun “audax” meaning “bold” and “daring”. This term can be identified as a root in the English word “audacity”.

• ultimus [adjective]
• iusum [adverb]
• quippe [particle]
• committo [verb] (I commit)
• concedo [verb]
• parens [noun] (parent)
• verba [noun]
• ingredior [verb]
• uiuo [noun]
• omnino [adverb]
• pereo [verb] (I perish)
• certe [adverb] (certainly)
• auxilium [noun] (help)
• desum [verb]
• sacerdos [noun] (priest)
• praeter [preposition] (except)
• vitae [noun]
• verum [adverb]
• templum [noun]
• Romani [proper noun]
• saepe [adverb] (often)
• ingenium [noun]
• adsum [verb]
• addo [verb] (I add)
• longe [adverb]
• facies [noun] (face)

That this term is among the most common Latin words is perhaps a sign that the Roman civilization was not always the most peaceful. This term can be recognized as a root in the English word “pugnacious”.

• utrum [conjunction] (whether)
• ultra [preposition] (beyond)

This word appears in the Latin proverb “ ubi dubium, ibi libertas ” which means “ where there is doubt, there is freedom ”.

• dolor [noun] (pain)
• intersum [verb]
• iustitia [noun] (justice)
• membrum [noun] (member)
• accido [verb] (I happen)
• necessitas [noun] (necessity)
• haud [adverb]
• aer [noun] (air)
• eligo [verb] (choose)
• colo [verb]
• flumen [noun] (river)
• apostolus [noun]
• depono [verb]
• procedo [verb] (I proceed)
• copia [noun] (supply)
• venit [verb]
• Israhel [proper noun]
• mox [adverb] (soon)
• decem [numeral] (ten)
• diu [adverb] (for a long time)
• praetor [noun] (praetor)
• permitto [verb]
• postquam [conjunction] (after)
• rursus [adverb]

In the periodic table of the elements, the symbol for gold, "Au", comes from the Latin word aurum.

The Latin word spero gave rise to the terms “ espérer ” in French, “ sperare ” in Italian, as well as “ esperar ” in Spanish and Portuguese.

• beatus [adjective] (blessed)
• tandem [adverb] (finally)
• exterior [adjective] (exterior)
• fere [adverb] (almost)
• regio [noun]
• quamvis [adverb] (however)
• futurus [participle]
• error [noun]
• angelus [noun]

The Latin word “ clarus ” is the origin of the words “ clair ” in French, “ chiaro ” in Italian, as well as “ claro ” in Spanish and in Portuguese.

• dexter [adjective] (right)
• egredior [verb]
• sustineo [verb]
• insula [noun] (island)
• miser [adjective] (miserable)
• accedo [verb]
• plus [adjective] (more)
• ample [adverb]

This Latin word is the root of the English word “plenary”, most commonly used in the expression “plenary session” which refers to a session of a conference where all participants are expected to be present.

• retineo [verb]
• deduco [verb]
• misceo [verb] (I mix)
• armis [noun]
• viri [noun]
• iter [noun] (a journey)
• ignoro [verb] (I do not know)

A related form of this Latin adjective appears in the expression “ calamus gladio fortior ” which means “ the pen is mightier than the sword ”.

• gradus [noun]
• donec [conjunction] (until)
• amitto [verb]
• praesidium [noun] (protection)
• existimo [verb]
• dono [verb]
• etsi [conjunction] (though)
• beneficium [noun] (benefit)
• irascor [verb] (I am angry)

This basic Latin word is the origin of the words “ fille ” in French, “ figlia ” in Italian, “ hija ” in Spanish, and “ filha ” in Portuguese.

• esse [verb]
• praebeo [verb]
• nescio [verb] (I do not know)
• potior [verb]
• ferrum [noun] (iron)
• prope [preposition] (near)
• quamquam [conjunction] (though)
• metus [noun] (fear)
• recte [adverb] (correctly)
• saeculum [noun]
• unusquisque [pronoun] (each one)
• antiquus [adjective] (ancient)
• timor [noun] (fear)
• cado [verb] (I fall)
• competo [verb]
• servus [noun] (a servant)
• interim [adverb] (in the meantime)
• color [noun] (color)
• initium [noun] (beginning)
• fugio [verb] (I flee)
• nobilis [adjective] (noble)
• inferus [adjective]
• spatium [noun] (space)
• paulus [adjective]
• inimicus [adjective]
• scriptura [noun] (a writing)
• rogo [verb]
• persequor [verb]
• dimitto [verb]
• fama [noun] (fame)
• meritum [noun] (merit)
• acies [noun]
• subeo [verb]
• postulo [verb]
• statuo [verb]
• sapiens [participle] (wise)
• necessarius [adjective]
• tribuo [verb]
• creditor [noun] (creditor)
• multum [adverb] (a lot)
• dos [noun] (gift)
• sacrificium [noun] (sacrifice)
• religio [noun]
• impleo [verb]
• naturalis [adjective]
• ecce [interjection]
• aperio [verb] (to uncover)
• actus [noun] (act)
• mensura [noun]
• episcopus [noun]
• defungor [verb]
• umquam [adverb] (ever)
• contingo [verb]
• vis [noun] (force)
• centum [numeral] (a hundred)
• exigo [verb] (I demand)
• sedeo [verb]
• iterum [adverb] (again)
• imago [noun] (image)
• condo [verb]

The Latin word “forum” is used in English. In Ancient Rome, this term referred to an outdoor public square. Nowadays, this term frequently refers to online forums, like Reddit.

• murus [noun]
• iussus [noun] (command)
• mortalis [adjective] (mortal)
• viam [noun]
• dignus [adjective] (worthy)
• consule [noun]
• propheta [noun] (prophet)
• laudo [verb]
• excipio [verb]
• aliquando [adverb] (sometimes)
• nuntio [verb]
• tanto [adjective]
• origo [noun]
• pietas [noun] (piety)
• disco [verb] (to learn)
• uero [adjective]
• Domino [proper noun]
• semen [noun] (seed)
• gigno [verb]

This Latin word resembles the Sanskrit word “vira”. Both Latin and Sanskrit are languages that derive from the Proto-Indo-European language. For more on this, see this comparison of Latin and Sanskrit .

• rego [verb] (I rule)
• denique [adverb] (finally)
• specto [verb]
• confiteor [verb] (I confess)
• abeo [verb]
• pugno [verb]
• taceo [verb] (I am silent)
• falsus [participle]
• affero [verb] (I bring)
• nondum [adverb] (not yet)
• lignum [noun]
• damnum [noun] (loss)
• consisto [verb]
• similitudo [noun] (likeness)
• parum [adverb]
• censeo [verb] (I think)
• soror [noun] (sister) The Latin word “soror” (which means “sister”) is the origin of the English word “sorority.” In the same way, the English word “fraternity” comes from the Latin term “frāter” (“brother”).
• uoco [verb]
• substantia [noun] (substance)
• magistro [verb]
• cedo [verb]
• profero [verb]
• descendo [verb] (to descend)
• ascendo [verb] (I go up)
• edo [verb] (I eat)
• instruo [verb]
• obligo [verb]
• crimen [noun]
• extra [preposition]
• impero [verb] (I command)
• dispono [verb]
• delinquo [verb]

This Latin word is the origin of the French word “femme” which also means “woman”.

• praetereo [verb]
• intro [verb]
• philosophus [noun] (philosopher)
• decedo [verb]
• huiusmodi [adverb]
• obtineo [verb]
• militia [noun]
• contrarius [adjective]
• fatum [noun] (fate)
• quinque [numeral] (five)
• numero [verb]
• civitatem [noun]
• campus [noun]
• illic [pronoun]
• perpetuus [adjective] (perpetual)
• repeto [verb]
• praeda [noun] (prey)
• percipio [verb] (I perceive)
• intellectus [noun] (understanding)
• Caesar [proper noun]
• integer [adjective] (complete)
• mando [verb]

This Latin word can be recognized as a root in the English word “culprit”.

• contraho [verb]
• loco [verb]
• animal [noun]
• regius [adjective]
• supero [verb]
• ii [pronoun]
• testis [noun] (witness)
• corrumpo [verb]
• furor [verb]
• tutor [noun] (guardian)
• incertus [adjective] (uncertain)
• coniungo [verb]
• quartus [numeral] (fourth)
• creatura [noun] (creature)
• velut [adverb] (as if)
• amplus [adjective] (large)
• admitto [verb]
• tempto [verb]
• aufero [verb]
• exspecto [verb]
• via [noun] (road)
• praefero [verb]
• quin [adverb]

The Latin term “gladiator” is derived from this word.

This Latin preposition can be recognized as a root in the English word “juxtaposition”.

• Christi [proper noun]
• capus [noun]
• lumen [noun] (light)
• damno [verb]
• resisto [verb]
• Romanis [proper noun]
• magister [noun] (teacher)
• pateo [verb]
• scelus [noun] (crime)
• creo [verb]
• civitates [noun]
• discedo [verb] (I leave)
• exhibeo [verb]

This is the Latin root of the English word mercenary .

This Latin word is the origin of the Italian word “lode”. As a Romance language, Italian derives from Latin, hence the similarities between Italian and Latin .

• consuetudo [noun] (a custom)
• quemadmodum [adverb] (how)
• diabolus [noun] (devil)
• regno [verb]
• concipio [verb]
• videri [verb]
• cupio [verb]
• civitate [noun]
• facultas [noun] (ability)
• nimius [adjective] (too much)
• habitus [participle]
• arbitror [verb]
• desidero [verb] (I miss)
• iungo [verb]
• sedes [noun] (seat)
• deficio [verb]
• convenit [verb]
• definio [verb] (I define)
• pauper [adjective] (poor)

This word appears in the famous Latin expression “ caveat emptor ”, which translates to “ let the buyer beware ”.

• cesso [verb]
• aequus [adjective] (equal)
• aestimo [verb]
• perdo [verb]
• fundo [verb]
• doctrina [noun] (teaching)
• comparo [verb]
• porta [noun] (gate)
• mora [noun] (delay)
• praefectus [noun] (commander)
• cibus [noun] (food)
• remitto [verb] (to remit)
• adhibeo [verb]
• male [adverb] (badly)
• ingens [adjective] (huge)
• dirigo [verb]

The Latin word dubius is the origin of the English word dubious .

• expedio [verb]
• oppono [verb] (I oppose)

This Latin adjective is the origin of the French adjective “modique”. As a Romance language, French comes from Latin, hence the similarities between French and Latin .

• praeceptum [noun] (precept)

This Latin word appears in the expression “ acta non verba ” which means “ deeds not words ”.

• interrogo [verb]
• socius [noun]
• senatum [noun]
• potentia [noun] (power)
• pario [verb]
• sors [noun] (lot)
• conficio [verb]
• fraus [noun] (fraud)
• adicio [verb]
• transfero [verb]
• puella [noun] (a girl)

This Latin word is the root of the English adjective “stellar”.

• tracto [verb]
• pariter [adverb]
• opinio [noun]
• cito [verb]
• incipio [verb] (I begin)
• demonstro [verb] (I show)
• facilis [adjective] (easy)
• facile [adverb] (easily)
• Christo [proper noun]
• misericordia [noun] (mercy)
• iulianus [adjective] (Julian)
• opprimo [verb]
• plebs [noun]

The Latin word “ arbor ” is the origin of the words “ arbre ” in French, “ albero ” in Italian, “ árbol ” in Spanish, and “ árvore ” in Portuguese.

• tribunus [noun]
• quomodo [adverb]
• fidelis [adjective] (faithful)
• viginti [numeral] (twenty)
• procurator [noun] (manager)
• nitor [verb]
• turba [noun] (crowd)
• differo [verb]
• cursus [noun]
• disciplina [noun] (training)
• honestus [adjective]
• exceptio [noun] (an exception)
• compono [verb]
• aliter [adverb] (otherwise)
• veluti [adverb]
• consulatus [noun] (consulship)
• impono [verb]
• diligenter [adverb] (carefully)
• conspectus [participle]
• utilis [adjective] (useful)
• custodio [verb] (guard)
• Romam [proper noun]
• sufficio [verb]

The Latin word “ profectus ” is the origin of the words “ profit ” in French, “ profitto ” in Italian, “ provecho ” in Spanish, and “ proveito ” in Portuguese.

• hora [noun]
• exeo [verb]
• coram [adverb]
• finio [verb] (I finish)
• quaestio [noun]
• fuga [noun] (flight)
• magnitudo [noun] (size)
• videlicet [adverb]
• lateo [verb]
• arbitrium [noun] (decision)
• vera [adjective]
• Christus [proper noun]
• noceo [verb]
• dolus [noun] (deceit)
• subito [participle]
• hodie [adverb] (today)
• habito [verb]
• effectus [noun] (result)
• rescribo [verb]
• hostis [noun] (the enemy)
• cumque [adverb]
• ecclesia [noun] (church)
• decerno [verb] (I decide)
• caedes [noun]
• quotiens [adverb]
• perfectus [participle] (perfect)
• pronuntio [verb]
• considero [verb] (I consider)
• epistula [noun]
• destino [verb]
• quies [noun]
• provinciae [noun]
• confirmo [verb]
• ictus [participle] (hit)
• Christum [proper noun]
• proficiscor [verb]
• tenebra [noun] (darkness)
• Caesaris [proper noun]
• praetorium [noun] (headquarters)
• saepius [adverb]
• testimonium [noun] (testimony)

This basic Latin adjective is the origin of the words “felice” in Italian and “feliz” in Spanish and Portuguese. It is also the root of the English term “felicity”.

• occurro [verb]
• cognitio [noun]
• caelestis [adjective] (celestial)
• voluntate [noun]
• utilitas [noun] (utility)
• intendo [verb]
• miror [verb]
• Romae [noun]
• stipulatio [noun] (stipulation)

This Latin verb is used in a famous Latin phrase attributed to Julius Caesar: “ Veni, vidi, vici ” which means “ I came, I saw, I conquered ”.

• antequam [conjunction] (before)
• odium [noun] (hatred)
• iaceo [verb]
• tego [verb] (I cover)
• profecto [adverb] (indeed)
• exitus [noun] (exit)
• vix [adverb] (hardly)
• durus [adjective] (hard)
• aedes [noun]
• cultus [noun]
• oleum [noun]
• adduco [verb]
• contendo [verb]
• tango [verb]
• congrego [verb]
• impedio [verb]
• septem [numeral] (seven)
• creator [noun] (creator)
• civitatis [noun]
• pecco [verb] (I sin)
• armo [verb] (arm)
• induco [verb]
• continuus [adjective] (continuous)
• mirus [adjective]
• debitor [noun] (debtor)
• insum [verb]
• careo [verb]
• quanto [adjective]
• primo [adverb] (first)
• penitus [adjective]
• tantummodo [adverb] (only)
• como [verb]
• desero [verb] (I leave)
• praemium [noun]

This Latin word is the root of the English word “orbit” which refers to a circular or elliptical recurring trajectory.

• excito [verb]
• expugno [verb]
• cogitatio [noun] (thought)
• impetro [verb]
• equis [pronoun]
• iuro [verb]

Philosophia is a word that the Latin language borrowed from Ancient Greek. Ancient Rome had its share of philosophers, including Marcus Aurelius and Seneca. It is hard to know if philosophy played as significant a role in ancient Rome as it did in ancient Greece, but it played enough of a role for this term to appear among the most common Latin words.

• adquiro [verb]
• accuso [verb]
• procul [adverb] (at a distance)
• occulo [verb]
• terminus [noun]
• societas [noun]
• servum [noun]
• vere [adverb]
• laboro [verb]
• vestra [adjective]
• edico [verb]
• rectus [participle] (straight)
• effundo [verb]
• praeterea [adverb] (moreover)
• instrumentum [noun]
• voce [noun]
• pendeo [verb]
• circulus [noun] (a circle)
• manifestus [adjective]
• expono [verb]
• sane [adverb]
• natio [noun] (nation)
• voluit [verb]
• nonnullus [adjective] (some)
• remaneo [verb]
• immo [adverb]
• certamen [noun] (struggle)
• orior [verb] (I rise)
• obsidio [noun] (siege)
• mas [noun] (male)
• Hierusalem [proper noun]
• interdico [verb]
• Romano [proper noun]
• legatio [noun]
• perduco [verb]
• monstro [verb]
• erro [verb]
• mille [numeral]
• colligo [verb]
• quare [adverb]
• proprie [adjective]
• prodeo [verb]
• tempero [verb]

This Latin word is the root of the English word “umbrella”.

• viris [noun]
• Italia [proper noun]
• flamma [noun] (flame)
• felicitas [noun] (happiness)
• pupillus [noun] (orphan)
• moneo [verb] (I advise)
• nonne [adverb]
• sacramentum [noun]
• simplex [adjective] (simple)
• Romanos [proper noun]
• pector [verb]
• possessor [noun] (possessor)
• decet [verb]
• neglego [verb]
• incido [verb]
• adoro [verb]
• suburbanus [adjective]
• testor [verb]
• obligatio [noun] (obligation)
• supplex [adjective]
• auro [verb]
• Romanorum [proper noun]
• idoneus [adjective] (suitable)
• olim [adverb] (once upon a time)
• reperio [verb] (I find)
• prudentia [noun] (prudence)
• divina [adjective]
• porro [adverb]
• indico [verb] (I indicate)
• extendo [verb] (I extend)

An inflected form of this adjective appears in the Latin expression “ persona non grata ” which literally means “ person not pleasing ” and which refers to an “ unwelcome person ”.

• fallo [verb]
• valde [adverb] (very)
• mandatum [noun] (command)
• requiro [verb]
• argumentum [noun] (argument)
• prex [noun]
• succedo [verb]
• triginta [numeral] (thirty)
• videntur [verb]
• discrimen [noun]
• emitto [verb]
• testator [noun]
• commendo [verb] (I recommend)
• experior [verb] (I try)
• paco [verb]
• celebro [verb]
• amnis [noun] (river)
• memoro [verb]
• tergo [verb]
• commodus [adjective] (comfortable)
• furtum [noun] (theft)
• interficio [verb]
• quiesco [verb] (I rest)
• praeparo [verb]
• videatur [verb]
• vitam [noun]
• sino [verb]
• matrimonium [noun] (marriage)
• Paulus [proper noun]
• exerceo [verb]
• spons [noun]
• momentum [noun]
• comedo [verb]
• excello [verb]
• comprehendo [verb]
• priusquam [conjunction] (before)
• praepono [verb]
• virtute [noun] (by virtue)
• impendo [verb]
• desino [verb]
• curia [noun] (court)
• poeta [noun] (poet)
• vestrum [pronoun]
• occasio [noun] (occasion)
• prosum [verb]
• consumo [verb] (I consume)
• penes [preposition]
• semel [adverb] (once)
• subicio [verb]
• munio [verb]
• rapio [verb]
• pontifex [noun]
• urbes [noun]
• oppugno [verb]
• circuitus [noun] (circuit)
• gaudeo [verb]
• Romanus [adjective]
• repens [participle] (crawling)
• subdo [verb]
• impetus [noun]
• turbo [noun]
• opinor [verb]
• duplex [adjective] (double)

The Latin word “latro” is the root of the English word “larceny” which is a synonym of “theft”.

• paternus [adjective] (paternal)
• protinus [adverb] (immediately)
• licentia [noun] (a license)
• respicio [verb]
• aequor [noun]
• principis [noun]
• adiungo [verb] (I add)
• argentum [noun] (silver)
• turpis [adjective] (ugly)
• condemno [verb] (I condemn)
• inclino [verb]
• ejus [pronoun]
• difficilis [adjective] (difficult)
• ciuitas [noun]
• titulus [noun]
• nimis [adverb] (too much)
• inanis [adjective] (empty)
• parco [verb]
• ordino [verb]
• virorum [noun]
• patro [verb]
• desiderium [noun] (desire)
• punio [verb]
• ripa [noun] (bank)
• animo [verb]
• pignus [noun] (pledge)
• ultro [adverb]
• nuptiae [noun] (marriage)
• clamo [verb]
• tempestas [noun] (weather)
• praemitto [verb]
• iniquus [adjective] (unjust)
• excedo [verb]
• separo [verb]
• vult [verb]
• memini [verb] (I remember)
• declino [verb] (decline)
• supplicium [noun]
• distinguo [verb] (I distinguish)
• minuo [verb] (reduce)
• plane [adverb] (clearly)
• sublimis [adjective]
• donum [noun] (gift)
• militaris [adjective]
• Italiam [proper noun]
• terror [noun] (terror)
• pondus [noun] (weight)
• terrenus [adjective] (earthly)
• sapio [verb]
• prae [adverb] (before)
• defensio [noun]
• universa [adjective]
• reficio [verb]
• frumentum [noun] (corn)
• agnosco [verb] (I recognize)
• orator [noun] (orator)
• cornus [noun]
• cerno [verb]
• defensor [noun]
• recedo [verb]
• educo [verb]
• Iudas [proper noun]

journey (n.)

c. 1200, "a defined course of traveling; one's path in life," from Old French journée "a day's length; day's work or travel" (12c.), from Vulgar Latin * diurnum "day," noun use of neuter of Latin diurnus "of one day" (from dies "day," from PIE root *dyeu- "to shine"). The French fem, suffix -ée , from Latin -ata , was joined to nouns in French to make nouns expressing the quantity contained in the original noun, and thus also relations of times ( soirée , matinée , année ) or objects produced.

Meaning "act of traveling by land or sea" is c. 1300. In Middle English it also meant "a day" (c. 1400); a day's work (mid-14c.); "distance traveled in one day" (mid-13c.), and as recently as Johnson (1755) the primary sense was still "the travel of a day." From the Vulgar Latin word also come Spanish jornada , Italian giornata .

journey (v.)

mid-14c., "travel from one place to another," from Anglo-French journeyer , Old French journoiier "work by day; go, walk, travel," from journée "a day's work or travel" (see journey (n.)). Related: Journeyed ; journeying .

Entries linking to journey

1570s, French, literally "good day," from bon "good," from Latin bonus "good" (see bonus ) + jour "day" (see journey (n.)).

from French plat du jour "dish of the day," which appeared from early 20c. on restaurant menus; abstracted as an all-purpose modifier by 1989. For jour "day" see journey (n.).

• See all related words ( 5 ) >

Trends of journey

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updated on October 13, 2021

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List of Commonly Used Latin Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Most of the words we use today are derived from Latin. So, why not understand how certain English words came about? Penlighten gives you information on the most commonly used roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and also chooses to give you their meanings for a better understanding. Have a read!

Long Live Latin!

Latin has given birth to many languages. The commonly used English words are mostly taken from Latin, almost 60% of the words. The use is made in all vast topics such as science, law, medicine, etc. Almost 80% of the scholarly English words are taken from Latin. Also, Latin is frequently used to write State or university mottos.

English is a language that draws its influence from so many languages with Latin being one of the most important contributors, as we said above. There is a deep, rich history explaining how it has influenced English. It all started in between the 6 th and 7 th century when the Christian missionaries got Latin religious terms to Britain. Also, Catholic monks wrote sacred text copies in Latin. Eventually, what happened was that, whenever they didn’t get a word in Old English, they would substitute it by Latin words. Such was the role of Latin in developing the foundation of the English language. Also, the influence of Latin, so to say, is lexical in nature, meaning most of the words are coined from Latin roots.

Elucidated below is a list of Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes that are very often put to use; words that we often use in our day-to-day conversations but probably aren’t aware of how they all originated and what do they mean. The following sections will help you in understanding the English language better.

LATIN ROOTS

Latin prefixes, latin suffixes.

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Learn how word sums combine to create English vocabulary.

Big Lig Ties

February 1, 2018

The Latin root lig and its variants li and ly mean “tie.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including lig ament, re li able and re ly . The root lig is easily recalled via the word ob lig ation, for an ob lig ation “ties” you to the doing of something.

Be No Longer Separated from "Se-"

January 15, 2018

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. A large number of English vocabulary words contain the prefix se- , which means “apart.” Examples using this prefix include se parate, se cret and se lect. An easy way to remember that the prefix se- means “apart” is through the word se cure, for when you feel se cure you are “apart” from worrying or undue care about something potentially troubling.

No Low Queue for Talking Now!

November 15, 2017

The Latin root loqu and its variant locut mean “speak.” These roots are the word origins of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including e loqu ent, loqu acious, e locut ion, and circum locut ion. The roots loqu and locut are easily recalled through the words soli loqu y, or a “talking” by oneself, and inter locut or, or a person with whom you are “talking” or conversing.

"Fort" Makes Your Vocabulary Strong!

November 1, 2017

The Latin root fort means “strong.” This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including ef fort , com fort , and fort e. The root fort is easily recalled via the word fort , for a “ fort ” is a “strong” building constructed so as to withstand enemy attack.

Dissect Words with Sect!

October 16, 2017

The Latin root sect means “cut.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including in sect , dis sect , and inter sect . The root sect is easily recalled via the word sect ion, for a sect ion is a “cut”-off piece of a larger whole.

Cultivate "Cult" and Grow Your Vocabulary!

September 30, 2017

The Latin root cult means “grow.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including cult ure, cult ivate and horti cult ure. The root cult is easily recalled via the word agri cult ure, for agri cult ure is the “growing” of plants via farming.

The Father Pattern "Patr"

September 1, 2017

The Latin root patr means “father.” This Latin root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including pater nity, patter n, and patr on. The root patr is easily recalled via the word patr iotic, as someone who is acting in a patr iotic fashion is supporting the "father"land.

"Anim" Animates Words

June 1, 2017

The Latin root anim means “mind” or “spirit.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including un anim ous, anim ated, and anim osity. The root anim is easily recalled via the word anim al, for an anim al is a living, moving creature and so contains a “spirit” and “mind.”

Mother Matr Does Matter

May 15, 2017

The Latin root matr means “mother.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including matr iarch, mater ial, and matter . The root matr is easily recalled via the word mater nal, for a woman who acts in a mater nal fashion is being “motherly.”

May Dur Be Hard and Durable

May 1, 2017

The Latin root dur means “hard.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including en dur e, dur ing, and dur ation. The root dur is easily recalled via the word en dur e, for if you can en dur e a trial, you are “hard” enough to withstand its challenges.

"Stat" Stands at the Ready!

April 14, 2017

The Latin root stat and its variant stit mean “stand.” This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including stat e, stat ue, con stit ution and super stit ion. The root stat is easily recalled via the word stat ionary or “standing” still, whereas stit can be recalled via in stit ute, to make something like an organization “stand” by creating it.

Go Get "It"!

March 31, 2017

The Latin root it means “go.” This Latin root is the word origin of and so “goes” through a number of English vocabulary words, including trans it , amb it ion, and in it ials. The root it is easily recalled via the word ex it , which is the part of the building where you “go” out.

Burst Open Words with "Rupt"

March 16, 2017

The Latin root rupt means “burst.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including dis rupt , rupt ure, and inter rupt . The root rupt is easily recalled via the word bank rupt , for if you’ve gone bank rupt your bank account has “burst,” spilling out all its contents and leaving you with no money!

Time Is "Temp"orary

February 28, 2017

The Latin root temp means “time.” This Latin root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including con temp orary, temp orary, and the Latin phrase temp us fugit. The root temp is easily recalled via the word temp o, as the temp o of a piece of music is the “timing” of it, that is, whether it goes at a fast or slow pace when played.

"Rule" the Root "Arch"

February 16, 2017

The Greek root arch means “rule.” This Greek root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including matri arch , patri arch , and olig arch y. The root arch is easily recalled via the word an arch y, which is a period of time in which there is no “rule” at all in a country.

Ag and Ig "Do" It All

February 1, 2017

The Latin root ag and its variant ig mean “do.” These roots are the word origins of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including ag ent, ag ile, lit ig ate, and cast ig ate. The roots ag and ig are easily recalled through the words ag enda, or things to be “done,” and nav ig ate, the “doing” or “driving” of a ship.

Actors Act or "Do" It!

January 15, 2017

The Latin root act means “do.” This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including act or, act ion, and act ive. The root act is easily recalled via the word act , for an act is something having been “done.”

What the "Fus" Is All About

January 1, 2017

The Latin root fus means “pour.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including fus ion, fus e, and con fus e. The root fus is easily recalled via the word re fus e, for to re fus e to do something asked of you is to “pour” the request right back to the person doing the requesting!

Err Not with "Err"

December 1, 2016

The Latin root word err means “wander” or “make a mistake,” which is a “wandering” from the correct answer. This Latin root is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including err ant and err atic. The root err is easily recalled via the word err or, which is a “wandering” from the right answer.

Run the Curr Course

November 15, 2016

The Latin root word curr means “run.” This Latin root is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words through which it “runs,” including curr ency, cur sor, and curr iculum. The root curr is easily recalled via an ocean curr ent, which “runs” by itself since it is surrounded by waters that are relatively still.

Working with "Labor"

November 1, 2016

The Latin root word labor means “work.” This Latin root is the word origin of a “working” number of English vocabulary words, including col labor ate, labor itself, and e labor ate. The root labor is easily recalled via the word labor atory, for that is where scientists do their “work.”

The Intensive Prefix "Ob-"

October 15, 2016

The prefix ob- , besides meaning “against” or “towards,” can also act as an intensive prefix. An intensive prefix can effectively be translated as “thoroughly” to highlight its emphatic function. The intensive nature of the prefix ob- shows up in such words as ob tuse and ob durate. An example to help remember this intensive prefix is the word ob tain, for when you ob tain something you “thoroughly” hold onto it.

Rogue Root "Rog" Fully Interrogated

October 1, 2016

The Latin root word rog means “ask.” This Latin root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including inter rog ate, ar rog ant, and pre rog ative. The root rog is easily recalled via the word inter rog ative, for an inter rog ative is a question word that “asks” a question, such as “who,” “what,” “how,” “why,” or “where.”

"Ob-" No Longer Against or Un"toward"

September 15, 2016

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix ob- usually means “against, in the way” or “towards.” An example of ob- when it means “towards” is the word ob ligation, or a tying of some duty “towards” you; in the case of ob- meaning “against” or “in the way,” the word ob stacle" refers to that which stands “against” you, “in the way” of proceeding from point A to point B.

A Writing Over and Upon Epi-

September 1, 2016

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix epi- , which means “over” or “upon,” appears in a good number of English vocabulary words, such as epi dermis and epi taph. You can remember that the prefix epi- means “upon” from the noun epi demic, which is a widespread disease that comes “upon” people; you can also recall that epi- means “over” via the word epi dermis, which is the outer skin that lies “over” lower layers of skin.

Breathe Easy with "Spir"

May 16, 2016

The Latin root word spir means “breathe.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including in spir e, re spir ation, and e xpir e. The root spir is easily recalled via the word per spir ation, that is, sweat in the act of “breathing” through the pores of your skin.

On a Roll with "Volv"

May 2, 2016

The Latin root word volv and its variants volut and volt mean “roll” or “turn round.” These roots are the word origins of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including re volv e, in vol ve, e volut ion, and re volt . The roots volv and volut are easily recalled through the words in volv e, or “roll” in, and re volut ion, or a “rolling” back against a current government or other system in power.

"Posit" Positively Positioned!

April 15, 2016

The Latin root word posit means “placed.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including op posit e, com posit ion, and posit itself. The Latin root word posit is easily recalled through the word posit ion, for a “ posit ion” is the way in which you find yourself “placed.”

Invoke Vocabulary

April 1, 2016

The Latin root word voc and its variant vok both mean “call.” These roots are the word origins of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including voc al, voc abulary, in vok e, and pro vok e. The roots voc and vok are easily recalled through the words voc al, of “calling,” and re vok e, to “call” back.

A Dialogue About "Dia-"

March 15, 2016

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. A fair number of English vocabulary words contain the prefix dia- , which means “across.” Examples using this prefix include dia logue, dia gonal, and dia betes. An easy way to remember that the prefix dia- means “across” is through the word dia meter, for the dia meter of a circle is the measurement “across” it.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

March 1, 2016

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix extra- , which means “outside,” appears in a fair number of English vocabulary words, such as extra , extra terrestrial, and extra ordinary. You can remember that the prefix extra- means “outside” from the adjective extra ordinary, which refers to something which is “outside” or beyond what is usually considered ordinary.

All Words Created with "Equ"

February 15, 2016

The Latin root word equ means “equal.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including ad equ ate, equ ator, and equ ality. The Latin root word equ is easily recalled through the word equ ation, for both sides of an equ ation are, by definition, “equal” to one another!

No Fiddling Around with Fid!

February 1, 2016

The Latin root word fid means “trust.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including con fid ent, fid elity, and per fid y. The Latin root word fid is easily recalled through the popular dog name “Fido,” whom his master can “trust” to be ever loyal.

Dis- Keeping Things Distant

January 1, 2016

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. A large number of English vocabulary words contain the prefix dis- , which means “apart.” Examples using this prefix include dis tant, dis ease, and dis qualify. An easy way to remember that the prefix dis- means “apart” is through the word dis order, for items which are dis ordered are “apart” from being “ordered,” hence are not ordered or are in quite the mess.

Thoroughly Perfect "Per-!"

December 15, 2015

The prefix per- , besides meaning “through,” can also act as an intensive prefix, adding emphasis to a given word’s root. An intensive prefix can be effectively translated as “thoroughly” or “very” to highlight its emphatic function. For instance, the prefix per- , such as in per fect, means to do something so “thoroughly” that nothing more can be done to it.

December 1, 2015

The Latin root word ego means “I.” This Latin root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including ego and ego tistical. The Latin root word ego is easily recalled through the English word ego —someone with a big ego is always thinking about number one, that is, himself, and how great he is.

The "Ge" Hypothesis

November 16, 2015

The Greek root word ge , commonly used in the English prefix geo- , means “earth.” This Greek root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including ge ology, ge ography, and ge ometry. The Greek root word ge is easily recalled through the English word ge ology, which is the study of the “earth.”

Terrific Terra

November 1, 2015

The Latin root word terr means “earth, land.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including terr ain, terr arium, and Medi terr anean. The Latin root word terr is easily recalled through the English word terr ain, for the terr ain of an area is what the “earth” or “land” is like there.

A New Perspective on "Per-"

October 15, 2015

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix per- , which means “through,” appears in hundreds of English vocabulary words, such as per ish and per son. You can remember that the prefix per- means “through” via the word per manent, for something that is per manent stays intact “through” the years.

plexweaveplexweaveplexweaveplexweaveplex

October 1, 2015

The Latin root word plex means “weave.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including com plex ity, per plex ed, and googol plex . The Latin root word plex is easily recalled through the word du plex , for a “du plex ” is a single building in which two living spaces have been “woven” together.

Spectacles Make the World Conspicuous!

September 15, 2015

The Latin root word spect and its variant spic both mean “see.” These roots are the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including spect ator, re spect , au spic ious and su spic ion. The root spect is easily recalled through the word spect acles, whose function is giving you the ability to “see,” and spic is con spic uous, or easily “seen” through, yes, con spic uous!

Give Yourself Credit

September 1, 2015

The Latin root word cred means “believe.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including cred it, cred o, and cred entials. The Latin root word cred is easily recalled through the English word in cred ible, for if something in cred ible happens it can hardly be “believed.”

Crazy "Crat" Creates Rulers

May 7, 2015

The Greek root word crat means “rule,” and the English suffix -cracy means “rule by.” This Greek root and suffix is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including the familiar terms demo crat and demo cracy . The Greek root word crat and suffix -cracy are easily recalled through these two English words, “demo cracy ” meaning “rule by” the people, and “demo crat ” being someone who specifically supports “rule” by the people.

Flowering Flor!

February 14, 2015

The Latin root word flor means “flower.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including flor ist, flor al, and Flor ida. The Latin root word flor is easily recalled through the word flor ist, for a “ flor ist” is the person who sells the “flowers” that people buy on major holidays, such as Valentine’s Day.

Happy Novel Year!

January 8, 2015

The Latin root word nov means “new.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including nov el, super nov a, and re nov ate. The Latin root word nov is easily recalled through the English word nov el, for a nov el experience is one that has never happened before and so is “new” to you.

The Influence of "Flu"

November 25, 2014

The Latin root word flu means “flow.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including flu , in flu ence, and flu id. The Latin root word flu is easily recalled through the English word flu id, for a flu id is a state of matter which, if not contained, “flows.”

Make Mort Deathless!

October 31, 2014

The Latin root word mort means “death.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including mort gage, mort uary, and im mort al. The Latin root word mort is easily recalled through the word mort al, for a “ mort al” is someone whom “death” will claim one day.

Non- Doesn't Do It

September 12, 2014

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix non- , which means “not,” appears in hundreds of English vocabulary words, such as non sense, non fat, and non returnable. You can remember that the prefix non- means “not” via the word non poisonous, for a substance that is non poisonous is “not” poisonous.

Verb's the Word

August 6, 2014

The Latin root word verb means “word.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including verb , ad verb , and pro verb . The Latin root word verb is easily recalled through the English word verb , for a verb is simply a “word” which tells what’s going on in a sentence, usually an action of some sort.

Ab-, Ab-, and Away!

July 11, 2014

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix ab- , which means “away,” appears in many English vocabulary words, such as ab sent, ab duct, and ab solute." You can remember that the prefix ab- means “away” via the word ab sent, for someone who is ab sent is “away” from a place, such as school or work.

Ante Up Before You Play!

June 9, 2014

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix ante- , which means “before,” appears in a fair number of English vocabulary words, such as ante bellum and ante date. You can remember that the prefix ante- means “before” from the poker term ante , which means to put money into the pot “before” each round of the poker game begins.

Have Your Fill of Anthropos

May 5, 2014

The Greek root word anthrop means “human.” This Greek word root is the origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including anthrop ology and anthrop omorphic. The Greek root word anthrop can be recalled through the word phil anthrop ist, for a “phil anthrop ist” is someone who etymologically “loves humans,” and so does all she or he can to help the “human” race via unselfish support.

Centr Central

April 4, 2014

The Latin root word centr means “center.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including centr al, ec centr ic, and con centr ate. The Latin root word centr is easily recalled through the word ego centr ic, for someone who is ego centr ic is someone whose own “center” or self is first and foremost, above all others.

I Am in Love with "Am"

March 5, 2014

The Latin root word am means “love.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including am ateur, am atory, and Am anda. The Latin root word am is easily recalled through the word am or, or “love,” which is not only both the Spanish and Latin words for “love,” but is often used in English to refer to Cupid, the god of “love” whom we see flying around on Valentine’s Day causing so much trouble!

Lock "Loc" in Place!

February 3, 2014

The Latin root word loc means “place.” This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including loc al and loc omotive. The word root loc is easily recalled through the word loc ation, for a “ loc ation” is simply a “place” where something or someone is.

Hun Dread No Longer

January 6, 2014

The Latin root word “cent” which means “one hundred” and the prefix centi- which means “one-hundredth” are both important morphemes in the English language. Some examples of words that derive from both this word root and prefix include per cent , cent , centi liter, and centi gram. An easy way to remember the root cent is through the word cent ury, which is a period of “one hundred” years; a centi meter on the other hand is “one-hundredth” of a meter.

Deduce Derivatives with De-!

February 13, 2013

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix de- , which means “off” or “from,” appears in hundreds of English vocabulary words, such as de jected, de duce, and de ficient. You can remember that the prefix de- means “from” or “off” via the word de scend, or to climb down “from” or “off” a height, such as a mountain.

Drive Your"self" Through Words with Auto-!

February 7, 2013

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The Greek prefix auto- means “self.” Good examples using the prefix auto- include auto motive and auto pilot. An easy way to remember that the prefix auto- means “self” is through the word auto biography, or the history of a person which is written by that person her"self."

Medi No Middling Vocab Medic!

January 16, 2013

The Latin root word medi means “middle.” This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including medi eval, medi ocre, and medi a. This Latin root word medi is easily recalled through the word med ium, for a “ med ium” temperature is right in the “middle” of being hot and cold.

Prim and Proper: First Things First!

January 8, 2013

The Latin root word prim which means “first” is an important contributor to the English language. This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English words, such as prim e, prim itive, and prim ate. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that prim means “first” is through the adjective prim ary, for a prim ary concern is “first” above all others.

A Multitude of "Multi-" Words

December 12, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix multi- means “many.” Examples using this prefix include multi vitamin and multi plication. An easy way to remember that the prefix multi- means “many” is to think about being super rich, for if you were a multi millionaire, you would have “many” millions of dollars!

A Posting After "Post-"

December 5, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix post- means “after.” Examples using this prefix include post game and post season. An easy way to remember that the prefix post- means “after” is through the word post pone, for when you post pone something, you put it on your agenda to do “after” the current time.

Motor Along with Mot!

November 26, 2012

The Latin root word mot means “move.” This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including mot ivation, re mot e, and e mot ion. The root word mot is easily recalled through the word mot ion, for mot ion is nothing but “moving” of some kind.

Solved by A Root Solution

October 24, 2012

The Latin root words solv and its variant solut both mean “loosen.” These Latin roots are the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including dis solv e, solv ent, ab solut e, and re solut ion. The Latin root solv is easily recalled through the word solv e, or the “loosening” or untying of a complex problem, whereas the word solut ion is that which has “loosened” or untied the knot of the problem.

Recycling That Circle--Again!

October 17, 2012

The Greek root word cycl means “circle.” This Greek root is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including uni cycl e, re cycl e, and Cycl ops. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that the Greek root word cycl means “circle” is through the word bi cycl e, which possesses two “circles” in the form of wheels.

Capit Is Heads Above!

October 2, 2012

The Latin root word capit means “head.” This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including capt ain and de capit ate. The root word capit is easily recalled through the word capit al, the “head” city of a state, such as Madison being the capit al of Wisconsin.

"Seeing" Provides Good Vision!

September 26, 2012

The Latin root words vis and its variant vid both mean “see.” These Latin roots are the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including vis ual, in vis ible, pro vid e, and e vid ence. The Latin root vis is easily recalled through the word vis ion, someone’s ability to “see,” whereas vid can be remembered through vid eo, or moving images which you “see” on a screen.

Not in Name Only!

June 22, 2012

The Greek root word onym means “name.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including syn onym and ant onym . The root onym is easily recalled through the word an onym ous, which refers to someone going around without a “name.”

Ad- Adds Up!

May 30, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix ad- means “to, towards.” Examples using this prefix include ad mit and ad just. An easy way to remember that the prefix ad- means “towards” is through the word ad vertise, for when you ad vertise you try to turn potential buyers “towards” the product you are selling.

Name Dropping No More

May 23, 2012

The Latin root word nom means “name.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including nom inee and de nom inator. The root nom is easily recalled through the word nom inate, which refers to someone being “named” to run for office.

A Truly Very Good Root!

May 16, 2012

The Latin root word ver means “truth” or “true.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including ver dict and ver acity. The root ver is easily recalled through the word ver y, for when something is ver y good, it’s “truly” good.

May 4, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The Greek prefix a- and its variant an- mean “not.” An easy way to remember that the prefix a- means “not” is through the word a political, which describes a person who is “not” inclined to favor politics. Someone who is an onymous is going around “not” having a name.

Son: Sounds Great!

April 25, 2012

The Latin root word son means “sound.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including son ar and son ata. The root son is easily recalled through the word son ic, for a son ic boom makes a deafening “sound.”

Lev Relieves!

April 19, 2012

The Latin root word lev means “light in weight.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including e lev ator and lev er. The root lev is easily recalled through the word lev itate: to make someone so “light” in weight that she can float above the ground.

Scribes Write Scripts

April 11, 2012

The Latin root word scrib and its variant script both mean “write.” These roots are the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including scrib e, de scrib e, post script , and manu script . The root scrib is easily recalled through the word scrib e, whose job is “writing,” and script , a “written” document.

Overly Hyper! Whoa!

April 4, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix hyper- means “over.” Examples using this prefix include hyper ventilate and hyper sensitive. An easy way to remember that the prefix hyper- means “over” is through the word hyper active, which describes a person who is “overly” active in some way.

No Hippo Under Hypo!

March 29, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The Greek prefix hypo- is an important morpheme of the English language. Examples using this prefix include hypo thermia and hypo critical. An easy way to remember that the prefix hypo- means “under” is through the adjective hypo dermic, which refers to going “under” the skin, especially when being given a shot.

Biannual? Biennial?

March 21, 2012

The Latin root word ann and its variant enn both mean “year.” These roots are the word origin of various English vocabulary words, including ann iversary and cent enn ial. The roots ann and enn are easily remembered through the words ann iversary, which is the turning of another “year,” and mill enn ium, a period of 1000 “years.”

Triple Threat

March 15, 2012

The English prefix tri- , derived from both Greek and Latin, means “three.” Some common English vocabulary words that contain this prefix include tri athlon, tri o, and tri angle. You can easily remember that the prefix tri- means “three” via the word tri cycle, which is a bicycle with “three” wheels instead of two that promotes stability for young riders.

Symply Synsational Together!

March 12, 2012

The English prefixes syn- along with its variant sym- , derived from Greek, mean “together.” You can remember syn- easily by thinking of syn onym, which is a word that goes “together” with another word because it has a similar meaning. You can remember sym- by thinking of sym phony, which is a group of instruments making sound “together.”

Manage Handy "Man"

March 6, 2012

The Latin root word man means “hand.” This root word is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including manu script, manu facture, and mani cure. An easy way to remember that man means “hand” is through the word manu al, an adjective which describes a task done by “hand.”

Double with Bi- and Di-!

February 29, 2012

The English prefixes bi- , derived from Latin, and its Greek variant di- both mean “two.” The Latin prefix is far more prevalent in common words, such as bi lingual, bi ceps, and bi ped; the more technical Greek di- appears in such words as di phthong and di lemma. You can remember bi- easily by thinking of bi cycle, which has “two” wheels, and di- by remembering that the “dioxide” of carbon di oxide means that there are “two” oxygen atoms in the molecule CO2.

Nothing Phony About Phon!

February 28, 2012

The Greek root word phon means “sound.” This word root is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including micro phon e, phon e, and sax ophone. An easy way to remember that phon means “sound” is through the word sym phon y, which is many instruments making a “sound” together.

Anticipate Anti-!

February 21, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The origin of the prefix anti- and its variant ant- is an ancient Greek word which meant “against” or “opposite.” These prefixes appear in numerous English vocabulary words, such as anti freeze, anti dote, ant onym, and ant acid. An easy way to remember that the prefix anti- means “opposite” or “against” is through the word anti social, for an anti social person is the “opposite” of being social, or is “against” being so in her everyday conduct.

Don't Hesitate over Her!

February 16, 2012

The Latin root word her and its variant hes both mean “stick.” These roots are the word origin of various English vocabulary words, including ad her e and ad hes ive. When glue ad her es to paper, it “sticks” to it, for glue is an ad hes ive which causes things to “stick” together.

Micro-: Not a "Small" Prefix

February 9, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The origin of the prefix micro- is an ancient Greek word which meant “small.” This prefix appears in no “small” number of English vocabulary words; micro phone, micro wave, and micro manager are a few noteworthy examples. An easy way to remember that the prefix micro- means “small” is through the word micro scope, an instrument which allows the viewer to see “small” living things.

Omega, Oh My!

February 6, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The origin of the prefix mega- is an ancient Greek word which meant “large.” This prefix appears in a somewhat “large” number of “large” English vocabulary words, such as mega phone, mega hit, and mega byte. An easy way to remember that the prefix mega- means “large” is through the word mega store, which is simply a store that is very “large” in floor area.

Poly- Wants Many Crackers!

February 2, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The origin of the prefix poly- is from an ancient Greek word which meant “many.” This prefix appears in, well, “many” English vocabulary words, such as poly syllabic, poly hedron, and Poly nesia. An easy way to remember that the prefix poly- means “many” is through the word poly gon, which is a geometric figure, such as a square or pentagon, that has “many” angles.

A Path Towards Feeling or Disease

January 30, 2012

The Greek root word path can mean either “feeling” or “disease.” This word root is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including sym path y, a path y, path ological, and socio path . An easy way to remember these different meanings is that a sym path etic person “feels” pain with another, whereas a psycho path does twisted things because he has a “diseased” mind.

Mono a Mono

January 26, 2012

The prefix mono- and its variant mon- , which both mean “one,” are important prefixes in the English language. For instance, the prefix mono- gave rise to the words mono logue and mono tonous, whereas we find its variant mon- in words such as mon archy and mon k. A mon archy, for instance, is rule by “one,” whereas a mono syllabic word only has “one” syllable.

One at a Time

January 23, 2012

The prefix uni- which means “one” is an important prefix in the English language. For instance, the prefix uni- gave rise to the words uni cycle, uni form, and uni son. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that uni- means “one” is through the word uni corn, or mythological horse that had “one” horn.

No Opposition Against Contra

January 19, 2012

The prefix contra- and its variant counter- mean “opposite” or “against.” For instance, the prefix contra- gave rise to the words contra dict and contra st, whereas the variant spelling counter- gave rise to counter act and counter feit. To contra dict someone is to speak “against” what she is saying, whereas a counter clockwise direction is “opposite” of the normal way a clock’s hands usually run.

Propel Vocab Forward with Pro

January 17, 2012

The prefix pro- primarily means “forward” but can also mean “for.” Some words that the prefix pro- gave rise to are pro mise, pro , and pro mote. When you, for instance, make pro gress, you are stepping “forward,” whereas if you give the pro s in an argument, you are speaking “for” something by stating its advantages.

Words from Literary History

January 12, 2012

Eponyms play a smaller role than Latin and Greek root words in forming English vocabulary, but nevertheless are important for learning the word origins of English vocabulary. An eponym is an English word that is derived from a name, such as that of a person or place. Today we will explore three eponyms derived from the history of literature: serendipity , braggadocio , and bowdlerize .

Round and Round in Circles

January 9, 2012

The prefix circum- which means “around” and the Latin root word circ which mean “ring” both are influential in making up English words. For instance, the prefix circum- gave rise to the words circum ference and circum stances, whereas the root circ gave rise to circ le and circ ulation. Clearly a circum ference is the bearing “around” a circle, whereas a circ le itself is in the form of a “ring.”

Superman Surpasses All Superheroes

January 6, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix super- and its variant sur- mean “over.” Examples using this prefix include super ior, super vise, sur name, and sur face. An easy way to remember that the prefix super- means “over” is through the comic book hero Super man, who is the man “over” all other men in terms of physical power.

Undertake the Sub Prefix Subway

January 3, 2012

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix sub- , with its variants which all begin with su- , is a prolific part of the English language. Examples using this prefix include sub way, suf fer, sup ply, and sug gest. An easy way to remember that the prefix sub- means “under” is through the word sub marine, or a vehicle that travels “under” the sea.

Pedal to the Podiatrist

December 20, 2011

The Latin root word ped and its Greek counterpart pod both mean “foot.” These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including ped al centi ped e, pod ium, and pod iatrist. Humans, for instance, are bi ped al because they walk on two “feet,” whereas a tri pod is a stand for a camera that has three “feet.”

Hang On and Weigh In!

December 13, 2011

The Latin root word pend and its variant pens both mean “hang” or “weigh.” These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including pend , pend ant, sus pens e, and ex pens ive. An easy way to remember these different meanings is that a pend ant “hangs” from your neck, whereas you have to “weigh” out a lot of money if something is ex pens ive.

Etymology: Word Origins

December 9, 2011

Etymology is that part of linguistics that studies word origins. English vocabulary words are formed from many different sources, especially Latin and Greek. By determining the origins of the morphemes in English words, one is better able to remember and determine the dictionary definitions of words.

Intensive Prefixes "E-" and "Ex-"

December 6, 2011

The prefixes e- and ex- , besides meaning “out,” can also act as intensive prefixes. These prefixes can effectively be translated as “thoroughly” to highlight their intensive function. For instance, the prefix e- , such as in e lude, means to “thoroughly” avoid someone, whereas the intensive prefix ex- in ex claim means to “thoroughly” shout out.

Don't "X" Out "Ex!"

December 1, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix ex- , with its variants e- and ec- , mean “out.” Examples using this prefix include ex ceed, e ject, and ec centric. An easy way to remember that the prefix ex- means “out” is through the word ex it, for when you ex it a room, you go “out” of it.

"Magn" the Magnificent

November 29, 2011

The Latin root word magn means “great.” This root word is the origin of numerous English vocabulary words, including magn ificent, magn itude, and magn animous. An easy way to remember that magn means “great” is through the word magn ifying glass, which makes something small “great” in size.

Inter- Arresting

November 22, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix inter- means “between.” This prefix appears in numerous English vocabulary words, such as Inter net, inter esting, and inter view. An easy way to remember that the prefix inter- means “between” is through the word inter national, for inter national competitions occur “between” nations.

Take the "Trans" Train

November 18, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary. The prefix trans- and its variant tra- , which mean “across,” appear in many English vocabulary words, for example: trans mit, trans form, and tra jectory. Consider the word trans lation, which is the carrying “across” from one language into another.

Recapping the Year

November 15, 2011

Today we’re celebrating our 50th rootcast. Hooray! We’ll re-cap (or “take again”) some of the highlights of Word Root Of The Day rootcasts, and summarize what we’ve learned.

Don't Shut Down "Clud"

November 8, 2011

The Latin root word clud and its variants clus and clos all mean “shut.” These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including ex clud e, ex clus ive, and clos et. When you in clud e someone, you “shut” him in, thus performing the act of in clus ion, thereby clos ing or “shutting” him into your group.

Grad Steps on the Gress

November 4, 2011

The Latin root word grad and its variant gress both mean “step.” These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including grad uate, grad ual, ag gress ive, and e gress . When you grad uate, you are ready for the next “step” in your education; likewise, when you make a great deal of pro gress , you have “stepped” forward.

"Pre-": The Prefix of Prefixes

November 1, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix pre- , which means “before,” appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: pre dict, pre vent, and pre fix! An easy way to remember that the prefix pre- means “before” is through the word pre vent, for when you come “before” something else to stop it from happening, you pre vent it.

Moving the Ced Procession

October 28, 2011

When studying root words, there are often spelling variants to a primary root word. The root word ced : “go,” for instance, present in the words pre ced e and re ced e, has variant spellings of cess and ceed . Examples pro ceed ing from these variant spellings, all of which mean “go” as well, are ex cess and ex ceed .

October 25, 2011

The Latin root word ced means “go.” This root is the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including ac ced e, se ced e, and re ced e. An easy way to remember this root word is by the word pre ced e, for when one thing pre ced es another, it “goes” before it.

Sid Sits with Sed

October 21, 2011

The Latin root word sid and its variant sed both mean “sit.” These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including sed ative, sed iment, pre sid ent, and re sid e. For instance, a re sid ence is a place where its re sid ents are able to “sit” back; a sed entary person likes to “sit” around a lot instead of being active.

The Fascinating Parts of Words

October 18, 2011

Morphology is the study of how words are put together by using morphemes, which include prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Parsing the different morphemes in a word reveals meaning and part of speech. For instance, the word “invention” includes the prefix in- + the root vent + the suffix -ion , from which is formed the noun “invention.”

Intense Prefixes

October 14, 2011

Some prefixes highly emphasize roots of words to which they are attached. These prefixes can effectively be translated as “thoroughly” to highlight their intensive function. For instance, the prefix re- , which can mean “back” or “again,” can also mean “thoroughly,” such as in the word re splendent, or “thoroughly” shining or bright.

TheRE and Back Again

October 11, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix re- , which means “back” or “again,” appears in hundreds of English vocabulary words, for example: re ject, re generate, and re vert. You can remember that the prefix re- means “back” via the word re turn, or turn “back;” to remember that re- means “again” consider re arrange, or arrange “again.”

October 6, 2011

The Latin root word mal means “bad” or “evil.” This root is the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including mal formed, mal treat, and mal ice. You can recall that mal means “bad” through mal function, or a “badly” working part, and that it means “evil” through mal ice, or intentional “evil” done to another.

Eponyms from Ancient Greece

October 4, 2011

Words from which eponyms derive play a smaller role than Latin and Greek root words in forming English vocabulary, but nevertheless are important for learning the word origins of English vocabulary. An eponym is an English word that is derived from a name, such as that of a person or place. Today we will explore three eponyms from the history of ancient Greece: Pyrrhic , spartan , and epicurean .

Vent No More with Ven

September 30, 2011

The Latin root word ven and its variant vent both mean “come.” These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including pre vent , in vent , ven ue, and con ven ient. When you in vent something, for instance, you “come” upon it for the first time, whereas a ven ue is a place to which people “come,” often for an e vent .

Hold the Spelling Variants of "Ten" in Mind

September 27, 2011

When studying root words, there are often spelling variants to a primary root word. The root word ten : “hold,” for instance, present in the words ten ant and main ten ance, has variant spellings of tin , tain , and tent . Examples con tain ing these variant spellings, all of which mean “hold” as well, are con tin ue, abs tain , and tent ative.

Hold a Perfect "Ten"

September 23, 2011

The Latin root word ten means “hold.” This root is the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including main ten ance, ten or, and ten acious. Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the English noun ten ant, for a ten ant “holds” the lease of the property where she lives.

Different Spellings of the Prefix "Con-"

September 20, 2011

Prefixes often undergo spelling changes depending upon the stem, or main part of the word, to which they are affixed. The prefix con- , for example, can exist in the following forms: co- , col- , com- , and cor- . Examples of words containing such forms include co operate, col laborate, com panion, and cor rect.

Thoroughly Together With "Con-"

September 15, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix con- , which means “with” or “thoroughly,” appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: con nect, con sensus, and con clude. An easy way to remember that the prefix con means “with” is through the word con nect, or join “with.” A way to remember that it means “thoroughly” is through con clude, or “thoroughly” close a matter.

Eponyms from Literature

September 9, 2011

Words from which eponyms derive play a smaller role than Latin and Greek root words in forming English vocabulary, but nevertheless are important for learning the word origins of English vocabulary. An eponym is an English word that is derived from a name, such as that of a person or place. Today we will explore three eponyms from literature: malapropism , stentorian , and Machiavellian .

Take the Variants of "Cept" into Consideration

September 6, 2011

When studying root words, there are often numerous variants to a primary root word. The primary root word cept : “taken,” for instance, present in the words con cept and in cept ion, has variant spellings of cap , cip , and ceiv . Examples containing these variant spellings, all of which mean “take” as well, are cap able, re cip ient, and re ceiv e.

Accept No Exceptions!

September 2, 2011

The Latin root word cept means “taken.” This root word gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including de cept ion, con cept , and ex cept . Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the word ac cept , for when you have ac cept ed something, you have “taken” it towards yourself.

Different Spellings of the Prefix "In"

August 30, 2011

Prefixes often undergo spelling changes depending upon the stem to which they are affixed. The prefix in , for example, can exist in the following forms: il , im , in , ir , and ig . Examples of words containing such forms include il legal, im bibe, in nate, ir regular, and ig noble.

Plowing the Roots Field with "Tract"or

August 23, 2011

The Latin root word tract means “drag” or “pull.” This root word gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including at tract ion, sub tract , and con tract . Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the English word tract or, for a tract or’s main function is to “drag” or “pull” heavy equipment.

Prefixes and the Prefix "In"

August 19, 2011

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary. The prefix in , which means “in, on, or not,” appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: in ject, in flux, and in sane. Prefixes do tend to have different meanings, which can be divined by context, common sense, and the process of elimination.

Reverse Versus Obverse

August 16, 2011

The Latin root word vers means “turned.” This root gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including re vers e, vers ion, and con vers ation. Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the English word anni vers ary, a calendrical marker that yet another year has “turned.”

Quixotic, Gargantuan Leviathan!

August 12, 2011

Words from which eponyms derive play a smaller role than Latin and Greek root words in forming English vocabulary, but nevertheless are important for learning the word origins of English vocabulary. An eponym is an English word that is derived from a name, such as that of a person or place. Today we will explore the eponyms quixotic , gargantuan , and leviathan .

Sail into "Port"

August 9, 2011

The im port ant Latin root word port means ‘carry.’ Some common English words that use this root include im port , ex port , de port , and re port . An easy way to remember this word root is through the word port able, which is something that is easily ‘carried’ from one place to another.

Sensational 'Sens' & 'Sent'

August 5, 2011

The Latin root sent and its variant form sens mean to ‘feel.’ Some common English words that come from these two roots include sens ation, sens ible, re sent , and con sent . Remember that when you sens e something you ‘feel’ it, and when you are being sent imental, your ‘feelings’ take precedence over anything else.

The Final Word

August 1, 2011

The Latin root word fin means an ‘end,’ as in a ‘boundary’ or ‘limit.’ Some common English vocabulary words that come from this Latin root word include fin al, fin ish, and de fin ition. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that this root word means ‘end’ is through the word in fin ite, since something in fin ite has no ‘end!’

Prefix Assimilation: Mangled Letters

July 29, 2011

Common prefixes like in- and con- sometimes change their form in English words. The prefix roots in combine , collate and corrupt are all con- . Likewise the prefix roots in illegal and irregular are in- . This disguising of prefix roots is called prefix assimilation .

'Vert' Convert

July 22, 2011

The Latin root word vert means ‘turn.’ This root gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including vert ical, re vert , and con vert . This root word can keep your word sense right-side up instead of in vert ing it by ‘turning’ you upside-down.

Dictionaries Say It All!

July 19, 2011

The Latin root word dict and its variant dic both mean ‘say.’ Some common English vocabulary words that come from this word root include dict ionary, contra dict , and de dic ate. Perhaps the easiest way in which to remember this root is the word pre dict ion, for a pre dict ion is ‘said’ before something actually happens.

'Fect': Done to Perfection

July 15, 2011

The English word root fect comes from a Latin verb meaning ‘make’ or ‘do.’ Some common English words that come from fect include in fect , per fect , and de fect . A way to per fect ly remember fect is that something per fect is so well ‘done’ that it cannot be ‘made’ any better.

July 12, 2011

The Greek root word log means ‘word,’ and its variant suffix -logy means ‘study (of).’ Some common English words that use this root include bio logy , mytho logy , cata log , and pro log ue. Bio logy , of course, is the ‘study’ of life, whereas a pro log ue constitutes the ‘words’ spoken to introduce a poem or novel.

Living with 'Bio'

July 8, 2011

The Greek root word bio means ‘life.’ Some common English vocabulary words that come from this root word include bio logical, bio graphy, and amphi bi an. One easy word that is helpful in remembering bio is bio logy, or the study of ‘life.’

'Fact' the Word Factory

July 5, 2011

It’s a fact that the Latin root word fact has ‘made’ many words in English; in point of fact , it even means ‘made’ or ‘done.’ Some common English words that come from fact include manu fact ure, arti fact , and satis fact ion. A very easy way to remember fact is the original idea behind the word fact ory, which is a place where products are ‘made.’

Into the Fold

July 1, 2011

The English stem plic comes from a Latin root word meaning ‘fold.’ Some common English words that come from this word root include ap plic ation, multi plic ation, and re plic ate. Perhaps the easiest way to remember plic is through the word du plic ate, or to ‘fold’ twice, thus making two things.

Don't make this more dif'fic'ult than it should be.

June 28, 2011

The Latin root word fic means to ‘make.’ A good number of common English vocabulary words come from this root, including magni fic ent, dif fic ult, and arti fic ial. One easy word that is helpful in remembering fic is ef fic ient, for ef fic ient people are able to ‘make’ things happen.

Carry That Lat(te) over Here!

June 24, 2011

It’s time to consider the re lat ive importance of the Latin word root lat which means to ‘carry.’ Two common English words that come from this root include re lat ionship and legis lat e. Perhaps you can most re lat e to this root word, or ‘carry’ yourself back to it, with the word re lat e itself.

Dukes of 'Duc'

June 21, 2011

The Latin root words duc and duct mean to ‘lead.’ Some common English vocabulary words that come from this root word include e duc ate, re duc e, pro duc e, and pro duct . Perhaps the best way to remember this root word is to think of someone who is e duc ated, or has been ‘led’ forth into knowledge.

Carry Me Fer(ry)!

June 17, 2011

Just like a ferry carries people across the water, so too does the Latin word root fer mean to ‘carry.’ Many dif fer ent words come from fer , including pre fer , re fer , and con fer ence. Perhaps the easiest way to help remember this root word is when you trans fer money, or ‘carry’ across funds from one bank account to another.

'Ject' is Not a Word Reject!

June 14, 2011

The Latin word root ject means ‘throw.’ Many common words are ‘thrown’ about each day which use this root, including e ject , re ject , ob ject , and pro ject or. Perhaps a pointed way to help remember this word is when you receive an in ject ion, which is a shot ‘thrown’ into your body.

Graphic Writing

June 10, 2011

You’ve seen the graph root, which means ‘to write,’ written everywhere. From geo graph y classes to math graph paper to English para graph s, this root presents itself in many, many forms. Take a look at the graph ic of the graph tree, and read on with the writing below!

Chronos, the God of What?

June 7, 2011

The day-to-day cycle of time is something we become aware of before we even go to school. Every student should know that chron is the Greek root for ‘time.’ From the chron ometer to chron icling our lives, humankind is fascinated by ‘time.’ Let’s take a few minutes and get ‘in sync’ with this root word.

Mighty Morph

June 3, 2011

The root word morph comes from a Greek word meaning ‘shape.’ Ever heard of the ‘Mighty Morp hin Power Rangers’? When they are ‘ morph in’ they are changing ‘shape.’ Let’s stay in good academic ‘shape’ and take a look at the intellectual words that derive from this root.

Mental Cogs Cognition

May 31, 2011

A Latin word meaning ‘to learn’ gives rise to the English word root cogn . Primarily because of French, the root conn also comes from this root. A readily re cogn izable word that comes to mind which uses this root, is, well, re cogn ize! What else can we acquaint you with to help you ‘learn’ this root?

Keep in Word Shape Using Good Verbal Form

May 27, 2011

The root form, which means ‘shape,’ gives us a number of words that are used every day, including re form , in form ation, de form ed, and form . To ‘form," for instance, is simply ’to shape,’ whereas to re form is merely to ‘shape again.’ To keep you in verbal “shape,” let’s take a look at the way some other words are form ed!

On a Mission

May 24, 2011

The English root mit comes from a Latin word that means ‘to send.’ Mit also shows up as miss in many words, so be on the lookout! Some common words from this root include e mit , miss ion, and dis miss . So as not to o mit any knowledge, we have sub mit ted this post to explain it all.

Of Popes and Tricky Pipes

May 20, 2011

The root words fall and fals come from a Latin word that means to ‘trick.’ Some common words derived from this root word are fals e and faul t. Watch out for the ‘tricks’ this root can play, for the word fau cet (tap) is also derived from this root word, and you’ll probably be surprised to learn why.

Chop-chop, Cut-cut

May 17, 2011

Cis and its variants cid and -cide come from a Latin root which means both ‘cut’ and ‘kill.’ Some common words derived from this root include de cid e, de cis ion, and sui cide . Perhaps the best way to remember this root is by thinking of s cis sors — a scissor cuts

Fascinated by Love?

May 13, 2011

The root word phil comes from a Greek verb meaning to love . Some common words derived from phil are phil osopher, phil anthropist, and biblio phil e. Note that phil can begin the word as in phil osopher, or end it as in biblio phil e. But wherever it occurs you can be assured that phil has something to do with love .

Differentiated vocabulary for your students is just a click away.

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Learn and Grow

50 Latin Roots That Will Help You Understand the English Language

By Caitriona Maria

June 24, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my  disclosure.

The English language contains over one million words, most of which the average speaker will never even know. Stacker identified the 50 most important Latin roots to help English speakers better comprehend the extensive English lexicon.

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50 latin roots that will help you understand the english language.

Anyone who has ever studied a stack of GRE vocabulary words or invested in a word-a-day calendar to try to expand their lexicon can attest to the fact that the English language is incredibly expansive. Data has shown that the average adult knows somewhere around 40,000 words in total, and that includes active (i.e., regularly used) and passive (i.e., familiar, but not utilized) vocabulary. Put that number up against the more than one million total words in the English language, and it becomes clear that the percentage of terms in English speakers’ everyday rotation is only a small fraction of the English language as a whole.

Looking at the sheer volume of the English vocabulary, one thing that helps make sense of the words is the notable patterns that emerge in light of its etymological roots; particularly, its Latin roots. Though Latin itself has often been referred to as a dead language, it is very much alive in the 80% of English terms that are borrowed directly from the ancient language and the over 60% of English words that have roots in Latin and Greek. In the same way that a new reader may try to sound out a word phonetically, looking at English through the lens of Latin etymology allows us to obtain a new grasp on the language, such that we can more actively deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words. This is the secret behind amazing spellers at the Bee!

You may also be interested in: 15 Best Online English Courses Free & Paid (2022)

To identify key linguistic elements from Latin that appear throughout the English language today, Stacker sorted through educational resources and online databases and compiled a list of 50 important Latin roots that shape the English language as we know it. Read on to get a better understanding of how some of the words you use regularly—and a few perhaps you’ve never seen before—all share a common foundation in Latin.

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– Meaning in English: Yearly

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– Meaning in English: Water, sea

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– Meaning in English: Hearing, listening, sound

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– Meaning in English: Good

Derived from a Latin term meaning “well,” bene is most commonly used as a prefix in the English language. The word benign means harmless or favorable, and in pathology is used to describe a condition that is not life-threatening. A benefit is something that is considered favorable or advantageous, and the term can also be used to describe a charitable event. A benefactor gives help to a person or a cause. Perhaps the most famous example of a benefactor is Miss Havisham from “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens.

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– Meaning in English: Two

The Latin prefix “bi” means two, as does the closely related, Greek-derived prefix “di.” A bifurcation describes the act of something splitting off into two distinct branches. In anatomy, the bicep is a muscle of the arm that runs between the shoulder and the elbow, so-named because it splits off into two branches where the muscle connects at the scapula. The word bicep translates to “two-headed muscle of the arm.”

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– Meaning in English: Book

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– Meaning in English: Hundred

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– Meaning in English: Around

The Latin root “circum”—meaning “around”—appears in terms like “circumnavigate,” which is the act of traveling all the way around something. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan is remembered for successfully circumnavigating the globe in the early 16th century. This root also appears in terms like “circumvent,” which describes the act of getting around a problem, and “circumstance,” which pairs this root with another Latin root—“stance,” meaning “stand”—to reference a situation that focuses on a core cause.

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– Meaning in English: Citizen

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– Meaning in English: Clear

The term “clarity”—which comes from the Latin root “clar,” meaning “clear”—is the property of being both pure and clean, as well as being lucid and coherent. The root has seen a variety of modern uses alluding to its Latin translation, including the brand Clarisonic, a beauty company that develops products meant to provide clearer-looking skin, and Claritin, an allergy medication that promises clarity and relief from chronic allergies.

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– Meaning in English: Believe

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– Meaning in English: Say/speak

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– Meaning in English: Out

– Meaning in English: Break

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– Meaning in English: Between

The premise of the film “Interstellar” starring Matthew McConaughey is that a NASA physicist travels the universe via a wormhole in a quest to find a new home for mankind. The plot––and the flick’s title––reference the Latin root “inter,” meaning “between,” as McConaughey’s character essentially travels between cosmic stars. This root also appears in terms like international, which may refer to travel or political relations between nations, and interpersonal, which may refer to communication happening between different people (as opposed to intrapersonal, which uses the Latin root meaning “within”).

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– Meaning in English: Law

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– Meaning in English: Not tense

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– Meaning in English: Free

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– Meaning in English: Light

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– Meaning in English: Big, great

The Latin root “magn,” meaning “big” or “great,” can be used either in reference to something physically large in size or something that big in its presence, such that it’s striking. In regular use today, the root appears in words like magnificent, which simply refers to something that’s amazing or awe-inspiring, and magnitude, which is used to characterize the large size or impact of something (e.g., a 3.2 magnitude earthquake).

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– Meaning in English: Bad

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– Meaning in English: Wander

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– Meaning in English: Many

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– Meaning in English: Say no

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– Meaning in English: Not

When something is described as nonsensical, it means that it doesn’t make sense. When something or someone is characterized as noncommittal, it means that they won’t commit . These words—along with others that include “non” as a prefix—pull from the Latin root’s definition meaning “not.” It’s important to keep in mind that the line between “non” and “un” can get a little troublesome when navigating common vocabulary. For example, while unprofessional refers to behavior that isn’t professional, nonprofessional refers to lines of work that don’t require professional training.

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– Meaning in English: New

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– Meaning in English: Egg

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– Meaning in English: Before

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– Meaning in English: First

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– Meaning in English: Nearness

When one makes an approximation of something, they’re making an educated guess about the count, measurement, or quantity of something based on information that allows them to come close—though maybe not exact—to the correct value. This word, along with others like proximity or proximal, comes from the Latin root “proxim,” meaning nearness.

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– Meaning in English: Seek

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– Meaning in English: Again, backward

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– Meaning in English: Backward, behind

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– Meaning in English: Healthy

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– Meaning in English: Know

The Latin root “sci” (meaning “know”) has a few different roles in English. For one, it can refer to the actual act of knowing things, as is the case with terms like omniscience (meaning all-knowing), conscience (knowing right from wrong), and prescience (knowing things before they happen). Beyond that, “sci” also ties into the accumulation of knowledge, as it is a key root in the term science and is thus connected to all scientific branches (formal, natural, and social sciences).

– Meaning in English: Write

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– Meaning in English: Half

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– Meaning in English: Feel

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– Meaning in English: Group

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– Meaning in English: Alone

While social networks bring people together—even if only virtually—togetherness isn’t always the name of the game. “Sol,” the Latin root for “alone,” is also a big player in the English language, and is used in words that refer to loneliness or lack of connection. For example, solitude and isolation are two words that pull from the root, as is the name for Solitaire, the computer card game meant to be played solo.

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– Meaning in English: Under

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– Meaning in English: Rise

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– Meaning in English: Time

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– Meaning in English: Witness

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– Meaning in English: Across

English terms that include the root “trans” are generally referring to something that has traversed a physical or imaginary border in some way. For example, the first trans-Atlantic flight was completed in 1919 by Charles Lindbergh when he spent 34 hours traveling from New York to Paris. A common use of the root is also in reference to transgender individuals, whose gender identity does not align with their birth sex.

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– Meaning in English: Empty

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– Meaning in English: True

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– Meaning in English: See, visual

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– Meaning in English: One

This root, meaning “one,” is incredibly prevalent throughout the English language. It appears in a wide range of words, including unicorn (a one-horned mythical horse), unity (one entity), uniform (one outfit), unicycle (one-wheeled bike), and unibrow (one eyebrow).

This article originally appeared on  Stacker.com.  The article has been re-published pursuant to a  CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.

Do You Know These 50 Terms About The English Language?

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