Morpheme Library
Explore all 300 elements, their historical language layers, and word families.
Origin:
Course:
Showing 300 elements
craft
GermanicUnseen
skill / power / art
Word Family:
craftsman — a worker skilled in a particular manual trade or craft
crafty — clever at achieving one's aims by cunning methods
witchcraft — the practice of magical folk arts and enchantments
SkillFoundations
fold
GermanicUnseen
to bend / multiply
Word Family:
manifold — many and various; having many different parts or forms
unfold — open or spread out from a folded position; gradually develop
QuantityAcademic
free
GermanicUnseen
exempt / unrestrained / noble
Word Family:
franchise — an authorization granted by government or company; right to vote
frankly — in an open, honest, and direct manner
freedom — the power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint
LibertyAcademic
glad
GermanicUnseen
bright / joyful / cheerful
Word Family:
gladden — make someone cheerful or contented
gladness — the state or feeling of being happy, joyful, or delighted
EmotionFoundations
stead
GermanicUnseen
place / position / firm standing
Word Family:
homestead — a family home or farm, especially surrounding land and buildings
instead — as an alternative or replacement; in place of
steadfast — resolutely or dutifully firm, loyal, and unwavering
PlaceFoundations
ward
GermanicUnseen
to watch / guard
Word Family:
guard — watch over in order to protect or defend from danger
stalwart — loyal, reliable, and hardworking in defense or support
warden — a person responsible for supervising and safeguarding a designated area
ProtectionAcademic
wise
GermanicUnseen
to know / perceive
Word Family:
wisdom — the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment
witness — a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place
wittingly — deliberately, with full conscious awareness and knowledge
WisdomAcademic
ante-
LatinUnseen
before / in front of
Word Family:
anticipate — to expect or foresee something and prepare for it
antecedent — a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
antediluvian — of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood; ridiculously old-fashioned
AffixesAdvanced
anti-
GreekUnseen
against / opposite / preventing
Word Family:
antagonist — a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone; adversary
antipathy — a deep-seated feeling of dislike
antibody — a blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen
AffixesAcademic
bi-
LatinUnseen
two / twice
Word Family:
bicycle — a vehicle composed of two wheels held in a frame one behind the other
bilingual — speaking two languages fluently
bipedal — using only two legs for walking
AffixesFoundations
circum-
LatinUnseen
around / about
Word Family:
circumlocution — the use of many words where fewer would do, often to avoid saying something directly
circumscribe — to restrict something within limits
circumspect — cautious and unwilling to take risks; watchful of consequences
AffixesAdvanced
con-
LatinUnseen
with / together / thoroughly
Word Family:
cohesive — characterized by sticking together firmly
commemorate — recall and show respect for someone or something in a ceremony
commute — travel some distance to work regularly; reduce a judicial sentence to a less severe one
AffixesAcademic
contra-
LatinUnseen
against / opposite / contrary
Word Family:
contrary — opposite in nature, direction, or meaning
encounter — to meet or come upon unexpectedly
contradict — to assert the opposite of a statement; to be inconsistent with
AffixesAdvanced
de-
LatinUnseen
down / away / off / thoroughly
Word Family:
declare — say or announce something in an emphatic, solemn, or official manner
deduce — arrive at a fact or conclusion by logical reasoning
define — state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
AffixesAcademic
dia-
GreekUnseen
through / across / apart
Word Family:
diagnosis — the identification of the nature of an illness by examination
dialogue — conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book or play
diaphanous — light, delicate, and almost transparent
AffixesAdvanced
dis-
LatinUnseen
apart / away / not
Word Family:
diffuse — spread over a wide area or disperse
dislocate — disturb the normal arrangement or position of something, like a bone
disrupt — interrupt an event or process by causing a sudden disturbance
AffixesFoundations
epi-
GreekUnseen
upon / above / over / addition
Word Family:
epidermis — the surface epithelium of the skin of an animal, overlying the dermis
epitome — a perfect example of a quality or type
epidemic — a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
AffixesAdvanced
ex-
LatinUnseen
out / out of / from / former
Word Family:
effusive — expressing feelings of gratitude or approval in an unrestrained manner
eloquent — fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing
exculpate — show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
AffixesAcademic
hetero-
GreekUnseen
other / different / diverse
Word Family:
heterogenous — made up of diverse or dissimilar parts
heterodox — not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs
heterogeneous — diverse in character or content; composed of unrelated elements
AffixesAdvanced
in-
LatinUnseen
in / into / not
Word Family:
illuminate — light up; help to clarify or explain a subject
immortal — living forever; never dying or decaying
immutable — unchanging over time or unable to be changed
AffixesFoundations
inter-
LatinUnseen
between / among
Word Family:
intercept — prevent someone or something from continuing to a destination
interrupt — break into a conversation or action to stop it temporarily
intersection — a point where two or more roads, lines, or paths cross each other
AffixesAcademic
mis-
Old EnglishUnseen
bad / wrong / astray
Word Family:
misanthrope — a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society
mischief — playful misbehavior or prankishness causing mild trouble
unmistakable — impossible to confuse with anything else; clearly recognizable
AffixesFoundations
non-
LatinUnseen
not / without
Word Family:
nonchalant — casually calm and unconcerned
nonsense — words or actions that have no meaning or make no sense
nonstop — without making any stops or pauses
AffixesFoundations
para-
GreekUnseen
beside / beyond / abnormal
Word Family:
parallel — side by side with equal distance between; similar in development
paradox — a statement that seems self-contradictory yet may be true
parameter — a limit or boundary that defines the scope of an activity
AffixesAdvanced
post-
LatinUnseen
after / behind / later
Word Family:
posthumous — occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator
postpone — cause or arrange for something to take place at a time later than scheduled
AffixesAdvanced
pre-
LatinUnseen
before / ahead of time
Word Family:
precursor — a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; forerunner
predict — say or estimate that a specified event will happen in the future
prejudice — preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience
AffixesFoundations
pro-
LatinUnseen
forward / forth / in favor of
Word Family:
proclaim — announce officially or publicly
profuse — exuberantly plentiful; abundant
prognosis — the likely course of a disease or ailment; a forecast
AffixesAcademic
re-
LatinUnseen
again / back
Word Family:
rebellion — an act of violent or open resistance to an established ruler or regime
receptive — willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas
recognize — identify someone or something from having encountered them before
AffixesFoundations
retro-
LatinUnseen
backward / back / behind
Word Family:
retrograde — moving backward; having a backward motion or tendency
retrospective — looking back on or dealing with past events or situations
AffixesAdvanced
semi-
LatinUnseen
half / partly
Word Family:
semiannual — occurring twice a year; half-yearly
semicircle — a half of a circle or of its circumference
AffixesAdvanced
sub-
LatinUnseen
under / below / beneath
Word Family:
submarine — a warship with a streamlined hull designed to operate completely underwater
subsequent — coming after something in time; following
subterranean — existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth
AffixesAcademic
super-
LatinUnseen
above / over / beyond
Word Family:
superfluous — unnecessary, especially through being more than enough
survive — continue to live or exist in spite of danger or hardship
supercilious — behaving as though one is superior to others; haughtily disdainful
AffixesAcademic
sym-
GreekUnseen
with / together / same
Word Family:
synthesis — the combination of ideas to form a theory or system
symbiosis — an intimate biological interaction between two dissimilar organisms
synchronization — the operation or occurrence of things at the same time or rate
AffixesAcademic
trans-
LatinUnseen
across / beyond / through
Word Family:
transform — make a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance
transmit — broadcast, send, or convey from one person or place to another
transport — carry, move, or convey from one place to another
AffixesAcademic
un-
Old EnglishUnseen
not / opposite / reverse
Word Family:
unfold — open or spread out from a folded position; gradually develop
unmistakable — impossible to confuse with anything else; clearly recognizable
unconventional — not based on what is generally done or believed
AffixesFoundations
acro
GreekUnseen
top / height
Word Family:
acrobat — an entertainer who performs gymnastics feats high above
acronym — an abbreviation formed from initial letters pronounced as a word
acropolis — a fortified citadel built on a hill in ancient Greece
SpaceAdvanced
ev / aev
LatinUnseen
age / era
Word Family:
longevity — long life or long existence or service
medieval — relating to the Middle Ages
primeval — of or resembling the earliest ages in world history
TimeAdvanced
agon
GreekUnseen
struggle / contest
Word Family:
agony — extreme physical or mental suffering
antagonist — a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone; adversary
protagonist — the leading character in a drama, movie, or novel
ConflictAdvanced
am / amat
LatinUnseen
love / friend
Word Family:
amiable — having a friendly and pleasant manner
inimical — hostile or harmful to something
amicable — having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor
EmotionAcademic
ambul
LatinUnseen
walk / move
Word Family:
ambulatory — relating to walking; able to walk and not bedridden
perambulate — walk through or around a place in a leisurely way
preamble — a preliminary introductory statement
MovementAdvanced
anim
LatinUnseen
mind / spirit / breath
Word Family:
animated — full of life or excitement; lively
animosity — strong hostility and active ill will
magnanimous — generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival
MindAdvanced
anthro
GreekUnseen
human / mankind
Word Family:
anthropology — the study of human societies, cultures, and evolutionary biological development
anthropomorphic — attributing human characteristics or behavior to an animal, god, or object
misanthrope — a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society
HumanitiesAdvanced
aqua
LatinUnseen
water
Word Family:
aquarium — a transparent tank of water in which fish and water creatures are kept
aquatic — growing, living in, or frequenting water
aqueduct — an artificial channel constructed to convey water across long distances
NatureFoundations
arch
GreekUnseen
rule / first / chief
Word Family:
anarchy — a state of disorder due to absence of authority or government
archetype — a very typical example of a person or thing; original model
monarchy — a form of government with a monarch at the head
PowerAdvanced
astro
GreekUnseen
star / heavens
Word Family:
asteroid — a small rocky body orbiting the sun, especially between Mars and Jupiter
astronaut — a person trained to pilot or travel aboard a spacecraft
astronomy — the scientific study of stars, planets, and the universe
NatureAcademic
aud
LatinUnseen
to hear
Word Family:
audible — able to be heard clearly
audience — the assembled listeners or viewers at a public performance
audition — a trial performance to demonstrate acting or musical skill
SoundFoundations
auto
GreekUnseen
self
Word Family:
autograph — a person's own handwritten signature
automatic — working by itself with little or no direct human control
automobile — a self-propelled passenger vehicle moving on wheels
IdentityFoundations
bell
LatinUnseen
war / conflict
Word Family:
bellicose — demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
belligerent — hostile, aggressive, and engaged in active warfare
rebellion — an act of violent or open resistance to an established ruler or regime
ConflictAdvanced
bene
LatinUnseen
good / well
Word Family:
benefactor — a person who gives financial or other support to a person or cause
benefit — an advantage or profit gained from something
benevolent — well-meaning, kindly, and charitable toward others
ValuesAcademic
bio
GreekUnseen
life
Word Family:
biology — the branch of natural science dealing with living organisms
biosphere — the regions of surface and atmosphere occupied by living organisms
symbiosis — an intimate biological interaction between two dissimilar organisms
NatureAcademic
cad / cas / cid
LatinUnseen
fall
Word Family:
cadence — a modulation or inflection of the voice; rhythmic sound flow
cascade — a process whereby something is successively passed on in steps
decadent — characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline
OrderAdvanced
cand
LatinUnseen
white / glowing / sincere
Word Family:
candid — truthful and straightforward; frank
candor — the quality of being open and honest in expression
incandescent — emitting light as a result of being heated; brilliantly glowing
ValuesAdvanced
cap
LatinUnseen
take / seize / hold
Word Family:
capacity — the maximum amount that something can contain or produce
captive — a person who has been taken prisoner or animal confined to a cage
capture — take into one's possession or control by force or skill
ActionAcademic
capit
LatinUnseen
head / leader / chief
Word Family:
capitulate — to surrender or give in after resistance
precipitate — to cause something to happen suddenly or prematurely
capital — the most important city or town of a country or region; head or principal
CivicsAcademic
ced
LatinUnseen
go / yield / grant
Word Family:
accede — to agree to a demand or request, often reluctantly
concede — to admit that something is true after first resisting; to surrender a point
exceed — to go beyond a limit or be greater than
ActionAcademic
cent
LatinUnseen
hundred
Word Family:
centipede — a predatory terrestrial arthropod with a flattened body having many pairs of legs
century — a period of one hundred years
percent — one part in every hundred
QuantityFoundations
centr
GreekUnseen
center / focal point
Word Family:
concentric — of circles, arcs, or other shapes that share the same center
eccentric — unconventional and slightly strange; not placed centrally
MeasurementAcademic
cept
LatinUnseen
take / seize
Word Family:
inception — the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity
intercept — prevent someone or something from continuing to a destination
ActionAdvanced
cern / cert
LatinUnseen
separate / distinguish / decide
Word Family:
discrete — individually separate and distinct
discern — perceive or recognize something with the eyes or other senses
discernible — able to be discerned; perceptible
IntellectAcademic
cess
LatinUnseen
go / yield / withdraw
Word Family:
access — the means or right to approach, enter, or use something
cease — to come to an end; to stop
excessive — more than is necessary, normal, or desirable
ActionFoundations
chef / capit
Old French, from Latin caputUnseen
head / leader
Word Family:
chef — a professional cook who heads a culinary restaurant kitchen
chief — a leader, ruler, or person with highest authority
mischief — playful misbehavior or prankishness causing mild trouble
AuthorityAcademic
chrom
GreekUnseen
color
Word Family:
chromatic — relating to or using colors
chromosome — a threadlike cellular structure carrying genetic information
monochrome — a photograph executed in black and white or one color
ScienceAdvanced
chrono
GreekUnseen
time
Word Family:
chronic — persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
chronological — arranged in the order of time occurrence
synchronize — cause things to happen or operate at the exact same time
TimeAcademic
circ
LatinUnseen
round / circle
Word Family:
circle — a round plane figure whose boundary consists of points equidistant from the center
circular — having the form of a circle; round
circulate — move or cause to move continuously or freely through a closed system or area
ShapeFoundations
clam
LatinUnseen
cry out / shout
Word Family:
acclaim — praise enthusiastically and publicly
clamor — a loud and confused noise, especially of people shouting
proclaim — announce officially or publicly
CommunicationAdvanced
clar
Latin (via Old French)Unseen
clear / bright
Word Family:
clarify — make a statement or problem less confused and easier to understand
clarity — the quality of being clear, easily perceived, or transparent
declare — say or announce something in an emphatic, solemn, or official manner
PerceptionAcademic
clud / clus
LatinUnseen
shut / close
Word Family:
exclude — to deny access or leave out deliberately
preclude — to prevent something from happening or to make it impossible
include — comprise or contain as part of a whole
BuildingFoundations
clus
LatinUnseen
close / shut / confine
Word Family:
cluster — a group of similar things or people positioned or occurring closely together
recluse — a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people
BuildingAcademic
cogn
LatinUnseen
to know / learn
Word Family:
cognitive — relating to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding
incognito — having one's true identity concealed, as by using an alias
recognize — identify someone or something from having encountered them before
CognitionAdvanced
corp
LatinUnseen
body
Word Family:
corpse — a dead body, especially of a human being
corpulent — fat; having a bulky body
incorporate — take in or contain something as part of a whole; include
BodyAdvanced
crac
GreekUnseen
rule / power
Word Family:
aristocrat — a member of the aristocracy; noble possessing inherited wealth
autocracy — a system of government by one person with absolute power
plutocracy — government by the wealthy; a state ruled by the rich
PowerAdvanced
cred
LatinUnseen
to believe
Word Family:
credible — able to be believed; convincing and trustworthy
credit — public acknowledgment or praise given to a person for work done
incredible — difficult to believe because of its extraordinary beauty or rarity
CognitionAcademic
crit
GreekUnseen
judge / decide / evaluate
Word Family:
criterion — a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided
critic — a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something; a person who evaluates arts
PhilosophyAcademic
crypt
GreekUnseen
hidden / secret
Word Family:
cryptic — having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
cryptography — the art of writing or solving secret codes
encrypt — convert information into a cipher code to prevent unauthorized access
KnowledgeAdvanced
culp
LatinUnseen
blame / fault
Word Family:
culpable — deserving blame; guilty of a crime or offense
culprit — a person who is responsible for a crime or misdeed
exculpate — show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
LawAdvanced
cur
LatinUnseen
run / course
Word Family:
concur — be of the same opinion; agree
courier — a messenger who transports urgent packages, letters, or news
current — a body of water or air moving in a definite direction
MovementAcademic
cycl
GreekUnseen
circle / wheel
Word Family:
bicycle — a vehicle composed of two wheels held in a frame one behind the other
cyclone — a system of winds rotating inward to an area of low atmospheric pressure
recycle — convert waste into reusable material by returning it to the product cycle
FormAcademic
dem
GreekUnseen
people
Word Family:
demagogue — a leader who appeals to popular desires rather than rational argument
democracy — a system of government by the whole population through representation
pandemic — an outbreak of disease prevalent over an entire country or world
SocietyAdvanced
derm
GreekUnseen
skin / layer
Word Family:
dermatology — the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis of skin disorders
epidermis — the surface epithelium of the skin of an animal, overlying the dermis
hypodermic — relating to the region beneath the skin; a needle
NatureAdvanced
dict
LatinUnseen
to say / declare
Word Family:
dictate — say or read aloud for someone else to write down; order authoritatively
dictionary — a reference book listing words and explaining their meanings
predict — say or estimate that a specified event will happen in the future
CommunicationAcademic
dign
LatinUnseen
worth / value / worthy
Word Family:
disdain — the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of respect
dignity — the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect
indignant — feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
EthicsAcademic
doc
LatinUnseen
teach
Word Family:
docile — ready to accept control or instruction; submissive
doctrine — a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a body
indoctrinate — teach a group to accept beliefs uncritically
WisdomAdvanced
dog
GreekUnseen
opinion / belief / principle
Word Family:
dogmatic — asserting opinions as unquestionable truths without considering evidence
dogma — a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true
PhilosophyAdvanced
dorm
LatinUnseen
sleep
Word Family:
dormancy — a period when growth and development are temporarily stopped
dormant — having normal physical functions suspended; temporarily inactive
dormitory — a large bedroom building for students at an institution
NatureAdvanced
dox
GreekUnseen
opinion / praise / belief
Word Family:
paradox — a statement that seems self-contradictory yet may be true
orthodox — following established or traditional beliefs and practices
doxology — a liturgical formula of praise to God
PhilosophyAdvanced
duc
LatinUnseen
to lead
Word Family:
conduct — lead, direct, manage, or organize an activity or ensemble
deduce — arrive at a fact or conclusion by logical reasoning
educate — give intellectual, moral, or social instruction to someone
ActionAcademic
duct
LatinUnseen
lead / channel / draw
Word Family:
conduit — a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
abduction — the action of forcibly taking someone away against their will
induction — the action or process of inducting someone to a post or organization
CivicsAcademic
dynam
GreekUnseen
power / force / energy
Word Family:
dynamic — characterized by constant change, activity, or energy
dynamite — a high explosive consisting of nitroglycerine mixed with an absorbent substance
ScienceAdvanced
equ
LatinUnseen
equal / fair
Word Family:
equitable — fair and impartial; just
equity — the quality of being fair and impartial; justice
iniquity — immoral or grossly unfair behavior; wickedness
ValuesAdvanced
erg / urg
GreekUnseen
work / deed / energy
Word Family:
energy — the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity
ergonomics — the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment
ScienceAdvanced
err
LatinUnseen
wander / stray
Word Family:
aberration — a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
erratic — not even or regular in pattern; unpredictable
erroneous — wrong; incorrect
MindAdvanced
fac / fact
LatinUnseen
make / do / cause
Word Family:
affect — to have an influence on; to produce a change in
deficient — lacking something necessary; inadequate
disaffected — dissatisfied with authority and no longer loyal to it
ActionFoundations
fect
LatinUnseen
make / do / produce
Word Family:
defect — a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack
infectious — likely to spread or influence others in a rapid manner
ActionAcademic
fer
LatinUnseen
carry / bear / bring
Word Family:
confer — to grant a title, degree, or benefit; to have discussions
differentiate — to recognize or show what makes things different
indifferent — having no particular interest or concern; unbiased
ActionAcademic
fid
LatinUnseen
faith / trust
Word Family:
confidant — a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it
fidelity — faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty
perfidy — deceitfulness; deliberate betrayal of trust and faith
ValuesAdvanced
fin
LatinUnseen
end / limit
Word Family:
define — state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
finite — having limits or bounds
infinite — limitless or endless in space, extent, or size
OrderAcademic
flect / flex
LatinUnseen
bend / curve
Word Family:
deflect — cause something to change direction by interposing something; turn aside
reflect — throw back heat, light, or sound without absorbing it; think deeply
MovementAcademic
flu
LatinUnseen
to flow
Word Family:
fluctuate — rise and fall irregularly in number, value, or amount
fluid — a substance that flows easily and conforms to the outline of its container
superfluous — unnecessary, especially through being more than enough
NatureAdvanced
form
LatinUnseen
shape / likeness
Word Family:
format — the way in which something is arranged or set out
transform — make a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance
uniform — remaining the same in shape, manner, or character throughout
FormFoundations
fract
LatinUnseen
to break
Word Family:
fraction — a numerical quantity that is not a whole number; a small part
fracture — the cracking or breaking of a hard object, especially a bone
refract — make a ray of light change direction when entering at an angle
ActionAcademic
frater / frat
LatinUnseen
brother
Word Family:
fraternal — of or like a brother or brothers; affectionate
fraternity — a group of people sharing a common profession or interests; brotherhood
FamilyAcademic
fus
LatinUnseen
pour / melt
Word Family:
diffuse — spread over a wide area or disperse
effusive — expressing feelings of gratitude or approval in an unrestrained manner
profuse — exuberantly plentiful; abundant
ActionAdvanced
gage
Old French (from Frankish)Unseen
pledge
Word Family:
engage — participate in, commit to, or attract someone's interest and focus
mortgage — a legal agreement pledging property to a bank as security for a loan
wager — a bet; something pledged on an uncertain outcome
CommitmentAcademic
gam
GreekUnseen
marriage / union
Word Family:
monogamy — the practice or state of being married to one person at a time
polygamy — the practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time
SocietyAdvanced
gen
Latin / GreekUnseen
birth / origin / kind
Word Family:
generate — bring into existence or produce power, heat, or ideas
generous — showing a readiness to give more of something than is expected
genesis — the origin, creation, or coming into being of something
NatureAcademic
geo
GreekUnseen
earth
Word Family:
geography — the study of the physical features and climate of the earth
geology — the science that deals with the earth's physical rocks and layers
geometry — the branch of mathematics concerned with shapes, sizes, and dimensions
NatureFoundations
gnos
GreekUnseen
knowledge
Word Family:
agnostic — a person who believes nothing can be known of the existence of God
diagnosis — the identification of the nature of an illness by examination
prognosis — the likely course of a disease or ailment; a forecast
CognitionAdvanced
gon
GreekUnseen
angle / corner
Word Family:
diagonal — joining two opposite corners of a square, rectangle, or other shape
hexagon — a plane figure with six straight sides and angles
MeasurementAcademic
grad
LatinUnseen
step / walk / stage
Word Family:
gradual — taking place, changing, or moving slowly in subtle stages
graduate — successfully complete an academic degree, course of training, or level
progress — forward movement toward a destination, goal, or higher stage
MovementAcademic
gram
GreekUnseen
letter / writing / drawing
Word Family:
diagram — a simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something
telegram — a message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form
CommunicationAcademic
graph
GreekUnseen
to write / draw
Word Family:
biography — an account of someone's life written by another person
graphic — relating to visual art, drawing, or vividly clear detail
photograph — a picture produced by a camera using light on sensitive film or sensors
CommunicationAcademic
grat
LatinUnseen
pleasing / thankful
Word Family:
gratitude — the quality of being thankful; appreciation
gratuitous — uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted
ingratiate — bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering them
ValuesAdvanced
grav
LatinUnseen
heavy / serious
Word Family:
aggravate — make a problem, injury, or offense worse
gravity — the force of attraction; extreme seriousness or importance
grievous — very severe or serious, causing sorrow
NatureAdvanced
greg
LatinUnseen
flock / herd
Word Family:
aggregate — a whole formed by combining several separate elements
congregate — gather into a crowd or mass
gregarious — fond of company; sociable; living in herds
SocietyAdvanced
gress
LatinUnseen
step / walk / go
Word Family:
digress — to leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing
regress — return to a former or less developed state
MovementFoundations
her / hes
LatinUnseen
stick / cling
Word Family:
adhere — stick fast to a surface; follow practices of
cohesive — characterized by sticking together firmly
inherent — existing in something as a permanent essential attribute
ActionAdvanced
hemo / hem
GreekUnseen
blood
Word Family:
hemoglobin — a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates
hemorrhage — an escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, especially when profuse
BiologyAcademic
hydr
GreekUnseen
water
Word Family:
hydrant — an upright water pipe fixture in a street with a nozzle for a fire hose
hydrate — cause to absorb water or other liquid
hydroelectric — relating to the generation of electricity using the flow of water
NatureFoundations
hyper
GreekUnseen
over / above
Word Family:
hyperactive — abnormally or extremely active
hyperbole — exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
hypertension — abnormally high blood pressure
QuantityAdvanced
hypo
GreekUnseen
under / below
Word Family:
hypothermia — dangerously low body temperature
hypothesis — a proposed explanation made on limited evidence as a starting point
hypodermic — relating to the region beneath the skin; a needle
QuantityAdvanced
iatr
GreekUnseen
heal / cure / physician
Word Family:
pediatrician — a medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases
psychiatry — the study and treatment of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and abnormal behavior
ScienceAdvanced
iso
GreekUnseen
equal / same / uniform
Word Family:
isometric — having equal dimensions; of muscle contraction against resistance without changing length
isotope — each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons
ScienceAdvanced
ject
LatinUnseen
to throw / cast
Word Family:
eject — force or throw out suddenly and vigorously
project — throw forward, cast an image on a surface, or plan ahead
reject — dismiss or refuse to accept an idea, proposal, or item
ActionFoundations
jour
Old French, from Latin diesUnseen
day
Word Family:
adjourn — break off a meeting with the intention of resuming it later
journal — a daily written record of experiences, events, or observations
journey — traveling from one place to another, originally a single day's travel
TimeAcademic
jud
LatinUnseen
judge / law
Word Family:
judiciary — the judicial authorities of a country; judges collectively
judicious — having, showing, or done with good sense or judgment
prejudice — preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience
LawAcademic
junct / join
LatinUnseen
join / connect / link
Word Family:
injunction — a court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something
conjunction — the action or an instance of two or more events or things occurring at the same point in time or space
disjunction — a lack of correspondence or consistency; separation
StructureAcademic
jur
LatinUnseen
law / justice / to swear
Word Family:
jurisdiction — the official power to make legal decisions and judgments in an area
jury — a body of citizens sworn to give a verdict in a legal case
perjure — willfully tell an untruth or lie when under solemn oath in court
CivicsAcademic
kine / cinemat
GreekUnseen
movement / motion
Word Family:
cinema — a theater where movies are shown; the production of movies as an art or industry
kinetic — relating to or resulting from motion
ScienceAdvanced
lect / leg
LatinUnseen
choose / gather / read
Word Family:
diligent — showing steady, careful effort in one's work
eclectic — drawing ideas or styles from a broad and varied range of sources
neglect — to fail to care for or attend to properly
IntellectAcademic
ling / lingu
LatinUnseen
tongue / language
Word Family:
linguist — a person skilled in foreign languages or a scholar of linguistics
linguistics — the scientific study of language and its structure
CommunicationAcademic
lith
GreekUnseen
stone / rock
Word Family:
megalith — a large stone that forms a prehistoric monument or part of one
monolith — a large single upright block of stone, especially one shaped into or serving as a pillar or monument
EarthAdvanced
loc
LatinUnseen
place
Word Family:
dislocate — disturb the normal arrangement or position of something, like a bone
local — belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood
locate — discover the exact place or position of
PlaceAcademic
log
GreekUnseen
word / speech / reason / study
Word Family:
analogy — a comparison between two things, typically on the basis of their structure
dialogue — conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book or play
logic — reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity
CommunicationAdvanced
loqu
LatinUnseen
to speak / talk
Word Family:
eloquent — fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing
loquacious — tending to talk a great deal; extremely talkative
soliloquy — an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself on stage
CommunicationAdvanced
luc / lum
LatinUnseen
light / shine / clear
Word Family:
illuminate — light up; help to clarify or explain a subject
lucid — expressed clearly and easy to understand; bright or luminous
luminary — a person who inspires or influences others, especially in a given sphere
SightAdvanced
lucr
LatinUnseen
gain / profit / money
Word Family:
lucrative — producing a great deal of profit
lucre — money, especially when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained dishonorably
CommerceAdvanced
macro
GreekUnseen
large
Word Family:
macroeconomics — the branch of economics concerned with large-scale economic factors
macromolecule — a molecule containing a very large number of atoms
macroscopic — visible to the naked eye; not microscopic
ScienceAcademic
magn
LatinUnseen
great / large
Word Family:
magnanimous — generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival
magnificent — impressively beautiful, elaborate, or striking
magnify — make something appear larger than it is, especially with a lens
QuantityAcademic
mal
LatinUnseen
bad / evil / ill
Word Family:
malfunction — fail to function normally or properly
malice — the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to someone
malnutrition — lack of proper nutrition caused by not having enough food or minerals
ValuesAcademic
man
LatinUnseen
hand
Word Family:
manipulate — handle or control tools or objects with skill
manual — done with the hands rather than machines; a handbook of instructions
manuscript — a book or document originally written by hand before printing
BodyFoundations
mar
LatinUnseen
sea / ocean
Word Family:
marine — of, found in, or produced by the sea
mariner — a sailor or navigator of a ship at sea
submarine — a warship with a streamlined hull designed to operate completely underwater
NatureFoundations
mater / matr
LatinUnseen
mother
Word Family:
maternal — relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
matriarch — a woman who is the head of a family or tribe
FamilyFoundations
mem
LatinUnseen
mindful / remember
Word Family:
commemorate — recall and show respect for someone or something in a ceremony
memorial — something established to remind people of a person or event
memory — the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information
MemoryAcademic
meter
GreekUnseen
to measure
Word Family:
barometer — an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used in forecasting weather
centimeter — a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter
perimeter — the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure
MeasurementAcademic
micro
GreekUnseen
small
Word Family:
microclimate — the climate of a very small or restricted area
microorganism — a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus
microscope — an optical instrument used for viewing very small objects
ScienceAcademic
miss
LatinUnseen
send / let go
Word Family:
remiss — careless or negligent in attending to a duty
dismiss — order or allow to leave; send away
emissary — a person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative
CommunicationAcademic
mit
LatinUnseen
to send
Word Family:
admit — confess to be true; allow someone entry to a place
mission — an important operational assignment given to a person or group
transmit — broadcast, send, or convey from one person or place to another
ActionAcademic
mnem
GreekUnseen
memory / recall
Word Family:
amnesia — a partial or total loss of memory
mnemonic — a device such as a rhyme assisting in remembering something
mnemonics — the study and development of systems for improving memory
MemoryAdvanced
moll
LatinUnseen
soft / gentle / soothing
Word Family:
emollient — a substance that softens or soothes the skin
mollify — to soothe someone's anger or anxiety
TactileAdvanced
mor
LatinUnseen
custom / manner
Word Family:
morality — principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong
mores — the essential customs and conventions of a community
morose — sullen and ill-tempered
ValuesAdvanced
morph
GreekUnseen
form / shape
Word Family:
amorphous — without a clearly defined shape or form; vague and unorganized
metamorphosis — a striking change of form, structure, or character during development
polymorphic — occurring in several different forms or stages of development
FormAdvanced
mort
LatinUnseen
death / mortal
Word Family:
immortal — living forever; never dying or decaying
mortality — the state of being subject to death; death rate
mortician — an undertaker or funeral director who prepares the deceased
NatureAcademic
mot
LatinUnseen
to move
Word Family:
motion — the action or process of moving or being moved
motor — a machine that produces motion or mechanical power
promote — advance or raise someone to a higher position or rank
MovementFoundations
multi
LatinUnseen
many / much
Word Family:
multiple — having or involving several parts, elements, or members
multiply — increase or cause to increase greatly in number or quantity
multitude — a large number of people or things
QuantityFoundations
mut
LatinUnseen
to change
Word Family:
commute — travel some distance to work regularly; reduce a judicial sentence to a less severe one
immutable — unchanging over time or unable to be changed
mutation — the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form
NatureAdvanced
nat
LatinUnseen
born / birth
Word Family:
innate — inborn; natural; originating within an individual from birth
native — associated with the place or circumstances of a person's birth
nature — the basic features, character, or physical world
NatureAcademic
nav
LatinUnseen
ship / sail
Word Family:
navigate — plan and direct the course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport
navigator — a person who explores or directs the route of a ship or aircraft
navy — the branch of the armed services of a state which conducts military operations at sea
MovementFoundations
necr
GreekUnseen
dead / corpse
Word Family:
pernicious — causing great harm, often in a gradual or subtle way
necromancy — the supposed practice of communicating with the dead, especially in order to predict the future
necrosis — the death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of blood supply
NatureAdvanced
neo
GreekUnseen
new / recent
Word Family:
neoclassical — relating to the revival of a classical style in art or architecture
neologism — a newly coined word or expression
neonatal — relating to newborn children in the first weeks of life
TimeAdvanced
noc
LatinUnseen
harm / hurt
Word Family:
innocuous — not harmful or offensive
nocent — causing injury; harmful or guilty
noxious — harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
NatureAdvanced
nom
GreekUnseen
law / order / system
Word Family:
autonomous — self-governing; acting independently
economy — the state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services
CivicsAdvanced
nov
LatinUnseen
new
Word Family:
innovate — make changes in something established by introducing new methods
novel — new or unusual in an interesting way; a book-length narrative
novice — a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation
TimeAcademic
omni
LatinUnseen
all / everywhere
Word Family:
omnipotent — having unlimited power; able to do anything
omniscient — knowing everything; having infinite knowledge and awareness
omnivore — an animal or person that eats food of both plant and animal origin
QuantityAdvanced
onus
LatinUnseen
burden
Word Family:
exonerate — absolve someone from blame for wrongdoing
onerous — involving an oppressively burdensome amount of effort
onus — something that is one's duty or responsibility; burden
LawAdvanced
onym
GreekUnseen
name / word
Word Family:
anonymous — not identified by name; of unknown name
pseudonym — a fictitious name, especially one used by an author
LanguageAdvanced
ortho
GreekUnseen
straight / correct / upright
Word Family:
orthodox — following established or traditional beliefs and practices
orthodontist — a dentist who is qualified to treat irregularities in the teeth and jaws
OrderAdvanced
pac
LatinUnseen
peace / calm
Word Family:
pacific — peaceful in character or intent; calm and tranquil
pacify — quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone; restore calm
pact — a formal agreement between individuals or parties; peace treaty
PeaceAdvanced
paleo
GreekUnseen
ancient / prehistoric
Word Family:
paleolithic — relating to or denoting the early phase of the Stone Age
paleontology — the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants
HistoryAdvanced
pan
GreekUnseen
all / every / whole
Word Family:
panacea — a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
pandemic — an outbreak of disease prevalent over an entire country or world
panorama — an unbroken, wide-angle view of an entire surrounding area
QuantityAdvanced
parl
Old French (parler)Unseen
to speak
Word Family:
parley — a conference between opposing sides in a dispute to discuss peace terms
parliament — a legislative body where representatives gather to speak and make laws
parlor — a sitting room in a house designated for welcoming guests and conversation
CommunicationAcademic
pater / patr
LatinUnseen
father
Word Family:
paternal — of or appropriate to a father
patriarch — the male head of a family or tribe
FamilyFoundations
path
GreekUnseen
feeling / suffering / disease
Word Family:
apathy — lack of enthusiasm, emotion, or concern for civic or human issues
empathy — the capacity to understand and vicariously experience the feelings of another
pathology — the medical science studying the nature, causes, and progression of diseases
EmotionAdvanced
ped
LatinUnseen
foot
Word Family:
pedal — a foot-operated lever used to propel or control a bicycle or vehicle
pedestal — the base or architectural support on which a statue is mounted
pedestrian — a person walking along a road or in a developed area
BodyFoundations
pel / puls
LatinUnseen
drive / push / strike
Word Family:
compelling — powerfully convincing or holding attention irresistibly
compel — force or oblige someone to do something
repel — drive or force back or away
ActionFoundations
pend / pens
LatinUnseen
hang / weigh / pay
Word Family:
compensate — to give something to make up for a loss or fault
penchant — a strong liking or habitual tendency toward something
suspend — to hang from above; to stop temporarily
ActionAcademic
pens
LatinUnseen
weigh / pay / deliberate
Word Family:
pension — a regular payment made during a person’s retirement from an investment fund
CivicsAcademic
peri
GreekUnseen
around / enclosing
Word Family:
peripheral — situated on the edge of something; of secondary importance
perimeter — the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure
periscope — an apparatus allowing an observer to see things out of sight
SpaceAdvanced
petr
GreekUnseen
rock / stone
Word Family:
petrify — change organic matter into a stony concretion; make someone so frightened that they are unable to move
petroleum — a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in certain rock strata and can be extracted and refined
EarthAdvanced
phag
GreekUnseen
eat / consume
Word Family:
bacteriophage — a virus that parasitizes and destroys a bacterium
phagocyte — a cell within the body capable of engulfing harmful bacteria
sarcophagus — a stone coffin adorned with inscriptions; literally flesh-eater
ScienceAdvanced
phan / phen
GreekUnseen
appear / show / shine
Word Family:
diaphanous — light, delicate, and almost transparent
sycophant — a person who flatters powerful people to gain advantage
epiphany — a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization
SensesAdvanced
phil
GreekUnseen
love / affinity
Word Family:
bibliophile — a person who loves or collects books with passionate devotion
philanthropy — the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed through charitable donations
philosophy — the rational study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
HumanitiesAdvanced
phob
GreekUnseen
fear / dread / aversion
Word Family:
hydrophobia — extreme or irrational fear of water, especially as a symptom of rabies in humans
phobia — an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
EmotionAdvanced
phono
GreekUnseen
sound / voice
Word Family:
microphone — an instrument that converts acoustic sound waves into an electrical signal
phonetics — the scientific branch of linguistics studying acoustic speech sounds
symphony — an elaborate musical composition for a full orchestral ensemble
SoundAcademic
photo
GreekUnseen
light
Word Family:
photograph — a picture produced by a camera using light on sensitive film or sensors
photon — a fundamental particle representing a quantum of light
photosynthesis — the process by which green plants use sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water
SightFoundations
phyll
GreekUnseen
leaf
Word Family:
chlorophyll — a green pigment, present in all green plants, responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis
phyllotaxy — the arrangement of leaves on an axis or stem
BiologyAdvanced
phyt
GreekUnseen
plant / growth
Word Family:
neophyte — a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief
epiphyte — a plant that grows on another plant upon which it depends for mechanical support but not for nutrients
BiologyAdvanced
plac
LatinUnseen
please / calm
Word Family:
complacent — showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself
implacable — unable to be appeased or placated; relentless
placate — make someone less angry or hostile; soothe
PeaceAdvanced
ple / plen / plet
LatinUnseen
fill / full
Word Family:
manipulate — handle or control tools or objects with skill
complement — something that completes or goes well with something else
deplete — to use up the supply of something
MeasurementFoundations
pneum / pneumat
GreekUnseen
breath / air / lung
Word Family:
pneumatic — containing or operated by air or other gas under pressure
pneumonia — lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection
BiologyAdvanced
pod
GreekUnseen
foot
Word Family:
podiatry — the treatment of the feet and their ailments
tripod — a three-legged stand for supporting a camera or other apparatus
BodyAdvanced
poly
GreekUnseen
many
Word Family:
polyglot — a person who knows and speaks several languages
polygon — a flat geometric shape with three or more straight sides and angles
polymer — a substance that has a molecular structure consisting of many repeated units
QuantityAcademic
pop
LatinUnseen
people
Word Family:
popular — liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group
populate — form the population of an area; inhabit
population — all the inhabitants of a particular town, area, or country
PeopleFoundations
port
LatinUnseen
to carry
Word Family:
export — send goods or services to another country for sale
portable — easily carried or moved by hand
transport — carry, move, or convey from one place to another
MovementFoundations
pos
LatinUnseen
to put / place
Word Family:
compose — write or create a work of art, music, or poetry; put together
deposit — put or set down something in a specific place; store funds in a bank
opponent — someone who competes against another in a contest or debate
ActionAcademic
pot
LatinUnseen
power / able
Word Family:
impotent — unable to take effective action; helpless or powerless
potent — having great power, influence, or effect
potentate — a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one
PowerAdvanced
prim / prin
LatinUnseen
first / foremost
Word Family:
primeval — of or resembling the earliest ages in world history
principal — first in order of importance; main
primary — of chief importance; principal; earliest in time or order
OrderAcademic
pseud
GreekUnseen
false / deceptive
Word Family:
pseudopod — a temporary protrusion of the surface of an amoeboid cell for movement and feeding
pseudoscience — a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method
TruthAdvanced
psych
GreekUnseen
mind / soul / breath
Word Family:
psyche — the human soul, mind, or total personality apparatus
psychology — the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially behavior
psychosomatic — caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal stress
CognitionAdvanced
pter
GreekUnseen
wing / feather
Word Family:
helicopter — a type of aircraft which derives both lift and propulsion from one or more sets of horizontally revolving overhead rotors
pterodactyl — a prehistoric winged reptile of the late Jurassic and Cretaceous periods
BiologyAdvanced
pugn
LatinUnseen
fight / fist
Word Family:
impugn — call into question the validity or honesty of a statement
pugnacious — eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
repugnant — extremely distasteful; unacceptable; morally offensive
ConflictAdvanced
puls
LatinUnseen
push / drive / beat
Word Family:
impulse — a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act
repulsive — arousing intense distaste or disgust
ForcesAcademic
pyr
GreekUnseen
fire
Word Family:
pyre — a heap of combustible material, especially for burning a corpse in ceremonial rites
pyrometer — an instrument for measuring very high temperatures, especially in kilns
pyrotechnics — a fireworks display or the art of making and using fireworks
NatureAcademic
quer
LatinUnseen
ask / seek
Word Family:
exquisite — extremely beautiful and delicate; intensely felt
inquisitive — curious or inquiring; eager for knowledge
query — a question; inquiry addressed to an authority
CognitionAdvanced
reg
LatinUnseen
rule / guide
Word Family:
rectify — put something right; correct a mistake or deficiency
regent — a person appointed to administer a state during a monarch's youth
regime — a government, especially an authoritarian one; system of rule
LawAdvanced
rhe / rrh
GreekUnseen
flow / gush / stream
Word Family:
rheology — the branch of physics that deals with the deformation and flow of matter
rheostat — an electrical instrument used to control a current by varying the resistance
ForcesAdvanced
rig
LatinUnseen
straight / stiff
Word Family:
rigid — unable to bend or be forced out of shape; strict
rigor — the quality of being extremely thorough; harsh conditions
rigorous — extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate
OrderAdvanced
rupt
LatinUnseen
to break / burst
Word Family:
disrupt — interrupt an event or process by causing a sudden disturbance
erupt — burst forth suddenly, like lava or geyser steam
interrupt — break into a conversation or action to stop it temporarily
ActionFoundations
sanct
LatinUnseen
holy / sacred
Word Family:
sanctimonious — making a hypocritical show of moral superiority
sanction — a penalty for disobeying a rule; official approval
sanctuary — a place of refuge, safety, or sacred shelter
ValuesAdvanced
sci
LatinUnseen
to know
Word Family:
conscience — an inner feeling viewed as a guide to the rightness of behavior
conscious — aware of and responding to one's surroundings; awake and alert
science — the systematic study of the physical and natural world through observation
CognitionAcademic
scler
GreekUnseen
hard / tough
Word Family:
scleroderma — a chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues
sclerosis — abnormal hardening of body tissue
BiologyAdvanced
scop
GreekUnseen
to view / examine
Word Family:
kaleidoscope — a tube with mirrors reflecting colorful glass into changing geometric patterns
microscope — an optical instrument used for viewing very small objects
periscope — an apparatus allowing an observer to see things out of sight
SightAcademic
scrib
LatinUnseen
to write
Word Family:
describe — give a detailed account in words of an object or event
inscribe — write, carve, or engrave words onto a monument or coin
scribble — write or draw carelessly, quickly, or illegibly
CommunicationAcademic
sect
LatinUnseen
to cut / divide
Word Family:
dissect — methodically cut open an organism or analyze something in minute detail
intersection — a point where two or more roads, lines, or paths cross each other
section — any of the more or less distinct parts into which something is divided
ActionAcademic
secut / sequ
LatinUnseen
follow / pursue
Word Family:
consecutive — following continuously; in unbroken or logical sequence
executive — having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect
OrderAdvanced
sed
LatinUnseen
sit / settle
Word Family:
resident — a person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis
sediment — matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
subside — become less intense or severe; sink to a lower level
ActionAcademic
sens
LatinUnseen
to feel / perceive
Word Family:
consensus — a general agreement reached by a group
sensation — a physical feeling resulting from something that comes into contact with the body
sensitive — quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences
SenseAcademic
sequ
LatinUnseen
to follow
Word Family:
consequence — a result or effect of an action or condition that follows inevitably
sequence — a particular order in which related events or things follow each other
subsequent — coming after something in time; following
OrderAdvanced
sign
LatinUnseen
mark / seal
Word Family:
designate — officially assign a specified status or role to someone or something
signal — a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions
signature — a person's name written in a distinctive way, used to sign documents
CommunicationFoundations
sol
LatinUnseen
sun
Word Family:
solar — relating to or determined by the sun
desolate — deserted of people and in a state of bleak emptiness
solitary — done or existing alone; single or secluded
NatureAcademic
sol / soli
LatinUnseen
alone
Word Family:
desolate — deserted of people and in a state of bleak emptiness
solitary — done or existing alone; single or secluded
sole — being the only one
SocietyAcademic
solv / solut
LatinUnseen
loosen / untie / release
Word Family:
resolute — admirably purposeful and determined
resolve — to settle or find a solution to a problem or dispute
dissolve — incorporate a solid into a liquid so as to form a solution
ActionAcademic
somat
GreekUnseen
body / organism
Word Family:
psychosomatic — caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal stress
somatic — relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind
somatotype — a category to which people are assigned according to their bodily physique
BiologyAdvanced
somn
LatinUnseen
sleep
Word Family:
insomnia — habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep
somnambulist — a person who sleepwalks
somnolent — sleepy; drowsy; causing drowsiness
NatureAdvanced
son
LatinUnseen
sound
Word Family:
resonate — produce or be filled with a deep reverberating sound
sonar — a system for detecting objects underwater using sound pulses
sonic — relating to or using sound waves; having the speed of sound
SoundAcademic
soph
GreekUnseen
wisdom / cleverness
Word Family:
sophisticated — having or showing a refined knowledge of the world and complex culture
sophistry — the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving
sophomore — a second-year student in high school or college; literally wise-fool
WisdomAdvanced
sopor
LatinUnseen
sleep / deep slumber
Word Family:
soporific — tending to induce drowsiness or sleep
sopor — an abnormally deep or lethargic sleep
NatureAdvanced
spect
LatinUnseen
to look
Word Family:
inspect — to look at something closely and carefully
spectacles — eyeglasses used to help someone see clearly
spectator — a person who watches an event or game
SightFoundations
spir
LatinUnseen
breathe / life / soul
Word Family:
conspire — make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful or harmful act
inspire — fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative
NatureAcademic
sta / stat
LatinUnseen
stand / stay / firm
Word Family:
consistent — acting or done in the same way over time; free of contradiction
constituent — a component part of something; a voter represented by an official
constitute — to make up or form a whole; to amount to
StateAcademic
stat
LatinUnseen
stand / position / standing
Word Family:
static — lacking in movement, action, or change, especially in a way viewed as undesirable
status — the relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something
StateAcademic
strict / string
LatinUnseen
bind / draw tight
Word Family:
restrain — to hold back from acting; to keep under control
restrict — to put a limit on; to keep within bounds
constrict — make narrower, especially by encircling pressure
StructureAcademic
struct
LatinUnseen
to build / assemble
Word Family:
construct — build or erect something large, like a building or bridge
instruct — teach, direct, or give detailed directions to someone
structure — something built or arranged in a definite organizational pattern
StructureFoundations
syn
GreekUnseen
together / with
Word Family:
symmetry — the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts around an axis
synergy — interaction producing a combined effect greater than individual parts
RelationAdvanced
tac
LatinUnseen
silent
Word Family:
reticent — not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily
tacit — understood or implied without being stated aloud
taciturn — reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
CommunicationAdvanced
tact
LatinUnseen
touch / contact / handle
Word Family:
contact — the state or condition of physical touching; communicate with
intact — not damaged or impaired in any way; complete
SensesAcademic
tang
LatinUnseen
touch
Word Family:
contingent — occurring or existing only if certain circumstances are the case
tactile — connected with the sense of touch
tangible — perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real
SenseAdvanced
tax
GreekUnseen
arrangement / order / classification
Word Family:
syntax — the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language
taxonomy — the branch of science concerned with classification, especially of organisms; systematics
ScienceAdvanced
techn
GreekUnseen
art / skill / craft
Word Family:
technician — a person employed to look after technical equipment or do practical work in a laboratory
technology — the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry
CraftAcademic
tele
GreekUnseen
far / distant
Word Family:
telephone — a system for transmitting voices over a distance
telescope — an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer
television — a system for transmitting visual images and sound over distant wires or waves
DistanceFoundations
tempor
LatinUnseen
time
Word Family:
contemporary — living or occurring at the same time; belonging to the present
extemporaneous — spoken or done without preparation; impromptu
temporary — lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent
TimeAcademic
ten
LatinUnseen
to hold / keep
Word Family:
retain — continue to have or hold possession of something
sustenance — food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment
tenacious — tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely
ActionAdvanced
terr
LatinUnseen
land / earth
Word Family:
subterranean — existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth
terrain — a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features
territory — an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
NatureAcademic
the / theo
GreekUnseen
god / deity / divine
Word Family:
atheist — a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods
theology — the study of the nature of God and religious belief
PhilosophyAdvanced
therm
GreekUnseen
heat
Word Family:
thermal — relating to heat or rising warm air currents
thermometer — an instrument for measuring temperature
thermos — an insulated container used to keep drinks hot or cold
NatureFoundations
tom
GreekUnseen
cut / section
Word Family:
epitome — a perfect example of a quality or type
anatomy — the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms
dichotomy — a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different
ScienceAdvanced
top
GreekUnseen
place / location / local
Word Family:
topography — the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area
utopia — an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect
GeographyAdvanced
tort
LatinUnseen
twist
Word Family:
distort — pull or twist out of shape; give a misleading impression
retort — say something in answer to a remark in a sharp manner
tortuous — full of twists and turns; excessively lengthy and complex
ActionAdvanced
tox
GreekUnseen
poison / venom
Word Family:
toxic — poisonous; causing serious harm or death
toxin — an antigenic poison or venom of plant or animal origin
ScienceAdvanced
tract
LatinUnseen
to pull / draw
Word Family:
attract — pull toward oneself by exerting a magnetic or appealing force
distract — pull attention away from something important
tractor — a powerful motor vehicle used to pull heavy farm machinery
ActionFoundations
tri
Latin / GreekUnseen
three
Word Family:
triangle — a plane figure with three straight sides and three angles
tricycle — a vehicle similar to a bicycle, but having three wheels
triple — consisting of or involving three parts, things, or people
QuantityFoundations
trib
LatinUnseen
give / pay / assign
Word Family:
attribute — to regard something as caused by or belonging to a particular person or thing
contribute — give something in order to help achieve or provide something
distribute — give shares of something; deal out
CivicsAcademic
troph
GreekUnseen
nourishment / growth
Word Family:
atrophy — waste away, typically due to the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial through lack of use
dystrophy — a disorder in which an organ or tissue of the body wastes away
BiologyAdvanced
turb
LatinUnseen
disturb / confuse / commotion
Word Family:
perturb — make someone anxious or unsettled; disturb the order of
turbulent — characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm
ForcesAcademic
und
LatinUnseen
wave / overflow
Word Family:
inundate — to flood; to overwhelm with a huge quantity
redundant — no longer needed or useful; repeating something unnecessarily
undulate — to move with a smooth wavelike motion
NatureAcademic
urb
LatinUnseen
city
Word Family:
suburb — an outlying district of a city, especially a residential one
urban — in, relating to, or characteristic of a town or city
urbanization — the progressive movement of populations into cities
PlaceAcademic
vac
LatinUnseen
empty
Word Family:
evacuate — remove someone from a place of danger to a safe place
vacant — having no fixtures, furniture, or inhabitants; empty
vacuum — a space entirely devoid of matter; an electrical cleaner
SpaceAcademic
ven / vent
LatinUnseen
come / arrive
Word Family:
circumvent — to find a way around an obstacle or rule
contravene — to violate or act against a law, rule, or agreement
intervene — to come between parties in order to prevent or alter a result
MovementAcademic
ver
Latin (via Old French)Unseen
true / truth
Word Family:
veracity — conformity to facts, truthfulness, and habitual accuracy
verdict — a decision or formal finding made by a jury in court
verify — make sure or demonstrate that something is true, accurate, or justified
ValuesAcademic
vers
LatinUnseen
turn / reverse
Word Family:
versatile — able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
controversial — giving rise to public disagreement
controversy — a prolonged public dispute or disagreement
MovementAcademic
vert
LatinUnseen
to turn
Word Family:
adversary — one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute
introvert — a person whose energy is turned inward, recharged through solitude
inadvertent — not done on purpose; resulting from oversight
MovementAdvanced
vict
LatinUnseen
conquer / overcome
Word Family:
convict — declare someone to be guilty of a criminal offense by the verdict of a jury
victor — a person who defeats an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition
CivicsAcademic
vin
LatinUnseen
conquer
Word Family:
invincible — too powerful to be defeated or overcome
vanquish — defeat thoroughly in a conflict or competition
victory — an act of defeating an enemy in a competition or battle
PowerAdvanced
vinc / vict
LatinUnseen
conquer / overcome
Word Family:
evince — to reveal or show a quality or feeling clearly
convince — cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something
ConflictAcademic
vis
LatinUnseen
to see
Word Family:
visible — able to be seen by the human eye
vision — the ability to see, or a vivid mental concept of the future
visitor — a person visiting a person or place for a short time
SightFoundations
viv
LatinUnseen
life
Word Family:
revive — restore to life, consciousness, or vigor
survive — continue to live or exist in spite of danger or hardship
vivid — producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind
NatureAcademic
voc
LatinUnseen
voice / to call
Word Family:
advocate — a person who publicly supports or calls for a particular cause
provoke — call forth, stimulate, or incite a reaction in someone
vocal — relating to the human voice; expressing opinions freely and loudly
CommunicationAcademic
vol
LatinUnseen
wish / will
Word Family:
malevolent — having or showing a wish to do evil to others
voluntary — done, given, or acting of one's own free will
volunteer — a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or task
ValuesAcademic
vor
LatinUnseen
eat / devour
Word Family:
carnivore — an animal that feeds on flesh
herbivore — an animal that feeds on plants
voracious — wanting or devouring great quantities of food or knowledge
NatureAdvanced
xen
GreekUnseen
stranger / foreigner
Word Family:
xenophobia — fear or hatred of people from other countries
xenon — the chemical element of atomic number 54, a noble gas
SocietyAdvanced
xyl
GreekUnseen
wood
Word Family:
xylem — the vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the root
xylophone — a musical instrument played by striking a row of wooden bars of graduated length with small mallets
NatureAdvanced
zo / zoo
GreekUnseen
animal / living organism
Word Family:
protozoa — a phylum or group of phyla that comprises the single-celled microscopic animals
zoology — the scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, and distribution of animals
NatureAdvanced
-able
LatinUnseen
able to be / capable of
Word Family:
audible — able to be heard clearly
culpable — deserving blame; guilty of a crime or offense
equitable — fair and impartial; just
AffixesFoundations
-al
LatinUnseen
relating to / action or process of
Word Family:
gradual — taking place, changing, or moving slowly in subtle stages
immortal — living forever; never dying or decaying
journal — a daily written record of experiences, events, or observations
AffixesAcademic
-ance
LatinUnseen
state / action / condition
Word Family:
sustenance — food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment
substance — the essential quality or real meaning of something; a particular kind of matter
reluctance — unwillingness or disinclination to do something
AffixesAdvanced
-ate
LatinUnseen
cause to become / act upon / characterized by
Word Family:
advocate — a person who publicly supports or calls for a particular cause
aggravate — make a problem, injury, or offense worse
aggregate — a whole formed by combining several separate elements
AffixesAdvanced
-cracy
GreekUnseen
rule by / system of government
Word Family:
democracy — a system of government by the whole population through representation
aristocracy — the highest class in certain societies, especially those holding hereditary titles or offices
theocracy — a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god
AffixesAdvanced
-ence
LatinUnseen
state / quality / action
Word Family:
audience — the assembled listeners or viewers at a public performance
conscience — an inner feeling viewed as a guide to the rightness of behavior
consequence — a result or effect of an action or condition that follows inevitably
AffixesAcademic
-er
Old EnglishUnseen
one who / person or thing connected with
Word Family:
courier — a messenger who transports urgent packages, letters, or news
mariner — a sailor or navigator of a ship at sea
volunteer — a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or task
AffixesFoundations
-ful
Old EnglishUnseen
full of / characterized by
Word Family:
careful — making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm
hopeful — feeling or inspiring optimism about a future outcome
AffixesFoundations
-genesis
GreekUnseen
origin / production / creation
Word Family:
biogenesis — the synthesis of substances by living organisms; origin of life from living matter
pathogenesis — the biological mechanism that leads to a diseased state
AffixesAdvanced
-ible
LatinUnseen
able to be / fit for
Word Family:
credible — able to be believed; convincing and trustworthy
visible — able to be seen by the human eye
feasible — possible and practical to do or achieve
AffixesFoundations
-ic
Greek / LatinUnseen
having the character or form of
Word Family:
agnostic — a person who believes nothing can be known of the existence of God
anthropomorphic — attributing human characteristics or behavior to an animal, god, or object
aquatic — growing, living in, or frequenting water
AffixesAcademic
-ify
LatinUnseen
make / cause to become
Word Family:
clarify — make a statement or problem less confused and easier to understand
magnify — make something appear larger than it is, especially with a lens
pacify — quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone; restore calm
AffixesAdvanced
-ious
LatinUnseen
characterized by / full of
Word Family:
gregarious — fond of company; sociable; living in herds
ingenious — clever, original, and inventive in character or concept
judicious — having, showing, or done with good sense or judgment
AffixesAdvanced
-ism
GreekUnseen
doctrine / system / condition / practice
Word Family:
microorganism — a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus
neologism — a newly coined word or expression
anachronism — something placed in the wrong historical period
AffixesAdvanced
-ist
GreekUnseen
one who practices / expert in
Word Family:
antagonist — a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone; adversary
protagonist — the leading character in a drama, movie, or novel
somnambulist — a person who sleepwalks
AffixesAcademic
-itude
LatinUnseen
state / condition / quality of
Word Family:
gratitude — the quality of being thankful; appreciation
magnitude — the great size or extent of something; size of an earthquake
plenitude — an abundance; the condition of being full
AffixesAdvanced
-ity
LatinUnseen
state / quality / condition
Word Family:
animosity — strong hostility and active ill will
capacity — the maximum amount that something can contain or produce
clarity — the quality of being clear, easily perceived, or transparent
AffixesAcademic
-ive
LatinUnseen
tending to / quality of
Word Family:
captive — a person who has been taken prisoner or animal confined to a cage
cognitive — relating to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding
cohesive — characterized by sticking together firmly
AffixesAcademic
-ize
GreekUnseen
make / cause to become / treat with
Word Family:
recognize — identify someone or something from having encountered them before
synchronization — the operation or occurrence of things at the same time or rate
modernize — adapt something to modern needs or habits, typically by installing modern equipment
AffixesAcademic
-less
Old EnglishUnseen
without / lacking
Word Family:
fearless — lacking fear; bold and brave
homeless — having no home, and typically living on the streets
AffixesFoundations
-ly
Old EnglishUnseen
in the manner of / like
Word Family:
kindly — in a kind, gentle, or considerate manner
quickly — at a fast speed; rapidly
AffixesFoundations
-ment
Latin (via French)Unseen
action / result / state of
Word Family:
parliament — a legislative body where representatives gather to speak and make laws
sediment — matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
segment — each of the parts into which something is or may be divided
AffixesAcademic
-ness
Old EnglishUnseen
state / quality of being
Word Family:
gladness — the state or feeling of being happy, joyful, or delighted
darkness — the partial or total absence of light
kindness — the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
AffixesFoundations
-ology
GreekUnseen
study of / branch of knowledge
Word Family:
anthropology — the study of human societies, cultures, and evolutionary biological development
biology — the branch of natural science dealing with living organisms
dermatology — the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis of skin disorders
AffixesAcademic
-or
LatinUnseen
one who / that which does an action
Word Family:
benefactor — a person who gives financial or other support to a person or cause
candor — the quality of being open and honest in expression
clamor — a loud and confused noise, especially of people shouting
AffixesFoundations
-ous
LatinUnseen
full of / possessing the quality of
Word Family:
amorphous — without a clearly defined shape or form; vague and unorganized
bellicose — demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
conscious — aware of and responding to one's surroundings; awake and alert
AffixesAcademic
-phobia
GreekUnseen
extreme or irrational fear of
Word Family:
xenophobia — fear or hatred of people from other countries
acrophobia — extreme or irrational fear of heights
claustrophobia — extreme or irrational fear of confined places
AffixesAdvanced
-sion
LatinUnseen
act / condition / state of
Word Family:
television — a system for transmitting visual images and sound over distant wires or waves
diversion — something that draws attention away; a recreation or pastime
profusion — an abundance or large quantity of something
AffixesAdvanced
-tion
LatinUnseen
act / process / result of
Word Family:
aberration — a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
audition — a trial performance to demonstrate acting or musical skill
intersection — a point where two or more roads, lines, or paths cross each other
AffixesFoundations