root words
DESCRIPTION
useful for vocabulary developmentTRANSCRIPT
Prefix Meaning Example
a, an without, not asexual, amoral, anarchy, anhydrous, Anabaptist, anachronism
ab, abs, a apart, away from abnormal, abduct, abductor (muscle), abscission .See ad in Prefixes
ad toward adhere, adductor (muscle) . See ab in Prefixessection), adumbrate
agere act agent, agency, agenda
amphi, ambi round, both sides amphitheater, amphibian, ambidextrous, ambivalent
ante before antedate, anteroom, antecedent, anterior
anthro man anthropology, anthropomorphic
anti against antipathy, antitank, anticlimax
aqua water aquarium, aqueous
archaios ancient archeology, archetype, archaic, archeozoic
archos leader, first, chief monarchy, oligarchy, anarchy, archetype, architect
audio hear audiophile, audiometer, auditory
auto self automatic, automaton, auto-immune
bi two bi-partisan, bisexual, biennial, binary, bicuspid, bivalve
bene well, favorable benefit, benevolent, benefactor, beneficent
bible book bibliography, Bible, bibliophile
bio life biology, biography, bio-active
caco Bad cacophony
cide kill homicide, parricide, germicidal, ecocide
circum around circumference, circumlocution, circumnavigate
constitutus stand constitution, statute
corpus body corpse, corporeal punishment, corpus callosum
cracy rule democracy, theocrat, technocracy
credo belief credit, (see also roots section)
demos people democracy, demographic
di two, double dimorphism, dicotyledon, diatomic
dia across, through diagonal, dialectic, dialogue, diagnosis
dis not, apart disperse, disinherit, disenfranchise, distend
dominus lord dominant, dominion
dynasthai be able dynamic, dynamo, dynasty, dynamite
ego I, self ego, egomaniac, egocentric,
epi upon, over epidermis, epidemic, epigram, epitaph, epithet, epiphyte, epistasis, epinephrine, epiphysis
ex out exotic, exterior, extraneous, extemporaneous, exophalmic, exogenous, exothermic, exoskeleton
federis (see also Rootssection)
league, pact federation, confederate
frater brother fraternize, fraternity, fraternal, fratricide
geo earth geology, geography, geocentric, geomancy
graph (see also Roots section)
write, record graphic, graphite, graphology,
hetero mixed, unlike heterogeneous, heterosexual, heterodox, heterodont, hetero atom, heterocyclic, heterozygous,
homo same, alike homogeneous, homogenized, homozygous, homolytic fission, Homo
idem the same identity, idiopathic, I, individual
ideo idea ideology, ideation, ideal
idios one's own idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiopathic
in in incarcerate, incorporate, inculcate, induction, inductance, indigenous, indicator, inspiration
in, im not incredible, ignoble, inglorious, inhospitable, infinite, infinitesimal, immoral
inter between interact, interstellar, interpret, interstitial
legis (lex) law legal, legislature
lexis word lexicon, lexicography
liber free, book liberty, library, liberal
locus place locality, local, circumlocution
macro large macroeconomics, macroscopic, macrophage
mania (see Roots section also)
obsession maniac, Beatlemania
meter (see Roots section also)
measure metronome, speedometer, odometer
micro small microscope, micron, micrometer, microorganism
mittere, mitto (see Rootssection also)
send mission, transmit, remit
mono one, single monocle, monopoly, monogamy, monovalent, monomania, monarchy
mortis death mortician, mortuary, moribund, morbid
nomen name noble, ignominy, nomenclature, nominal
olig few oligarchy, oligopoly
pater father paternal, paternity, patricide
ped (see Roots section also)
foot pedestrian, pedal, pedicure, podiatrist
peri around peripatetic, periscope, perineum, peritoneum
phage (see Roots section also)
eat phagocyte, phagocytosis
philo love philosophy, philanthropy
phobos (see Roots section)
phon (see Roots section)
polein sell monopoly
polis (see Roots section also)
city political, metropolitan
poly (see Roots section also)
many polygamy, polyphonic, hoi polloi
porto carry porter, export
post after post script (p.s.), ex post facto, post hoc, post-mortem
pre before premier, preview, premium, prescient
pro before, in favor of project, projectile,
psyche mind, soul psychology
publicus people public, republic, pub, publican
riparia river riparian
scope examine microscope, oscilloscope
scribo (see Roots section also)
write transcribe, scribe, script
solus alone solo, solitary
subter under, secret subterfuge, subtle, subaltern, subterranean
sin (sys before b, p, or m) together, with synchronize, symphony, sympathy, syncretic, syncope
tele distance telegraph, telephone, teleology
trans across transport, transcend, transmogrify
utilis useful utility, utilitarian
vide, visibil, vis see video, vision, visible
Root Meaning
acer, acid, acri bitter, sour, sharp acerbic, acidity, acrid, acrimony
acu sharp acute, acupuncture, accurate
ag, agi, ig, act do, move, go agent, agenda, agitate, navigate, ambiguous, action
ali, allo, alter other alias, alibi, alien, alloy, alter, alter ego, altruism
alt(us) high, deep altimeter, altitude
am, amor love, liking amiable, amorous, enamoured
Anni, annu, enni year anniversary, annually, centennial
anthrop man anthropology, misanthrope, philanthropy
anti(co) old antique, antiquated, antiquity
arch chief, first, rule archangel, architect, archaic, monarchy, matriarchy, patriarchy, Archeozoic era
aster, astr star aster, asterisk, asteroid, astronomy, astronaut
aud, aus hear, listen audiology, auditorium, audio, audition, ausculate
aug, auc increase augur, augment, auction
auto, aut self automobile, autograph, automatic
belli war rebellion, belligerent, casus belli, bellicose
bibl book Bible, bibliography, bibliomania
bio life biology, biometrics, biome, biosphere
brev short abbreviate, brief
cad, cas to fall cadaver, cadence, cascade
calor heat calorie, caloric, calorimeter
cap, cip, cept take capable, intercept, forceps, capture, except, reciprocate
capit, capt head decapitate, capital, captain, caption
carn flesh carnivorous, incarnate, reincarnation, carnal
caus, caut burn, heat caustic, cauldron, cauterize
cause, cuse, cus cause, motive because, excuse, accusation
ced, ceed, cede, cess move, yield, go, surrender procedure, proceed, cede, concede, recede, precede, accede, success
cenetri center concentric, centrifugal, centripetal, eccentric
chrom color chrome, chromosome, polychrome, chromatic
chron time chronology, chronometer, synchronize
cide, cise cut down, kill homicide, exorcise, germicide, incision, scissors
cit call, start incite, citation, cite
civ citizen civic, civil, civilian, civilization
clam, claim cry out exclamation, clamor, proclamation, reclamation, acclaim
clud, clus, claus shut include, conclude, recluse, claustrophobia, occlusion, occult
cognoac, gnosi know recognize, prognosis, cognoscenti, incognito, agnostic
cord, cor, cardi heart cordial, concord, discord, courage, encourage
corp body corporation, corporal punishment, corpse, corpulent, corpus luteum
cosm universe, world cosmos, microcosm, cosmopolitan, cosmonaut
crat, cracy rule autocrat, aristocrat, theocracy, technocracy
crea create creature, recreation, creation
cred believe creed, credo, credence, credit, credulous, incredulous, incredible
cresc, cret, crease, cru rise, grow crescendo, concrete, increase, decrease, accrue
crit separate, choose critical, criterion, hypocrite
cur, curs run current, concurrent, concur, incur, recur, occur, courier, precursor, cursive
cura care curator, curative, manicure
cycl, cyclo wheel, circular Cyclops, unicycle, bicycle, cyclone, cyclic
deca ten decade, decalogue, decathlon, decahedron
dem people democracy, demography, epidemic
dent, dont tooth dental, denture, orthodontist, periodontal
derm skin hypodermic, dermatology, epidermis, taxidermy
dict say, speak dictation, dictionary, dictate, dictator, Dictaphone, edict, predict, verdict, contradict, benediction
doc, dokein teach doctrine, indoctrinate, document, dogma, dogmatic
domin master dominate, dominion, predominant, domain
don give donate, condone
dorm sleep dormant, dormitory
dox opinion, praise orthodox, heterodox, paradox, doxology
drome run, step syndrome (run together), hippodrome (place where horses run)
duc, duct lead induce, seduce (lead aside), produce, reduce
dura hard, lasting durable, duration, endure
dynam power dynamo, dynamic, dynamite, hydrodynamics
endo within endorse, endocardial, endoskeletal, endoskeleton, endosperm
equi equal equinox, equilibrium, equipoise
erg work energy, erg, allergy, ergometer, ergograph, ergophobia
fac, fact, fic, fect do, make factory, fact, manufacture, amplification, confection
fall, fals deceive fallacy, falsify, fallacious
fer bear, carry ferry, coniferous, fertile, defer, infer, refer, transfer
fid, fide, feder(is) faith, trust confidante, fidelity, confident, infidelity, infidel, federal, confederacy,
fila, fili thread filigree, filament, filter, filet, filibuster
fin end, ended, finished final, finite, finish, confine, fine, refine, define, finale
fix fix fix, fixation, fixture, affix, prefix, suffix
flex, flect bend flex, reflex, flexible, flexor, inflexibility, reflect, deflect
flu, fluc, fluv flowing influence, fluid, flue, flush, fluently, fluctuate
form form, shape form, uniform, conform, formulary, perform, formal, formula
fort, forc strong fort, fortress, fortify, forte, fortitude
fract, frag break fracture, infraction, fragile, fraction, refract
gam marriage bigamy, monogamy, polygamy
gastr (o) stomach gastric, gastronomic, gastritis, gastropod
gen birth, race, produce genesis, genetics, eugenics, genealogy, generate, genetic, antigen, pathogen
geo earth geometry, geography, geocentric, geology
germ vital part germination, germ, germane
gest carry, bear congest, gestation
gloss, glot tongue glossary, polyglot, epiglottis
glu, glo lump, bond, glue glue, agglutinate, conglomerate
grad, gress step, go grade, gradual, graduate, progress, graduated, egress
graph, gram write, written graph, graphic, autograph, photography, graphite, telegram
grat pleasing congratulate, gratuity, grateful, ingrate
grav heavy, weighty grave, gravity, aggravate, gravitate
greg herd gregarious, congregation, segregate, gregarian
hypn sleep hypnosis, hypnotherapy
helio sun heliograph, heliotrope, heliocentric
hema, hemo blood hemorrhage, hemoglobin, hemophilia, hemostat
here, hes stick adhere, cohere, cohesion, inherent, hereditary
hetero different heterogeneous, heterosexual, heterodox
homo same homogeneous, homonym, homogenize
hum, human earth, ground, man humus, exhume, humane
hydr, hydra, hydro water dehydrate, hydrant, hydraulic, hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrophobia
ignis fire ignite, igneous, ignition
ject throw deject, inject, project, eject, interject
join, junct join adjoining, enjoin, juncture, conjunction, injunction, conjunction
juven young juvenile, rejuvenate
lau, lav, lot, lut wash launder, lavatory, lotion, ablution, dilute
leg law legal, legislate, legislature, legitimize
levi light alleviate, levitate, levity
liber, liver free liberty, liberal, liberalize, deliverance
liter letters literary, literature, literal, alliteration, obliterate
loc, loco place locality, allocate, locomotion
log, logo, ology word, study, speech catalog, prologue, dialogue, logogram (symbol representing a word), zoology
loqu, locut talk, speak eloquent, loquacious, colloquial, circumlocution
luc, lum, lus, lun light translucent, luminary, luster, luna (moon goddess)
macr-, macer lean emaciated, meager
magn great magnify, magnificent, magnanimous, magnate, magnitude, magnum
man hand manual, manage, manufacture, manacle, manicure, manifest, maneuver, emancipate
mand command mandatory, remand, mandate
mania madness mania, maniac, kleptomania, pyromania
mar, mari, mer sea, pool marine, marsh, maritime, mermaid
matri mother matrimony, maternal, matriarchate, matron
medi half, middle, between, halfway mediate, medieval, Mediterranean, mediocre, medium
mega great megaphone, megalopolis, megacycle (a million cycles), megaton
mem remember memo, commemoration, memento, memoir, memorable
meter measure meter, voltammeter, barometer, thermometer
micro small microscope, microfilm, microcard, microwave, micrometer
migra wander migrate, emigrant, immigrate
mit, miss send emit, remit, submit, admit, commit, permit, transmit, omit, intermittent, mission, missile
mob, mot, mov move mobile, motionless, motor
mon warn, remind monument, admonition, monitor, premonition
mor, mort mortal, death mortal, immortal, mortality, mortician, mortuary
morph form amorphous, dimorphic, metamorphosis, morphology
multi many, much multifold, multilingual, multiped, multiply
nat, nasc to be from, to spring forth innate, natal, native, renaissance
neo new Neolithic, nuveau riche
neur nerve neuritis, neuropathic, neurologist, neural, neurotic
nom law, order autonomy, astronomy, gastronomy, economy
nomen, nomin name nomenclature, nominate, ignominious
nov new novel, renovate, novice, nova, innovate
nox, noc night nocturnal, equinox, noctilucent
numer number numeral, numeration, enumerate, innumerable
numisma coin numismatics
oligo few, little Oligocene, oligosaccharide, oligotrophic, oligarchy
omni all, every omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omnivorous
onym name anonymous, pseudonym, antonym, synonym
oper work operate, cooperate, opus
ortho straight, correct orthodox, orthodontist, orthopedic, unorthodox
pac peace pacifist, pacify, pacific ocean
paleo old Paleozoic, Paleolithic, paleomagnetism, paleopsychology
pan all Pan-American, pan-African, panacea, pandemonium (place of all the demons),
pater, patr father paternity, patriarch, patriot, patron, patronize
path, pathy feeling, suffering pathos, sympathy, antipathy, apathy, telepathy
ped, pod foot pedal, impede (get feet in a trap), pedestrian, centipede, tripod, podiatry, antipode
pedo child orthopedic, pedagogue, pediatrics
pel, puls drive, urge compel, dispel, expel, repel, propel, pulse, impulse, pulsate, compulsory, expulsion, repulsive
pend, pens, pond hang, weigh pendant, pendulum, suspend, appendage, pensive
phage eat macrophage, bacteriophage
phil love philosophy, philanthropy, philharmonic, bibliophile
phlegma inflammation phlegm, phlegmatic
phobia, phobos fear phobia, claustrophobia, acrophobia, aquaphobia, ergophobia, homophobia
phon sound phonograph, phonetic, symphony, homophone, euphonious
photo light photograph, photoelectric, photogenic, photosynthesis
plac, plais please placid, placebo, placate, complacent
plu, plur, plus more plural, pluralist, plus
pneuma, pneumon breath pneumatic, pneumonia,
pod (see ped)
poli city metropolis, police, politics, Indianapolis, megalopolis, acropolis
poly many polysaccharide, polyandrous, polytheistic
pon, pos, pound place, put postpone, component, opponent, proponent, expose, impose, deposit, posture, position, expound, impound
pop people population, populous, popular
port carry porter, portable, transport, report, export, import, support, transportation
portion part, share portion, proportion
pot power potential, potentate, impotent
prehendere seize, grasp apprehend, comprehend, comprehensive, prehensile
prim, prime first primacy, prima donna, primitive, primary, primal, primeval
proto first prototype, protocol, protagonist, protozoan, Proterozoic, protoindustrial
psych mind, soul psyche, psychiatry, psychology, psychosis
punct point, dot punctual, punctuation, puncture, acupuncture, punctuation
reg, recti straighten regiment, regular, rectify, correct, direct, rectangle
ri, ridi, risi laughter deride, ridicule, ridiculous, derision, risible
rog, roga ask prerogative, interrogation, derogatory
rupt break rupture, interrupt, abrupt, disrupt, ruptible
sacr, sanc, secr sacred sacred, sacrosanct, sanction, consecrate, desecrate
salv, salu safe, healthy salvation, salvage, salutation
sat, satis enough satient (giving pleasure, satisfying), saturate, satisfy
sci, scientia know science, conscious, omniscient, cognocienti
scope see, watch telescope, microscope, kaleidoscope, periscope, stethoscope
scrib, script write scribe, scribble, inscribe, describe, subscribe, prescribe, manuscript
sed, sess, sid sit sediment, session, obsession, possess, preside, president, reside, subside
sen old senior, senator, senile
senescere to grow old senescence, evanescent
sent, sens feel sentiment, consent, resent, dissent, sentimental, sense, sensation, sensitive, sensory, dissension
sequ, secu, sue follow sequence, consequence, sequel, subsequent, prosecute, consecutive, second, ensue, pursue
serv save, serve servant, service, subservient, servitude, preserve, conserve, reservation, deserve, conservation, observe
sign, signi sign, mark, seal signal, signature, design, insignia, significant
simil, simul like, resembling similar, assimilate, simulate, simulacrum, simultaneous
sist, sta, stit stand assist, persist, circumstance, stamina, status, state, static, stable, stationary, substitute
solus alone solo, soliloquy, solitaire, solitude
solv, solu loosen solvent, solve, absolve, resolve, soluble, solution, resolution, resolute, dissolute
somnus sleep insomnia, somnambulist
soph wise sophomore (wise fool), philosophy, sophisticated
spec, spect, spic look specimen, specific, spectator, spectacle, aspect, speculate, inspect, respect, prospect, retrospective, introspective, expect, conspicuous
sphere ball, sphere sphere, stratosphere, hemisphere, spheroid
spir breath spirit, conspire, inspire, aspire, expire, perspire, respiration
string, strict draw tight stringent, strict, restrict, constrict, boa constrictor
stru, struct build construe (build in the mind, interpret), structure, construct, instruct, obstruct, destruction, destroy
sume, sump take, use, waste consume, assume (to take, to use), sump pump presumption (to take or use before knowing all the facts
tact, tang, tag, tig, ting touch tactile, contact, intact, intangible, tangible, contagious, contiguous
tele far telephone, telegraph, telegram, telescope, television, telephoto, telecast, telepathy
tempo time tempo, temporary, extemporaneously, contemporary, pro tem, temporal
ten, tin, tain hold tenacious, tenant, tenure, untenable, detention, retentive, content, pertinent, continent, obstinate, contain, abstain, pertain, detain
tend, tent, tens stretch, strain tendency, extend, intend, contend, pretend, superintend, tender, extent, tension, pretense
terra earth terrain, terrarium, territory, terrestrial
test to bear witness testament, detest, testimony, attest
the, theo God, a god monotheism, polytheism, atheism, theology
therm heat thermometer, theorem, thermal, thermos bottle, thermostat, hypothermia
thesis, thet place, put antithesis, hypothesis, synthesis, epithet
tom cut atom (not cuttable), appendectomy, tonsillectomy, dichotomy, anatomy
tort, tors twist torture (twisting to inflict pain) retort, extort, distort, contort, torsion, tortuous, torturous
tox poison toxic, intoxicate, antitoxin
tract, tra draw, pull tractor, attract, subtract, tractable, abstract, subtrahend
tom cut atom (not cutable, smallest particle of matter), appendectomy, tonsillectomy, dichotomy, anatomy
tort, tors twist torture (twisting to inflict pain), retort, extort (twist out), distort, contort, torsion
tox poison toxic, intoxicate, antitoxin
tract, tra draw, pull tractor, attract, traction, subtract, tractable, abstract (to draw away), subtrahend (the number to be drawn away from another).
trib pay, bestow tribute, contribute, attribute, retribution, tributary
turbo disturb turbulent, disturb, turbid, turmoil
typ print type, prototype, typical, typography, typewriter, typology, typify
ultima last ultimate, ultimatum
umber, umbraticum shadow umbra, penumbra, (take) umbrage, adumbrate
uni one unicorn, unify, university, unanimous, universal
vac empty vacate, vacuum, evacuate, vacation, vacant, vacuous
vale, vali, valu strength, worth equivalent, valiant, validity, evaluate, value, valor
ven, vent come convene, intervene, venue, convenient, avenue, circumvent, invent, convent, venture, event, advent, prevent
ver, veri true very, aver, verdict, verity, verify, verisimilitude
vert, vers turn avert, divert, invert, introvert, convertible, reverse, controversy, versatile
vic, vicis change, substitute vicarious, vicar, vicissitude
vict, vinc conquer victor, evict, convict, convince, invincible
vid, vis see video, evident, provide, providence, visible, revise, supervise, vista, visit, vision
viv, vita, vivi alive, life revive, survive, vivid, vivacious, vitality, vivisection
voc call vocation, avocation, convocation, invocation, evoke, provoke, revoke, advocate, provocative, vocal
vol will malevolent, benevolent, volunteer, volition
volcan fire volcano, vulcanize, Vulcan
volvo turn about, roll revolve, voluble (easily turned about or aroundvoluminous, convolution
vor eat greedily voracious, carnivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous, devour
zo animal zoo (short for zoological garden), zoology, zoomorphism (attributing animal form to god), zodiac (circle of animal constellations), protozoan
Suffix Meaning
able, ible able, capable capable, agreeable, edible, visible
ade result of action blockade
age act of, state of, result of storage, wreckage, damage
al relating to gradual, manual, natural
algia pain neuralgia, nostalgia, myalgia
an, ian native of, relating to African, riparian,
ance, ancy action, process, state assistance, allowance, defiance
ary, ery, ory relating to, quality, place where aviary, bravery, dormitory
cian possessing a specific skill or art magician, physician,
cy action, function hesitancy, prophecy, normalcy
cule, ling very small molecule, ridicule, animalcule, duckling, sapling
dom quality, realm freedom, kingdom, wisdom
ee one who receives the action refugee, nominee, lessee
en made of, to make silken, frozen, wooden
ence, ency action, state of, quality difference, confidence, urgency, agency
er, or one who, that which baker, miller, professor
escent in the process of adolescent, senescence, putrescence
ese a native of, the language of Javanese, Japanese, Balinese
esis, osis action, process, condition genesis, hypnosis, neurosis, osmosis
ess female goddess, lioness, actress
et, ette small one, group midget, baronet, sextet, lorgnette
fic making, causing scientific, specific
ful full of frightful, careful, helpful
fy make beautify, fortify, simplify
hood order, condition, quality manhood, adulthood
ic nature of, like metallic, acidic, bucolic, simplistic
ice condition, state, quality justice, malice
id, ide a thing connected with or belonging to fluid, fluoride, bromide
ile relating to, suited for, capable of juvenile, senile, purile, missile
ine nature of feminine, genuine, medicine
ion, sion, tion act, result, or state of cancellation, contagion, infection, crenellation
ish origin, nature, resembling foolish, Irish, clownish, impish
ism system, manner, condition, characteristic alcoholism, communism, capitalism,
ist one who, that which artist, dentist, flautist
ite nature of, quality of, mineral product prelate, Mennonite, dynamite, graphite, Israelite
ity, ty state of, quality celebrity, captivity, clarity, poverty
ive causing, making abusive, exhaustive, abortive
ize, ise make emphasize, exercise, bowdlerize, bastardize, idolize, fanaticize
logy study, science, theory biology, anthropology, geology, neurology
ly like, manner of carelessly, fearlessly, hopelessly
ment act of, state or, result containment, contentment, amendment
ness state of carelessness, restlessness
nomy law autonomy, economy, taxonomy
oid resembling asteroid, spheroid, rhomboid, anthropoid
ous full of, having gracious, nervous, pompous,
ship state of, office, quality assistantship, friendship, authorship
some like, apt, tending to lonesome, lissome, threesome, gruesome
tude state of, condition of gratitude, aptitude, multitude
ure state of, act, process, rank culture, literature, rupture, rapture
ward in the direction of eastward, downward, backward
y inclined to, tend to cheery, crafty, faulty
viscous
vicious
restive
restful
effect
affect
compass
compress
indigenous
indigent
ingenuous (and disingenuous)
ingenious (ingenuity)
infer
imply
insensible
insensitive
elusive
effusive
corroborate
collaborate
endemic
epidemic
dissemble
disassemble
diffident
different (difference)
deference
deprecate (deprecation)
depreciate (depreciation)
fission division into two or more parts: Nuclear fission is the principle behind nuclear weapons.
fusion joining of two or more entities into one, such as in nuclear fusion (the joining of atomic nuclei) or fusion jazz (jazz that joins elements from various musical traditions): They are attempting to harness the energy produced by nuclear fusion
extant in existence; used especially to refer to the last surviving examples of something passing out of existence, such as an antique book or a nearly extinct species
extent length or amount: The extent of corruption in the bureaucracy was well known.
incredulous (credulous) disbelieving, very doubtful
incredible (credible)
difficult to believe
emulate to pattern one's behavior (on a respected role model)
imitate to copy
descry to make open or plain, by saying
decry to condemn
engender to bring into being
endanger to put at risk
ambiguous vague; capable of various interpretations
ambivalent being of two minds; holding conflicting feelings or attitudes
discomfort (n) the lack of ease or comfort
flaunt to display brazenly or pretentiously
flout to show an obvious disregard or disrespect for; to treat contemptuously
lied the past tense of lie, as in "He lied about his age to get into the Army."
lied (pronounced leed)
a song; a type German of song, meant to be sung, as opposed to a purely instrumental tune (since this is actually a German word, the plural is lieder, not lieds)
discomfit (vt) to disconcert or make uncomfortable
WordPart of Speech
Definitions, Other Forms, and Examples
aberrant adj. deviating from normal or correct.abscond v. to leave secretly and hide, often to
avoid the law.advocate v., n. to speak, plead, or argue for a
cause, or in another’s behalf. (n) -- one who advocates.
aggrandize v. to make greater, to increase, thus, to exaggerate.
amalgamate v. to unite or mix. (n) -- amalgamation.
ambiguous adj. vague; subject to more than one interpretation
ambrosial adj. extremely pleasing to the senses, divine (as related to the gods) or delicious (n: ambrosia)
anachronism n. a person or artifact appearing after its own time or out of
chronological order (adj: anachronistic)
anomalous adj. peculiar; unique, contrary to the norm (n: anomaly)
antediluvian adj. ancient; outmoded; (literally,before the flood)
antipathy n. hostility toward, objection, or aversion to
arbitrate v. to settle a dispute by impulse (n: arbitration)
assuage v. to make less severe; to appease or satisfy
attenuate v. weaken (adj: attenuated)audacious adj. extremely bold; fearless,
especially said of human behavior (n: audacity)
aver v. to declarebanal adj. commonplace or trite (n: banality)barefaced adj. unconcealed, shameless, or
brazenblandishment n. speech or action intended to coax
someone into doing somethingbombast n. pompous speech (adj: bombastic)breach n., v. a lapse, gap or break, as in a
fortress wall. To break or break through.ex: Unfortunately, the club members never forgot his breach of ettiquette.
burgeon v., n. to grow or flourish; a bud or new growth (adj: burgeoning )
buttress v., n. to support. a supportcadge v. to get something by taking
advantage of someonecaprice n. impulse (adj: capricious)castigate v. to chastise or criticize severelycatalyst n. an agent of change (adj: catalytic;
v. catalyze)caustic adj. capable of dissolving by chemical
action; highly critical: "His caustic remarks spoiled the mood of the party."
chicanery n. deception by trickerycomplaisant adj. willingly compliant or accepting of
the status quo (n: complaisance)conflagration n. a great firecorporeal adj. of or having to do with material,
as opposed to spiritual; tangible.
(In older writings,coeporeal could be a synonym for corporal. This usage is no longer common)
corporal adj. of the body: "corporal punishment." a non-commissioned officer ranked between a sergeant and a private.
corroborate v. to strengthen or support: "The witness corroborted his story." (n: corroboration)
craven adj., n. cowardly; a cowardculpable adj. deserving of blame (n: culpability)dearth n. lack, scarcity: "The prosecutor
complained about the dearth of concrete evidence against the suspect."
deference n. submission or courteous yielding: "He held his tongue in deference to his father." (n: deferential. v. defer)
depict v. to show, create a picture of.deprecation n. belittlement. (v. deprecate)depredation n. the act of preying upon or
plundering: "The depredations of the invaders demoralized the population."
descry v. to make clear, to saydesiccate v. to dry out thoroughly (adj:
desiccated)diatribe n. a bitter abusive denunciation.diffident adj. lacking self-confidence, modest (n:
diffidence)disabuse adj. to free a person from falsehood or
error: "We had to disabuse her of the notion that she was invited."
disparaging adj. belittling (n: disparagement. v. disparage)
dispassionate adj. calm; objective; unbiaseddissemble v. to conceal one's real motive, to
feigndogged adj. stubborn or determined: "Her
dogged pursuit of the degree eventually paid off."
dogmatic adj. relying upon doctrine or dogma, as opposed to evidence
eclectic adj. selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of
sources: "Many modern decorators prefer an eclectic style." (n: eclecticism)
efficacy n. effectiveness; capability to produce a desired effect
effluent adj., n the quality of flowing out. something that flows out, such as a stream from a river (n: effluence)
emollient adj., n. softening; something that softensemulate v. to strive to equal or excel (n:
emulation)encomium n. a formal eulogy or speech of
praiseendemic adj. prevalent in or native to a certain
region, locality, or people: "The disease was endemic to the region." Don't confuse this word with epidemic.
enervate v. to weaken or destroy the strength or vitality of: "The heatenervated everyone." (adj: enervating)
engender v. to give rise to, to propagate, to cause: "His slip of the toungue engendered much laughter."
enigma n. puzzle; mystery: "Math is an enigma to me." (adj: enigmatic)
ephemeral adj. lasting for only a brief time, fleeting (n: ephemera)
equivocal adj. ambiguous; unclear; subject to more than one interpretation -- often intentionally so: "Republicans complained that Bill Clinton's answers were equivocal." (v. equivocate)
erudite adj. scholarly; displaying deep intensive learning. (n: erudition)
esoteric adj. intended for or understood by only a few: "The esoteric discussion confused some people." (n: esoterica)
eulogy n. a spoken or written tribute to the deceased (v. eulogize)
exacerbate v. to increase the bitterness or violence of; to aggravate: "The decision to fortify the border exacerbated tensions."
exculpate v. to demonstrate or prove to be blameless: "The evidence tended to exculpate the defendant."(adj: exculpatory)
exorbitant adj. exceeding customary or normal limits, esp. in quantity or price: "The cab fare was exorbitant."
explicit adj. fully and clearly expressedextant adj. in existence, still existing: The
only extant representative of that species."
fathom n., v. a measure of length (six feet) used in nautical settings. to penetrate to the depths of something in order to understand it: "I couldn't fathom her reasoning on that issue."
fawn v. to seek favor or attention; to act subserviantly (n, adj: fawning)
feign v. to give false appearance or impression: "He feigned illness to avoid going to school." (adj: feigned)
fervid, fervent adj. highly emotional; hot: "The partisans displayed a fervent patriotism." (n: fervor)
fledgling n., adj. a baby bird; an inexperienced person; inexperienced.
florid adj. flushed with a rosy color, as in complexion; very ornate and flowery: "florid prose."
floundering adj. struggling: "We tried to save the floundering business."
garrulous adj. verbose; talkative; rambling: "We tried to avoid our garrulous neighbor."
gossamer n., adj. fine cobweb on foliage; fine gauzy fabric; very fine: "She wore a gossamer robe."
guile n. skillful deceit: "He was well known for his guile." (v. bequile; adj: beguiling. Note, however, that these two words have an additional meaning: to charm (v.) or charming (adj:), while the word guile does not generally have any such positive connotations)
guileless adj. honest; straightforward (n: guilelessness)
hapless adj. unfortunateheadlong adj., adv. headfirst; impulsive; hasty.
impulsively; hastily; without forethought: "They rushed headlong into marriage."
homogenous adj. similar in nature or kind; uniform: "a homogeneous society."
iconoclast n. one who attacks traditional ideas or institutions or one who destroys sacred images (adj: iconoclastic)
impecunious adj. penniless; poorimperious adj. commandingimplication n. insinuation or connotation (v.
implicate)imply v. to suggest indirectly; to
entail: "She implied she didn't believe his story." (n: implication)
improvidence n. an absence of foresight; a failure to provide for future needs or events: "Their improvidence resulted in the loss of their home."
inchoate adj. in an initial or early stage; incomplete; disorganized: "The act of writing forces one to clarify incohate thoughts."
incorrigible adj. not capable of being corrected: "The school board finally decided the James was incorrigible and expelled him from school."
indelible adj. permanent; unerasable; strong: "The Queen made an indelible impression on her subjects."
ineffable adj. undescribable; inexpressible in words; unspeakable
infer v. to deduce: "New genetic evidence led some zoologists to infer that the red wolf is actually a hybrid of the coyote and the gray wolf."
ingenious adj. clever: "She developed an ingenious method for testing her hypothesis."(n: ingenuity)
ingenuous adj. unsophisticated; artless; straightforward; candid: "Wilson's ingenuous response to the
controversial calmed the suspicious listeners."
inhibit v. to hold back, prohibit, forbid, or restrain (n: inhibition, adj: inhibited)
innocuous adj. harmless; having no adverse affect; not likely to provoke strong emotion
insensible adj. numb; unconscious: "Wayne was rendered insensible by a blow to the head." unfeeling; insensitive: "They were insensibile to the suffering of others.:
insipid adj. lacking zest or excitement; dullinsular adj. of or pertaining to an island, thus,
excessively exclusive: "Newcomers found it difficult to make friends in the insular community."
intransigent adj. stubborn; immovable; unwilling to change: "She was so intransigent we finally gave up trying to convince her." (n: intransigence)
irascible adj. prone to outbursts of temper, easily angered
laconic adj. using few words; terse: "a laconic reply."
latent adj. present or potential but not evident or active (n: latency)
laudable adj. praiseworthy; commendable (v. laud)
leviathan n. giant whale, therefore, something very large
loquacious adj. talkativelucid adj. clear; translucent: "He made a
lucid argument to support his theory."
lugubrious adj. weighty, mournful, or gloomy, especially to an excessive degree: "Jake's lugubrious monologues depressed his friends."
magnanimity n. generosity and nobility. (adj: magnanimous)
malevolent adj. malicious; evil; having or showing ill will: "Some early American colonists saw the wilderness as malevolent and sought to control
it."misanthrope n. one who hates people: "He was a
true misanthrope and hated even himself."
misnomer n. incorrect name or word for something
misogynist n. one who hates womenmitigate v. to make less forceful; to become
more moderate; to make less harsh or undesirable: "He was trying to mitigate the damage he had done." (n: mitigation)
nefarious adj. wicked, evil: "a nefarious plot."noisome adj. harmful, offensive, destructive:
"The noisome odor of the dump carried for miles."
obdurate adj. hardened against influence or feeling; intractable.
obviate v. to prevent by anticipatory measures; to make unnecessary:
occlude v. to close or shut off; to obstruct (n: occlusion)
opaque adj. not transparent or transluscent; dense; difficult to comprehend, as inopaque reasoning
ossified adj. turned to bone; hardened like bone; Inflexible: "The ossified culture failed to adapt to new economic conditions and died out."
panegyric n. a writing or speech in praise of a person or thing
peccadillo n. a small sin or faultpedantic adj. showing a narrow concern for
rules or formal book learning; making an excessive display of one's own learning: "We quickly tired of his pedantic conversation." (n: pedant, pedantry).
perfidious adj. deliberately treacherous; dishonest (n: perfidy)
petulant adj. easily or frequently annoyed, especially over trivial matters; childishly irritable
philanthropy n. tendency or action for the benefit of others, as in donating money or
property to a charitible organization
phlegmatic adj. not easily excited; cool; sluggishplacate v. to calm or reduce anger by
making concessions: "The professor tried to placate his students by postponing the exam."
plastic adj. related to being shaped or molded; capable of being molded. (n: plasticity n: plastic)
plethora n. excessively large quantity; overabundance: "We received a p lethora of applications for the position."
ponderous adj. heavy; massive; awkward; dull: "A ponderous book is better than a sleeping pill."
pragmatic adj. concerned with facts; practical, as opposed to highly principled or traditional: "His pragmatic approach often offended idealists." (n: pragmatism)
precipice n. cliff with a vertical or nearly vertical face; a dangerous place from which one is likely to fall; metaphorically, a very risky circumstance
precipitate v., n. to fall; to fall downward suddenly and dramatically; to bring about or hasten the occurrence of something: "Old World diseases precipitated a massive decline in the American Indian population."
precursor n. something (or someone) that precedes another: "The assasination of the Archduke was a precursor to the war."
prevaricate v. to stray away from or evade the truth: "When we asked him what his intentions were, he prevaricated."(n: prevarication; prevaricator)
prodigal adj. rashly wasteful: "Americans' prodigal devotion to the automobile is unique."
propitiate v. to conciliate; to appease: "They made sacrifices to propitiate
angry gods."Pulchritudinous adj. beautiful (n: pulchritude)pusillanimous adj. cowardly, timid, or irreselute;
petty: "The pusillanimous leader soon lost the respect of his people."
quiescence n. inactivity; stillness; dormancy (adj: quiescent)
rarefy v. to make or become thin; to purify or refine (n: rarefaction, adj: rarefied)
reproof n. the act of censuring, scolding, or rebuking. (v. reprove).
rescind v. to repeal or annulsagacious adj. having a sharp or powerful
intellect or discernment. (n: sagacity).
sanguine adj. cheerful; confident: "Her sanguine attitude put everyone at ease."(Sangfroid (noun) is a related French word meaning unflappibility. Literally, it means cold blood)
sate v. to satisfy fully or to excesssaturnine adj. having a gloomy or morose
temperamentsavant n. a very knowledgable person; a
genioussedulous adj. diligent; persevering; persistent:
"Her sedulous devotion to overcoming her background impressed many." (n: sedulity; sedulousness; adv. sedulously)
specious adj. seemingly true but really false; deceptively convincing or attractive: "Her argument, though specious, was readily accepted by many."
superficial adj. only covering the surface: "A superficial treatment of the topic was all they wanted."
tacit adj. unspoken: "Katie and carmella had a tacit agreement that they would not mention the dented fender to their parents."
taciturn adj. habitually untalkative or silent (n: taciturnity)
temperate adj. exercising moderation and self-denial; calm or mild (n: temperance)
tirade (diatribe) n. an angry speech: "His tirade had gone on long enough."
tortuous adj. twisted; excessively complicated: "Despite public complaints, tax laws and forms have become increasingly tortuous." Note: Don't confuse this with torturous.
tractable adj. ability to be easily managed or controlled: "Her mother wished she were more tractable." (n: tractibility)
turpitude n. depravity; baseness: "Mr. Castor was fired for moral turpitude."
tyro n. beginner; person lacking experience in a specific endeavor: "They easily took advantage of the tyro."
vacuous adj. empty; without contents; without ideas or intelligence:: "She flashed a vacuous smile."
venerate v. great respect or reverence: "The Chinese traditionally venerated their ancestors; ancestor worship is merely a popular misnomer for this tradition." (n: veneration, adj: venerable)
verbose adj. wordy: "The instructor asked her verbose student make her paper more concise." (n: verbosity)
vex v. to annoy; to bother; to perplex; to puzzle; to debate at length: "Franklin vexed his brother with his controversial writings."
viscous adj. slow moving; highly resistant to flow: "Heintz commercials imply that their catsup is more viscous than others'." (n: viscosity)
volatile adj. explosive; fickle (n: volatility).voracious adj. craving or devouring large
quantities of food, drink, or other things. She is a voracious reader.
waver v. to hesitate or to tremblewretched adj. extremely pitiful or unfortunate
(n: wretch)