50 Greek and Latin Root Words
A root is a word or part of a word from which other words grow, typically through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. By understanding root words, you can decipher strange words, expand your vocabulary, and become a better English speaker.
Greek Root Words
The table below defines and demonstrates common Greek roots words.
| Root | Meaning | Examples |
| anti | against | antibacterial, antidote, antithesis |
| ast(er) | star | asteroid, astronomy, astronaut |
| auto | self | automatic, automate, autobiograph |
| biblio | book | bibliography, bibliophile |
| bio | life | biography, biology, biodegradable |
| chrome | color | monochromatic, phytochrome |
| chrono | time | chronic, synchronize, chronicle |
| dyna | power | dynasty, dynamic, dynamite |
| geo | earth | geography, geology, geometry |
| gno | to know | agnostic, acknowledge |
| graph | write | autograph, graphic, demographic |
| hydr | water | dehydrate, hydrant, hydropower |
| kinesis | movement | kinetic, photokinesis |
| log | thought | logic, apologize, analogy |
| logos | word, study | astrology, biology, theologian |
| narc | sleep | narcotic, narcolepsy |
| path | feel | empathy, pathetic, apathy |
| phil | love | philosophy, bibliophile, philanthropy |
| phon | sound | microphone, phonograph, telephone |
| photo | light | photograph, photocopy, photon |
| schem | plan | scheme, schematic |
| syn | together, with | synthetic, photosynthesis |
| tele | far | telescope, telepathy, television |
| tropos | turning | heliotrope, tropical |
Latin Root Words
The table below defines and illustrates 25 of the most common Latin roots.
| Root | Meaning | Examples |
| ab | to move away | abstract, abstain, aversion |
| acer, acri | bitter | acrid, acrimony, exacerbate |
| aqu | water | aquarium, aquatic, aqualung |
| audi | hear | audible, audience, auditorium |
| bene | good | benefit, benign, benefactor |
| brev | short | abbreviate, brief |
| circ | round | circus, circulate |
| dict | say | dictate, edict, dictionary |
| doc | teach | document, docile, doctrinal |
| duc | lead, make | deduce, produce, educate |
| fund | bottom | founder, foundation, funding |
| gen | to birth | gene, generate, generous |
| hab | to have | ability, exhibit, inhabit |
| jur | law | jury, justice, justify |
| lev | to lift | levitate, elevate, leverage |
| luc, lum | light | lucid, illuminate, translucent |
| manu | hand | manual, manicure, manipulate |
| mis, mit | send | missile, transmit, permit |
| omni | all | omnivorous, omnipotent, omniscent |
| pac | peace | pacify, pacific, pacifist |
| port | carry | export, import, important |
| quit | silent, restive | tranquil, requiem, acquit |
| scrib, script | to write | script, proscribe, describe |
| sens | to feel | sensitive, sentient, resent |
| terr | earth | terrain, territory, extraterrestrial |
| tim | to fear | timid, timorous |
| vac | empty | vacuum, vacate, evacuate |
| vid, vis | to see | video, vivid, invisible |
