List 19
Latin Root Word: Am, Amor = Love, Liking, Friendliness
Amateur (noun)-practicing an art, hobby or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession.
Amiable (adjective)-having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner
Amicable (adjective)-characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable
Amity (noun)-mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord.
Enamored (verb)-to fill or inflame with love (usually used in the passive and followed by of or sometimes with)
Greek Root Word: Phil, Phila, Phile, Philo = Love
Philanthropist (noun)-lover of humanity; person active in promoting human welfare, usually through giving to charity
Philosophy (noun)-love of knowledge that develops into a system of beliefs
Bibliophile (noun)-a person who loves or collects books, especially as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like.
Technophile (noun)-a person who loves or is enthusiastic about advanced technology.
Cinephile (noun)-a person who loves films and cinema
List 17: Cid, Cide, Cis, Cise, Sec, Sect; Seg
homicide(noun)-the deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder.
genocide(noun)-the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. Massacre
matricide(noun)-the killing of one's mother.
incision(noun)-a surgical cut made in skin or flesh.
concise(adjective)
excise(verb)
segment(noun or verb)
N. A part or piece of something
V. To divide into parts
List 16
Hypodermic (adj.)-introduced under the skin
I watched as the hypodermic needle slipped easily under my skin.
Hypothetical (adj.)-assumed or supposed; less supported by evidence
During the conference, we engaged in playing roles, and coped with hypothetical problems.
Hypothalamus (noun)-control center at the base of the brain; associated with hunger, thirst, and basic functions
The hypothalamus lies beneath the thalamus in the brain.
Hypotension (noun)-a condition or disease characterized by low blood pressure
Most doctors are concerned with hypertension, not hypotension.
Hypochondria (noun)-excessive preoccupation with negative health and symptoms of illness
Hypochondria makes people feel bad even when doctors can't find anything wrong.
Phonetic (adj.)-relating to speech sounds
When you learn to read you study the phonetic sounds of letters.
Homophone (noun)-a word that has the same sound but a different meaning as another word
The teacher said that the word “tea” is a homophone of “tee” and although you might drink the first, you wouldn’t sip on the other.
Symphony (noun)-elaborate instrumental composition; harmony of sounds
The last notes of the symphony resounded in the hall.
euphonic (adj)-having a nice sound; pleasant combination of sounds in words
The orchestra sounded euphonic and in perfect harmony.
cacophony (noun)-harsh sounds; bad noise
Her thoughts were interrupted by a cacophony of kids yelling.
List 15
Perpetuate (v.)-Cause to continue
By gossiping to someone else, you perpetuate the rumor.
Pertinent (adj.)-Having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand; on point
The student used pertinent evidence to support the claim.
Perplex (adj.)-Utterly baffled or confused
Scientists are perplexed as to what is causing the outbreak.
Peruse (v.)-Read or examine something carefully
Make sure to peruse the articles for important details.
Imperceptible (adj.)-Impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses
Dog whistles let out a sound that is imperceptible to humans, but loud to dogs.
Exhilarate (v.)-Exciting; thrilling
Surfing can really exhilarate your spirit.
Exhausted (adj.) -Depleted of energy, force, or strength
By Friday afternoon, I am exhausted.
Elude (v.)-Escape either physically or mentally
Criminals can not elude police officers forever.
Exclaim (v.)-Shout with surprise, horror, or joy
“I’m so proud!” her mother exclaimed at her graduation.
Exclude (v.)-Leave or shut out
I’m glad that my friends don’t exclude others from hanging out with us.
List 14
Latin Root Word: vit/viv = live, life
Revitalize (verb)-To bring something back after a decline in condition
Vital (adjective) - Necessary or essential to life
Vitality (noun) - Quality or state of being full of life or energy
Vivacious (adjective) - Full of life; fun
Vivid (adjective) - Bright or intense; detailed
Latin Root Word: cred = believe
Credible (adjective) - Believable; reliable
Credulous (adjective) - Tending to believe too easily; easily fooled
Incredulous (adjective) - Doubting; unwilling to believe
Creed (noun) - A set of religious beliefs or principles
Creditor (noun) - A person who believes that he/she will be paid back money loaned
List 13
ure - of action, result (French/Latin)
1. assure (verb) - to pledge or promise; give surety of; guarantee
Example: He was assured a job in the spring.
2. culture (noun) - a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period
Example: It is difficult to adapt to a culture different from your own.
3. departure (noun) - the act of leaving
Example: His departure was nearing, so he prepared for his good-bye.
4. fracture (noun) - a break, breach, or split
Example: The fracture in his leg hurt.
(verb) - to break or crack
Example: The bad landing caused his leg to fracture.
-ery/-ary - denote a class or kind (Latin)
5. misery (noun) - great mental or emotional distress; extreme unhappiness
Example: The war brought misery to thousands of refugees.
6. fiery (adjective) - easily angered or provoked
Example: The girl was known for her fiery temper.
7. literary (adjective) - pertaining to or of the nature of books and writings
Example: The first book, or Cynthia, was published separately and early in the poet's literary life.
-ence/-ance - indicate an action, state, condition, or quality (Old French/Latin)
8. defiance (noun) - a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force
Example: The little boy looked at his mother with defiance and said, “No!”
9. essence (noun) - the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features
Example: Freedom is the very essence of our democracy.
10. resilience (noun) - ability to recover readily from illness, depression,adversity, or the like; buoyancy
Example: His friend possessed great resilience in the face of adversity.
List 10 (spec; struct)
Meaning: spec- to look at; struct- to build
Inspection - the act of carefully looking at something closely in order to learn more about it or to find problems with it.
Spectacle - something that attracts attention because it is very unusual or very shocking.
Aspect - a particular part or feature of something
Spectator - a person who watches an event, show, game, activity, etc., often as part of an audience
Prospect - the possibility that something will happen in the future
Structure - The way something is built, arranged, or organized; something that is built by putting parts together and likely stands on its own.
Construct - The act or process of building something such as a house or a road; the way something is built or made.
Destructive - Causing a large amount of damage; causing destruction or harm.
Instruct - To teach someone a subject or skill; to give someone an order or command.
Obstruction - something that impedes or prevents passage or progress; an obstacle or blockage
List 9 (mal; phobia)
Meaning: mal- bad, evil; phobia- fear
List 8 (mor, mort)
Meaning: death
Immortal A. (adj.) not suffering death
B. (n) a being who cannot die
Morbid (adj.) characterized by or appealing to an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects, especially death and disease.
Mortify (v.) cause (someone) to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated.
Mortally (adv.) A. in such a manner as to cause death.
B. very intensely or seriously.
Mortician (n.) A funeral director who directly deals with preparing the dead for burial.
Mortality (n.) A. the state of being subject to death.
B. death, especially on a large scale.
Rigor Mortis (n.) stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death, usually lasting from one to four days.
Post Mortem (n.) the examination of a body after death
Mortgage (n.) A legal agreement with a bank to obtain a loan for the purchase of a home. It’s original definition was a “dead pledge” or oath.
Moribund (adj.) A. (of a person) at the point of death.
B. (of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor.
List 7 (Ob-, Oc-, Op-)
Meaning: In the way, against, towards
List 6 (Word Part: dis)
Word Part Meaning: not, opposite of
List 5 (Word Part: de)
Word Part Meaning: Reverse of, removed from, away, off, down
List 4 (Word Part: col, com, con)
Word Part Meaning: together, with
List 3 (Word Part: re)
Word Part Meaning: again, back, backwards
List 2 (Word part: un)
Meaning of word part: not
List 1 (Word parts: il, ir, im, in)
Meaning of word parts: not
illegible-not clear enough to be read.
incoherent- not clear
illiterate-unable to read or write.
incompetent-not having the skills to do something well.
illogical-lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.
insurmountable-too great to be overcome.
immeasurable-not able to measure due to large size.
irrational-not logical or reasonable.
improbable- not likely to happen.
irrelevant-not connected with or relevant to something.
Latin Root Word: Am, Amor = Love, Liking, Friendliness
Amateur (noun)-practicing an art, hobby or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession.
Amiable (adjective)-having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner
Amicable (adjective)-characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable
Amity (noun)-mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord.
Enamored (verb)-to fill or inflame with love (usually used in the passive and followed by of or sometimes with)
Greek Root Word: Phil, Phila, Phile, Philo = Love
Philanthropist (noun)-lover of humanity; person active in promoting human welfare, usually through giving to charity
Philosophy (noun)-love of knowledge that develops into a system of beliefs
Bibliophile (noun)-a person who loves or collects books, especially as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like.
Technophile (noun)-a person who loves or is enthusiastic about advanced technology.
Cinephile (noun)-a person who loves films and cinema
List 17: Cid, Cide, Cis, Cise, Sec, Sect; Seg
homicide(noun)-the deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder.
genocide(noun)-the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. Massacre
matricide(noun)-the killing of one's mother.
incision(noun)-a surgical cut made in skin or flesh.
concise(adjective)
- giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words;
- brief but comprehensive.
excise(verb)
- cut out surgically
- or to remove (a section) from a text or piece of music.
- methodically cut up (a body, part, or plant) in order to study its internal parts
- or analyze (something) in minute detail
segment(noun or verb)
N. A part or piece of something
V. To divide into parts
List 16
Hypodermic (adj.)-introduced under the skin
I watched as the hypodermic needle slipped easily under my skin.
Hypothetical (adj.)-assumed or supposed; less supported by evidence
During the conference, we engaged in playing roles, and coped with hypothetical problems.
Hypothalamus (noun)-control center at the base of the brain; associated with hunger, thirst, and basic functions
The hypothalamus lies beneath the thalamus in the brain.
Hypotension (noun)-a condition or disease characterized by low blood pressure
Most doctors are concerned with hypertension, not hypotension.
Hypochondria (noun)-excessive preoccupation with negative health and symptoms of illness
Hypochondria makes people feel bad even when doctors can't find anything wrong.
Phonetic (adj.)-relating to speech sounds
When you learn to read you study the phonetic sounds of letters.
Homophone (noun)-a word that has the same sound but a different meaning as another word
The teacher said that the word “tea” is a homophone of “tee” and although you might drink the first, you wouldn’t sip on the other.
Symphony (noun)-elaborate instrumental composition; harmony of sounds
The last notes of the symphony resounded in the hall.
euphonic (adj)-having a nice sound; pleasant combination of sounds in words
The orchestra sounded euphonic and in perfect harmony.
cacophony (noun)-harsh sounds; bad noise
Her thoughts were interrupted by a cacophony of kids yelling.
List 15
Perpetuate (v.)-Cause to continue
By gossiping to someone else, you perpetuate the rumor.
Pertinent (adj.)-Having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand; on point
The student used pertinent evidence to support the claim.
Perplex (adj.)-Utterly baffled or confused
Scientists are perplexed as to what is causing the outbreak.
Peruse (v.)-Read or examine something carefully
Make sure to peruse the articles for important details.
Imperceptible (adj.)-Impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses
Dog whistles let out a sound that is imperceptible to humans, but loud to dogs.
Exhilarate (v.)-Exciting; thrilling
Surfing can really exhilarate your spirit.
Exhausted (adj.) -Depleted of energy, force, or strength
By Friday afternoon, I am exhausted.
Elude (v.)-Escape either physically or mentally
Criminals can not elude police officers forever.
Exclaim (v.)-Shout with surprise, horror, or joy
“I’m so proud!” her mother exclaimed at her graduation.
Exclude (v.)-Leave or shut out
I’m glad that my friends don’t exclude others from hanging out with us.
List 14
Latin Root Word: vit/viv = live, life
Revitalize (verb)-To bring something back after a decline in condition
Vital (adjective) - Necessary or essential to life
Vitality (noun) - Quality or state of being full of life or energy
Vivacious (adjective) - Full of life; fun
Vivid (adjective) - Bright or intense; detailed
Latin Root Word: cred = believe
Credible (adjective) - Believable; reliable
Credulous (adjective) - Tending to believe too easily; easily fooled
Incredulous (adjective) - Doubting; unwilling to believe
Creed (noun) - A set of religious beliefs or principles
Creditor (noun) - A person who believes that he/she will be paid back money loaned
List 13
ure - of action, result (French/Latin)
1. assure (verb) - to pledge or promise; give surety of; guarantee
Example: He was assured a job in the spring.
2. culture (noun) - a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period
Example: It is difficult to adapt to a culture different from your own.
3. departure (noun) - the act of leaving
Example: His departure was nearing, so he prepared for his good-bye.
4. fracture (noun) - a break, breach, or split
Example: The fracture in his leg hurt.
(verb) - to break or crack
Example: The bad landing caused his leg to fracture.
-ery/-ary - denote a class or kind (Latin)
5. misery (noun) - great mental or emotional distress; extreme unhappiness
Example: The war brought misery to thousands of refugees.
6. fiery (adjective) - easily angered or provoked
Example: The girl was known for her fiery temper.
7. literary (adjective) - pertaining to or of the nature of books and writings
Example: The first book, or Cynthia, was published separately and early in the poet's literary life.
-ence/-ance - indicate an action, state, condition, or quality (Old French/Latin)
8. defiance (noun) - a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force
Example: The little boy looked at his mother with defiance and said, “No!”
9. essence (noun) - the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features
Example: Freedom is the very essence of our democracy.
10. resilience (noun) - ability to recover readily from illness, depression,adversity, or the like; buoyancy
Example: His friend possessed great resilience in the face of adversity.
List 10 (spec; struct)
Meaning: spec- to look at; struct- to build
Inspection - the act of carefully looking at something closely in order to learn more about it or to find problems with it.
Spectacle - something that attracts attention because it is very unusual or very shocking.
Aspect - a particular part or feature of something
Spectator - a person who watches an event, show, game, activity, etc., often as part of an audience
Prospect - the possibility that something will happen in the future
Structure - The way something is built, arranged, or organized; something that is built by putting parts together and likely stands on its own.
Construct - The act or process of building something such as a house or a road; the way something is built or made.
Destructive - Causing a large amount of damage; causing destruction or harm.
Instruct - To teach someone a subject or skill; to give someone an order or command.
Obstruction - something that impedes or prevents passage or progress; an obstacle or blockage
List 9 (mal; phobia)
Meaning: mal- bad, evil; phobia- fear
- malfunction: when something is functioning ‘badly’
- malformed: ‘badly’ shaped
- malignant: a “bad” tumor; dangerous to health
- malice: feeling a need to see others suffer
- malicious: prone to do ‘evil’
- malign: speak ‘evil’ about
- arachnophobia:extreme or irrational fear of spiders.
- ergophobia: extreme or irrational fear of work; an aversion to work.
- claustrophobia: extreme or irrational fear of confined places.
- agoraphobia: extreme or irrational fear of crowded spaces, public places, or open areas.
List 8 (mor, mort)
Meaning: death
Immortal A. (adj.) not suffering death
B. (n) a being who cannot die
Morbid (adj.) characterized by or appealing to an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects, especially death and disease.
Mortify (v.) cause (someone) to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated.
Mortally (adv.) A. in such a manner as to cause death.
B. very intensely or seriously.
Mortician (n.) A funeral director who directly deals with preparing the dead for burial.
Mortality (n.) A. the state of being subject to death.
B. death, especially on a large scale.
Rigor Mortis (n.) stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death, usually lasting from one to four days.
Post Mortem (n.) the examination of a body after death
Mortgage (n.) A legal agreement with a bank to obtain a loan for the purchase of a home. It’s original definition was a “dead pledge” or oath.
Moribund (adj.) A. (of a person) at the point of death.
B. (of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor.
List 7 (Ob-, Oc-, Op-)
Meaning: In the way, against, towards
- obscure-not clear or plain; ambiguous.
- occupant-a person, family, group, or organization that lives in, occupies, or has quarters or space in or on something.
- object (verb)- to express or feel disapproval, dislike, or distaste; be averse.
- occupy- to take possession and control of (a place), as by military invasion.
- obstacle - something that obstructs or hinders progress.
- opponent - a person who is on an opposing side in a game, contest, controversy, or the like; adversary.
- obstruct- to get in the way of; hinder.
- oppose- to offer resistance to; stand against.
- occlude-to close, shut, or stop up (a passage, opening, etc.).
- oppress- to burden with cruel or unjust impositions or restraints; subject to a burdensome or harsh exercise of authority or power.
List 6 (Word Part: dis)
Word Part Meaning: not, opposite of
- disability- a condition (such as an illness or an injury) that damages or limits a person’s physical or mental ability.
- dispense- to give or provide something.
- disable- to cause (something or someone) to be unable to work in the usual way.
- disperse- to go or move in different directions; to spread apart.
- discontent-feeling of unhappiness or disapproval.
- displace- to take the job or position of (someone or something).
- dismount-to get down from something.
- disposable- made to be thrown away after one use or several uses.
- disorder- confused or messy state; a lack of order or organization.
- disseminate- to cause something, such as information, to go to many people.
List 5 (Word Part: de)
Word Part Meaning: Reverse of, removed from, away, off, down
- decompose-make or become rotten; decay.
- degrade- to reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree : deprive of an office or position.
- decrease-make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
- demote-give (someone) a lower rank or less senior position, usually as a punishment.
- deficient-not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient.
- deplete-to use up, reduce the amount of something.
- deform-distort the shape or form of; make misshapen.
- detain-keep (someone) from proceeding; hold back.
- defy-refuse to obey.
- deter- discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
List 4 (Word Part: col, com, con)
Word Part Meaning: together, with
- collaborate- to work with others.
- conform-to act in obedience or agreement.
- collusion-secret agreement or cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose.
- concurrent-operating or occurring at the same time.
- community-the people living in an area; also the area itself.
- confide-tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting them not to repeat it to others.
- commend-praise formally or officially.
- congenial-having the same disposition, interests, or tastes.
- commune (verb)-to be in close communication with someone or something.
- convene-to come together in a group.
List 3 (Word Part: re)
Word Part Meaning: again, back, backwards
- replicate-make an exact copy of; reproduce.
- retain-to continue to hold or have; keep possession of.
- replenish-to make full or complete once more
- retrieve-to get and bring back
- resilient-able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
- revert-to come or go back
- restore-to bring back to or put back into an earlier or original state.
- recant-to take back publicly an opinion or belief.
- retaliate-to return (as an injury) in kind : get revenge.
- recede-to move back or away.
List 2 (Word part: un)
Meaning of word part: not
- Unbearable- not able to be endured.
- Undeniable- unable to be denied or disputed.
- Uncanny- strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
- Unkempt- having an untidy or disheveled appearance.
- Unceasing- not coming to an end; continuous.
- Unruly-disorderly and disruptive.
- Unconditional- not limited; absolute.
- Unscathed- without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
- Undaunted-not intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, or disappointment.
- Unveil-to remove a covering from; reveal; disclose.
List 1 (Word parts: il, ir, im, in)
Meaning of word parts: not
illegible-not clear enough to be read.
incoherent- not clear
illiterate-unable to read or write.
incompetent-not having the skills to do something well.
illogical-lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.
insurmountable-too great to be overcome.
immeasurable-not able to measure due to large size.
irrational-not logical or reasonable.
improbable- not likely to happen.
irrelevant-not connected with or relevant to something.