Root Word

ROOTS WITH MEANINGS (BACK)

Have you ever noticed that many words contain "act" or "form," such as action, activity, conform, or information? Well, that's because those are root words. Get a clear definition of what a root word is, along with several root word examples you can find in the English language.

WHAT IS A ROOT WORD?

A root word is a word or word part that forms the basis of new words through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. In traditional root words, these words come from Latin and Greek, and typically do not stand alone as a complete word. Understanding the meanings of common roots can help you work out the meanings of new words as you encounter them.

Many of the words we use in our daily language come from a root word. Once you pull off any prefixes or suffixes, the root is usually what remains.

For example, “egoist” has a root word of “ego” plus the suffix -ist. “Acting” has the root word “act” and -ing is merely the suffix.

The word uncomfortable and remove the prefix un- and the suffix -able, you would be left with the root of "comfort." While this isn't a Greek or Latin root word, it is the furthest that the word can be broken down.

Root Words from the Greek Language
Root Words	Meaning	Examples
meter/metr	measure	thermometer, perimeter
tele	far off	television, telephone
therm	heat	thermal, thermometer
techno	art; science; skill	technique, technological
photo/phos	light	photograph, phosphorous
phon	sound	phone
hydr	water	hydration
micro	small	microbe, microscope
bio	life	biology, biography

 

English Root Words From the Latin Language
Root Words	Meaning	Examples
aqua	water	aquarium, aquamarine
circum	around	circumference, circumstance
cent	one hundred	century, percent
form	shape	conform, reform
dict	to say	dictation, dictator
multi	many	multimedia, multiple
fac	to do; to make	factory, manufacture
aud	to hear	audience, audition