Vocabulary Builder (500 will get you 5000)

Double Your Vocabulary in a Month

The 100 most common Latin and Greek roots figure in more than 5,000 English derivatives just beyond the average person’s vocabulary of 10,000 words. They are the ones in all CAPITAL letters. By memorizing these 100 CAPITALIZED Latin and Greek prefixes, suffixes and roots, you will have a short cut to sight read an additional 5,000 words. If you learn all of them (both the caps and non-caps roots), you can double this to 10,000 additional words. Most of these words are used in medicine, law, business, science and technology. These are all words you must know in order to excel on the PSAT, SAT I and GRE, to do well in college and to have a successful career. The most important of these derived words are in CAPITALIZED BOLD print. You must know their meanings. Look these words up in your dictionary to get all the definitions. Put them on your index cards; the word on the front and definitions on the back. Many will not have the same exact meaning as the original Latin or Greek words but they will be close. When you use your dictionary, pay close attention to the Latin or Greek words from which they are derived. The Romans also combined prefixes and roots to derive new words. Many were borrowed straight from the Greek language, but most were combined with Latin to make additional words with similar but distinctive meanings. Try to get a feel for the ETYMOLOGY of these words.

By breaking a word apart into root, prefix and suffix, you will be able to determine its literal meaning. Since you have encountered the word in context, you can then guess at its present meaning. For example, take the word "interposition." The prefix is ‘INTER-’, the suffix is ‘–ION’ and the root word is ‘POSIT’. Inter- means ‘between’, -ion is ‘the act of’ and ‘POSIT’ is from Latin meaning‘to place.’ Therefore, ‘interposition’ literally means ‘the act of placing between.’ Another example is the word "antipathy." The prefix is ‘ANTI-’, the Greek root word is ‘PATH’ and the suffix is ‘-Y.’ Anti- means ‘against’, the suffix,-y, is ‘the state of’ and PATH means ‘to feel.’ Antipathy therefore means ‘the state of feeling against’. Not all derived words have both a prefix and a suffix, many will have one or the other, some will use just the root word and others will combine two root words, as in ‘manuscript’ and ‘astronaut.’ Man- is the Latin root for ‘hand’ and script is the Latin root ‘to write.’ Astro is the Greek word for ‘star’ and ‘naut’ means sailor.

The secret to increasing your vocabulary is not by memorizing a lot of words. The secret is in knowing how combining different prefixes and suffixes with a root word makes new words. For example, let’s take the Latin word gressum which means ‘to walk, to step or move forward’ and by combining the prefixes, A(D)-, CON-, DI-, E-, PRO-, RE-, RETRO- and TRANS- with the combining word "-GRESS-", we get 8 more words. If we add the suffixes –ION, -IVE, and –OR in turn to each of these words we derive 24 additional words for a total of 32 words. By knowing the meaning of the root word, and the 8 prefixes and 3 suffixes you also know the meaning of the 32 derived words. I use this example of making words to show you how easy it is to take words apart and thereby learn their meaning. As an exercise, combine these prefixes and suffixes with the root word to form the 32 words, write them down and look up their meanings.

Since many Greek words were assimilated by the Romans and Latin words also come down to us through French, Italian and Spanish, the modern spelling of some of these words can be quite different from the original Latin or Greek.

The Latin and Greek prefixes, suffixes and root words are listed alphabetically.

1. Latin Prefixes

The prefixes listed below are from Latin prepositions. They are attached to nouns, adjectives and especially to verbs. When taking apart compound verbs and defining them, it is best to translate the prefix as adverbial rather than prepositional. For example, abduct divides into ab (away) and duct (lead) and so means ‘lead away’ and not ‘away from leading’. Some of these prefixes have different forms depending on the initial letter of the root word. This makes the derived word more pronounceable and is known as assimilation. A prime example is the prefix SUB- which also has SUC-,SUF-,SUG-,SUM-, SUP-, SUR-, and SUS- as different forms.

Prefix	Meaning	Examples
A-	not, without	amoral, APATHY, ANOMALY
AB-, ABS-	away from, off, apart	abrupt, ABSCOND, ABSTRACT
AD-, AC-, AN-, AS-	toward, against	advent, accurate, ANNOTATE, assent
AMBI-, AMB-	around, about, on both sides	AMBIGUOUS, AMBIVALENT
ANTE-	before, in front of, early	antecede, antedate, antebellum
ARCH	main, chief	archangel, archbishop, archenemy
BI-	two	bifurcate, biannually
BENE-	well	BENEFACTOR, benefit, beneficial
CIRCUM-, CIRA-	around, about	circumflex, circumference, circa
CIS-	on this side of	cislunar, cisalpine
CON-	with, together	concur, concede, CONSCRIPT
COM-, COR-, COL-	together, with, very	COMPRISE, corrode, colleteral
CONTRA-	against	contradict, controversy, contravene
COUNTER-	against	counterfeit, counterclockwise
DE-	down, down from, off, utterly	deformed, defoliate, descend, depress
DEMI-	half, partly belongs to	demisemiquaver, demigod
DIS-, DI-, DIF-	apart, in different directions	DIGRESS, divorce, dispute, DISCERN
DU-, DUO-	two	duet, duplicate
EM- EN-	in, into	embrace, enclose
EX-, E-, EF-, EC-	out, out of, from, away	EXTOL, event, expel, evade, ELUCIDATE
EXTRA-,EXTRO-	outside of, beyond	extraordinary, extrovert, EXTRAPOLATE
FORE	before	forestall, forgo, forebear
IN-, I-, IL-, IM-, IR-	in, into, on, toward, put into,	incision, impel, impulse, irrigate,
	not, lacking, without	illegal, ignominious, impure, immoral,
	(same as above)	immodest, indecent, INCOHERENT
INDU-, INDI-	a strengthened form of IN-	indigent
INFRA-	below, beneath, inferior to, after	infrared, infrasonic
INTER-, INTEL-	among, between, at intervals	intercede, intercept, intellect
INTRA-	in, within, inside of	intramural, intravenous
INTRO-	in, into, within	introduce, introspective
JUXTA	near, beside	juxtapose, juxtaposition
MAL-, MALE-	evil, badly	malformed, malicious, malaise, maladroit
MEDI-, MEDIO-	middle	median, mediocre
MILLI-, MILLE-	thousand	millennium, millimeter
MONO-	one	MONARCH, MONOTONE
MULTI-, MULTUS-	much, many	multifaceted, multiply, multilevel
NE-	not	neuter, NEUTRAL
NON-	not (less emphatic than IN or UN)	nonresident, nonconformity
NUL-, NULL-	none, not any	nullify, nullification
OB-, OF-, OC-,	toward, against, across, down, for	oblong, OBDURATE, offer, occasion, occur
OP-, O-	toward, against, across, down, for	oppose, opposite, omit, offer
OMNI-	all, everywhere	omniscient, omnivorous
PED-, PEDI-	foot	pedestrian, pedicure
PER-, PEL-	through, by, thoroughly, away	PERMEATE, perfidy, pellucid
POST-	behind, after (in time or place)	postpone, postnatal, postorbital
PRE-	before, early, toward	precedent, precept, preposition
PRO-, PUR-	before, for, forth	proceed, purport, pursue, PROLONG
QUADRI-, QUADR-	four times, four fold	quadriceps, quadrisect, quadrangle
RE-, RED-	back, again, against, behind	repel, RELEGATE, redeem, redemption
RETRO-	backwards, behind	retrogressive, retrofit, retrograde
SE-, SED-	aside, apart, away from	secure, seduce, seclude, sedition, select
SEMI-	half	semicircle, semiprivate
SINE	without	sinecure
SUB-, SUC-, SUF-	under, beneath, inferior,	suffer, SUBMISSIVE, succumb,
SUG-, SUM-, SUP-	less than, in place of, secretly	suggest, subtract, suffuse, support
SUR-, SUS-	(same as above meanings)	suspend, surplus
SUBTER-	beneath, secretly	subterfuge
SUPER-, SUPRA-	over, above, excessively	SUPERFICIAL, SUPERCILIOUS
SUR-	over, above, excessively	surcharge, surtax, surplus, surrealism
TRANS-, TRA-	across, over, beyond, through	transoceanic, transgression, transit, transition
TRI-	three	triangle, triceps
ULTRA-	beyond, on other side	ultrasound, ultraconservative
UN- (Old English)	no, not, without	unabashed, unashamed

2. Latin Suffixes

You will also find a few Old English suffixes here since they are used quite freely with Latin and Greek root words.

Suffix	Meaning	Examples
-ABLE, -ABLY	able to, capable of being.	unalienable, insuperable
-ACY	state or quality of being	intricacy, democracy
-AGE	belonging to, related to	marriage, acreage, postage
-AL	pertaining to, act of	infinitesimal, EPHEMERAL
-ANA	sayings, writtings, facts of	Americana
-AN, -ANT, -ENT	one who is	charlatan, blatant, strident
-ANCE	act of, state of being, thing that	ABEYANCE
-ARY	belonging to, a relation to.	hereditary, subsidiary
-ATE	having	alienate, incarnate, insensate
-ATION, -ITION	the act of, result of	alteration, compilation, nutrition
-AR	relating to, like; the nature of	singular, polar, vicar, scholar
-BULUM, -BLE	means, instrument, place	fable, stable
-CIDE, -CIDAL	killer; having power to kill	insecticide, suicidal
-CRAT, -CRACY	to govern	bureaucracy, plutocracy
-CULUM, -CLE	means, instrument, place	curriculum, fulcrum
-EN	to become, or cause to be	darken, weaken
-ENCE	act, fact, quality, state	conference, excellence, despondence
-ENCY	state of being	clemency, dependency
-ER, -OR	one who	interlocutor, volunteer
-ENT	has, shows, or does	circumvent, INADVERTENT
-ERY, -RY	a place to/for; occupation of	tannery, vinery, dentistry, jewelry
-ESCE	becoming	obsolescent, COALESCE
-FY	to make, cause to be, or become	CLARIFY, horrify
-HOOD	state, quality; group of	childhood, priesthood
-IAN	belonging to, a relation to	vulgarian, plebian
-IER	a person concerned with	soldier
-IBLE	able to be.	susceptible, flexible
-IC	pertaining to	ASCETIC, PROSAIC, ENDEMIC
-ICE	state or quality of being	avarice
-IL, -ILE	having to do with	docil, missile, civil, fossil
-ION	the act or result of, one who	legion, opinion
-IUM, -Y, -CE, -GE	the act of	colloquium, colloquy, refuge
-CIUM, -TIUM, -GIUM	something connected with the act	consortium, compendium
-ISH	of, or belonging to; like	devilish, boyish, foolish, bookish
-IST	a person who does, makes, practices	ALTRUIST, artist
-ITIOUS	having the nature of.	nutritious, seditious
-ITUDE, (-TUDE)	state of being.	verisimilitude, aptitude
-ITY	state, character, condition	ANIMOSITY, stability
-IVE	one who, that which is	pensive, ELUSIVE, deductive
-LESS	(OE) without, lacking.	relentless, tireless
-LIKE	characteristic of; suitable for	manlike, childlike, godlike
-LY	specified manner, extent, direction	harshly, hourly
-MEN	result, or means	acumen, specimen
-MENTUM, -MENT	result, or means of an act	armament, impediment, moment
-NESS	state, quality of being	greatness. sadness
-OON	one who	buffoon
-OR	act, or condition of	error, terror, PRECURSOR
-ORY	relating to, thing which, place where	AMBULATORY, laboratory
-OSE, -OUS	having, full of, characterized by	IMPERVIOUS, unctuous, perilous
-SHIP	quality, condition, state of	fellowship, friendship
-SOME	like, tending to be	tiresome, lonesome
-TION	state of that which	convocation, commotion
-TUDE	state of being	verisimilitude, aptitude
-ULUS, -ULOUS	tending to	CREDULOUS, pendulous
-URE	state or act of	CENSURE, tenure
-UUS, -UOUS	tending to	INNOCUOUS
-VOROUS, -VORE	eating, feeding on	omnivorous, herbivore
-WISE	direction, manner, in regard to	clockwise
-Y	state of being.	nullity, APATHY

3. Latin number forms

Suffix	Meaning	Examples
UNI-	one	UNIFORM, unicorn, unilateral
PRIM-, PRIMO-	first	primary, primitive, primogenitor
DU-	two	duet, dual
BI-, BIN-	two, twice	bicycle, binoculars
SECOND-	second	secondary
TRI-	three	triangle, tricycle, trinity
TERTI-	third	tertiary
QUADR(U)-	four	quadrangle, quadruple
QUART-	fourth	quarter
QUINQUE-, QUINT-	five, fifth	quintet, quintessence
SEX-, SEXT-	six, sixth	sextet, sextant
SEPT(EM)-	seven	septet, September
OCT-	eight	octet, October
OCTAV-	eighth	octave, octagon
NOVEM-	nine	November
NON-	ninth	nonagon
DECEM-	ten	December
DECIM-	tenth	decimal, DECIMATE
CENT-	hundre	century, centennial
MILL-	thousand	millimeter, millennium
SESQUI-	one and a half times	sesquicentennial
SEMI-	half, partly	semiannual

4. Latin Base Words

Latin word	Meaning	Examples
abstinere	to hold back	abstain, ABSTINENCE
accollare	to embrace	ACCOLADE
acerbus, AC, ACR	sharp, bitter, sour	acerbic, acrid, acumen, acrimony
actuare	to do, to move	ACTUATE
actus, ACT	drive, lead, to do, to act	active, activate, activism, react
acurer	to sharpen	ACUTE, acumen, acuity
adbaetere	witness, judge	ARBITER
adjacere	to lie near	adjacent
aemulus	trying to equal, excel	EMULATE
aequus	equal	EQUIVALENT
affecere, AFFE	a state of feeling, to feign	AFFECTATION, AFFECTED
ager, agri, agro, AGR	field	agronomy
agere, AG	drive, lead, to do, to act	agility, agitate, AGENDA
alacer	eager, quick, brisk	ALACRITY
albus	white	albino, albedo, albescent
alere, altum,AL, ALT	grow, nourish	altrical
alius	other, else	alias, ALIENATE
alienus, ALIEN	of another, other	alien, alienation, unalienable
alludere	to joke, jest	allude, ALLUSION
alter, ALTER	other, another	alternative, altercation, ADULTERATE
alter	other of two	ALTERNATIVE
altus	high, deep	alto, altimeter, exaltation
amare, AM, AMAT	to love, friend	AMIABLE, enamored, amorous
ambulare, AMB	to walk, to go	amble, preamble, AMBULATORY
amicus	friend	AMITY
amplus	large, spacious	ample
anecdota	unpublished	ANCEDOTE
angere, anxius	to give pain	ANXIOUS, ANXIETY
angulus	a corner	angle, ANGULAR
anima	breath, spirit, soul	ANIMOSITY, inanimate, unanimous
animus, ANIM	reason, mind, soul, life	ANIMATE, magnanimous
annus, ANNU, ENNI	year	annual, biennial, centennial, PERENNIAL
anomalia	inequality	ANOMALY
antiquus	old, ancient	antiquity, antique, ANTIQUATED
apertum, APERT	open, uncovered	aperture
apparere	to come forth	apparent, appearance, APPARITION
appellare, APPELL	address, entreat, call	appellation
apprehendere	to take hold of	apprehend, APPREHENSIVE
apprenare	to teach	APPRISE
aptare, aptus, APT, EPT	to fit, suitable	aptitude, adapt, INEPT
aqua	water	aqueous, aqueduct, aquifer, aquarium
arabilis	to plow	ARABLE
arbit	judge	ARBITRATION, arbitrary
arbor	tree	arboretum, arboreal
archein, ARCH	to rule	MONARCH
ardere ARD	be on fire, to burn	ardor, ARDUOUS
arere	to be dry	ARID
arguere	make clear	argument
arma	implements, weapons	arm, armament, ARMADA
arrogare	full of pride	ARROGANT, ARROGANCE
arsum, ARS	be on fire	arson
ars, artis, ART	skill, craft, method	art, artisan, artist
articulare	jointed; utter distinctly	ARTICULATE, inarticulate
artificium	art-craft + facere-to make	artifact, artifice, artificial
ascendere	to scale, climb	ascend, ASCENDANCY
aspergere	to sprinkle on	asperse, ASPERSION
assidere	to sit beside, assist	assess, assist
assiduitas	constant presence	assiduity, ASSIDUOUS
astus	crafty, cunning	ASTUTE
auctor	author, enlarger	AUTHORITY, authorize
audere, AUD	to dare, be bold	AUDACIOUS, AUDACITY
augere, augtum	to increase	augmentation, augur, august
audire, AUD	to hear	audible, audio
auditum, AUDIT	to hear	audition
augere, AUG, AUX	to increase	AUGMENT, auxiliary
auctum, AUCT	increase	auction
auris	ear	auricle, auriform
auspicium	good omen, approval	auspice, AUSPICIOUS
authentious	real, genuine	AUTHENTIC
avarus	greedy	AVARICE, avaricious
avertere	to turn away	avert
avis	bird	avian, aviary, aviation, avionics
beatus	happy, blessed	beatific, beatitude
bella, bellus	beautiful	EMBELLISH
bellum, BEL, BELL	to wage war	bellicose, rebellious, BELLIGERENT
bene, BEN	well, good	benevolence, BENEFICENT, BENIGN
bibere	to drink	bibulous, IMBIBE
blaterare	to babble, to roar	BLATANT
bonus, BON	good	bonanza, bonny, bon voyage, bonus
melior	better	AMELIORATE
optimus	best	optimum
brachium	an arm	EMBRACE
brevis, BRI, BREV	brief, short	BREVITY, abbreviate, abridge
burla	a jest	BURLESQUE
cadere, CAD	to fall, happen by chance	DECADENT, cadaver, cascade
cidere, CID	to fall, happen by chance	coincidence, RECIDIVISM
casum, CAS	to fall, happen by chance	cascade
caedere, cide	to cut, kill	incision, pesticide
calere, CAL	be warm, glow	caloric, calorie
callum	hard skin	callus
calx, CALC	pebble, to reckon	calculate, calculus
candere, CAND	glow, pure, sincere	incandescence, candor, CANDID
canere, CANT, CHANT	to sing	RECANT, chant, enchant
canis	dog	canine
capere, CAP, CAPT	to take, to seize	captive, capture, intercept, CAPTIOUS
capra	a she goat (impulsive)	CAPRICIOUS, caprice
capere, CIP, CEPT	to take, to seize	INCIPIENT, precept, susceptible
caput, CAP, CAPIT	head, headlong	cape, chapter, capital, principle
cardo, CARDIN	hinge	cardinal
caro, CARN	flesh	carnal, incarnate, carnivore
castigare	to purify, chastise	CASTIGATE
cauda	a tail	CODA
causa	cause, reason	causal, causation
cavare, cavus	to make hollow	CAVERNOUS, cavity, excavate
cedere, CED, CEED	to go, to yield	recede, precede, exceed, PREDECESSOR
cessum, CESS	to go, to yield	concession, access, recess
celeber, CELEBR	honored	celebrant, celebrity, celebrate
cella	storeroom	cell, cellar
censere, CENS	assess, rate, estimate	census, CENSURE
centrum, CENTR	center	concentric, concentrate, ECCENTRIC
centum, centi	hundred, tenth, ten	percent, centimeter, century
cernere, CERN, CERT	distinguish, separate, decide	discern, certitude, DISCERNMENT
cerebrum	brain	cerebral, cerebrate, cerebellum
cerratanus	seller of Papal indulgences	CHARLATAN
cessare	to cease	INCESSANT
ciere, citum, CI	move, stir, rouse, call	cite, citation
citum, CIT	move, stir, rouse, call	excite, incite, SOLICIT, solicitous
civis	citizen, community	civic, civility, civilian
clamere, CLAIM	to shout, claim, cry out	CLARIFY, ACCLAIM, RECLAIM
clamatum, CLAM	to shout, claim, cry out	CLAMOR, PROCLAIM, declaration
clarus	bright, clear, famous	clarion, clarity
clausum, CLU	to close, shut	recluse, exclude, include, conclusion, PRECLUDE
clavis	key	clavicle, clavier, ENCLAVE
clemens	mild, merciful	CLEMENCY
clinatum, CLI, CLIN	lean, slope	incline, inclination, CLINOMETER
coagulare	to curdle	COAGULATE
codex, CODIC	book, tree trun	code, codicil
coercere	to surrond, restrain	COERCE
cogitare, COG	to think	COGENT, cogitative
cogitatum, COGITAT	to think	COGITATE
cognoscere, cognitum	to know	INCOGNITO, cognition, ignorant COGNIZANT
cohaerere	co-together + haerere-stick	cohere, coherence, INCOHERENT
colare	to strain, filter	percolate, colander
color	to hide, conceal	coloration, COLOR
commodus	suitable	COMMODITY
complacere	to be pleased	complacency, COMPLAISANT
complere	to fill up	complete, comply, COMPLIANT
computare	to compute	count, DISCOUNT
comsentire (com + sentire)	to feel with	consent, CONSENSUS
concidere	to cut off	CONCISE
conciliare	bring together, win over	conciliate, CONCILIATORY, RECONCILE
conterere, contritio	ground to pieces, grief	CONTRITE, contrition
condensus	dense, compact	CONDENSE
condere	to put together, hide	RECONDITE
condescendere	to let oneself down	CONDESCEND
congruere	come together	CONGRUENT, INCONGRUOUS
contemnere	con-with + temnere-scorn	CONTEMPT
contendere	stretch out, strive after	CONTENTIOUS, contend, contention
copia	abundance	COPIOUS
cor, CORD, COUR	heart	courage, cordial, accord
corium	skin, hide	excoriate
cornu copia	(cornu) horn (copia) plenty	CORNUCOPIA
corona	crown	corona, coronary, coronation
corpus, CORPOR	body	corporeal, corporation
corroborare	to strengthen	CORROBORATE
corrumpere	destroy, spoil, bribe	CORRUPT
creare, CREA	create, grow	create, creative
crescere, CRESC	grow, increase	CRESCENDO, accretion
cretum, CRE, CRET	grow, increase	increase, increment
credere, CRED	to believe, to trust	credentials, incredible, credence
creditum, CREDIT	to believe, to trust	credit
cretum, CRET, CRIM	distinguish, separate, decide	secret, DISCRIMINATE, recrimination
crimen, CRIMIN	accusation, charge	incriminate, criminology
cruce	pot, jug	crucible
culminare	peak, summit	CULMINATE
culpa, CULP	fault, blame, guilt	culprit, CULPABLE, exculpate
cultus, CULT	to till, care	CULTIVATE, culture, cult
cumbere, CUB, CUMB	to lie down	incubate, recumbent, SUCCUMB
cura, CUR, CURAT	to care for	sinecure, secure
currere, CURR	to run	recur, current
cursum, CURS	to run	CURSORY, cursive
crux, CRUC	cross, to torture	crucial, crucify, excruciating, crusade
debere, DEB	to owe	debt, debtor
debitum, DEBIT	to owe	debit
debilitare	to weaken	DEBILITATE
decorus	fit; proper	DECORUM, DECOROUS, indecorous
deffere	to bring down, yield	defer, DEFFERENCE
delectar	to charm	delectable, DILETTANTE
deliberare	to consider, weigh well	DELIBERATE
delirare	(to plow crooked) to rave	DELIRIUM, DELIRIOUS
deminuere	to lessen from	DEMINISH, diminutive
dens, dentis	tooth	denture, dentifrice, endodontia
denuntiare	to announce, denounce	denunciation, DENOUNCE
depravare	to make crooked	deprave, DEPRAVITY
desiccare	to dry up completely	DESICCATE
determinare	to set bounds from	DETERMINED
deus, dei	god, godly	deify, deity, deism
devotus	to show reverence	devout, DEVOTION
dexter	right, right hand	dexterous, AMBIDEXTROUS
dicere, DIC	to say, to spea	indict, abdicate, PREDICAMENT
dictum, DICT	to say, to speak	dictate, verdict, edict, indict
dies,	day	diurnal
difficilis	hard to do	difficult
diffidere	to distrust	diffidence, DIFFIDENT
dignari	to consider, worthy	deign, DISDAIN, INDIGNANT
dignus, DIGN	worthy	dignify, dignitary, INDIGNANT
dilatare	dis-apart + latus-wide	dilate, dilation
discordia	dis-apart + cor-heart	DISCORD, discordant
discurrere (dis + currere)	to run to and fro	DISCOURSE
distare	to stand apart	DISTANT
distinguere	to separate	DISTINGUISHED
docere, DOC	teach	doctrine, document
doctum, DOCT	teach	doctor
dolere, DOL	be in pain, grieve	doleful, dolorous. INDOLENT
domitare	to tame	INDOMITABLE
dominus, dominium	a lord, right of ownership	domain, dominate, domineer
domus	house, home	domesticity, DOMESTICATE, domicile
donare, DON, DOT	give, forgive	CONDONE, donation, donor
dormire, dorm	to sleep	dormitory
dotare	to endow	ENDOW, ENDOWMENT
dubius, DUB	doubt	DUBIOUS, indubitable
ducere, DUC	to lead	seduce, induce, subduce, SUBDUE
ductum, DUCT	to lead	conduct, ductile
durare, durus, DUR	to harden, hard	duress, OBDURATE, DURABLE, ENDURANCE
ebullire	to boil up	EBULLIENT
effectu s	bring to pass, accomplish	effective, EFFECTUAL
effluere	to flow out	EFFLUENCE, EFFLUVIUM
elicere	to draw out	ELICIT
emendare	to correct	EMEND, AMEND
emoliri	accomplish	emolument
enhaucere	to raise high	ENHANCE
equis, EQU, IQU	equal, even	equidistant, INIQUITY, equivalent
errare, ERR	wander, go astray	errant, error, err, ERRONEOUS
erraticus, ERRAT	wander, go astray	ERRATIC, ABERRATION
erudire	to instruct	ERUDITE
essentia	to be	ESSENCE, ESSENTIAL
ethicus	character, custom	ETHICAL
evitare	to shun, avoid	evitable, INEVITABLE
exemplum	a pattern, example	EXEMPLARY, EXEMPLIFY
exhaustus	to draw out, exhaust	EXHAUSTIVE
exhortari	ex-out + hortari-to urge	EXHORT, exortation
exigere, exigens	to drive out	exigency, EXIGENT
exoticus	foreign, strange	EXOTIC, exotica
exorbitare	to go out of the track	EXORBITANT
expeditus	hasen, dispatch	EXPEDITE, EXPEDIENT
exponere	to put forth	expound, expose, EXPOSITION
expungere	mark for omission, erase	EXPUNGE
extirpare	to root out	EXTIRPATE
extraneare	to treat as a stranger	ESTRANGE
extremus	last, outermost	EXTREME, extremity
extricatus	to disentangle	EXTRICATE
exuberare	to come forth in abundance	EXUBERANT, exuberance
fabula	story	fable, fabulous
facilis	easy, to make easy	facile, facility, FACILITATE
facere, factum, FAC, FIC	to do, to make	facsimile, EFFACE, fiction, SURFEIT
facetia	a jest, witty	facetiae, FACETIOUS
factum, FACT	to do, to make	manufacture, factory
fallere	to deceive, disappoint	FALLACIOUS, infallible
fama	fame, reputation	famous, INFAMOUS
fanaticus	enthusiastic	FANATIC
fanus, fanum	a temple	PROFANE, PROFANITY
fari, FAB, FAM	speak	fame, fable, AFFABLE, famous
fastidium	loathing, disgust	FASTIDIOUS
fatuus	silly	FATUOUS, fatuity
fecundus	fertile, fruitful	FECUND, fatuity
femina	woman	female, feminine, femininity
fendere, FEND	to resist, hit, strike	defend, offend, offense
ferre, FER	to carry, to bear	refer, transfer, conference, proffer
ferrum	iron	ferric, ferrous, ferrotype
fertilis	to bear fruit	FERTILE, fertility
fervere, FERV	boil, ferment	FERVOR, EFFERVESCENT, fervid
fetidus	to stink	FETID
fidere, fides, FID	faith, trust, rely on	fidelity, PERFIDY, perfidious, fiduciary
figare, fixus	to fasten, attach	fixative, crucifix, suffix
firmare, FIRM	to make firm, strengthen	AFFIRM, confirm, firmament
fingere	to touch, handle	feint, FEIGN
finire, finis, FIN	to end, limit	final, finite, infinity, confinement
fissum, FISS	split, burst	fissure
fictum, FICT	form, shape, mold	fiction, fictitious
finis, FIN	end, limit	final, definite
flagrare, FLAG, FLAM	to burn, flame, blaze	flammable, FLAGRANT, conflagration
flare, flatus	blow	deflate, inflation
flectere, FLECT	bend, turn	deflection, inflection, reflect
flexum, FLEX	bend, turn	flexible
fligere, FLICT	to strike, drive, dash	afflict, inflict, conflict, PROFLIGATE
florere, FLOR-	thrive, to flower	FLOURISH, florid
fluitas, (superfluere)	to overflow	SUPERFLUOUS, SUPERFLUITY
fluere, FLU	flow	confluence, fluid, flume, influence
fluxum, FLUX	flow	influx
foris	out of doors, beyond	FORFEIT, FORFEITURE
forma, FORM	shape, beauty, constant	UNIFORM, REFORM, FORMAL
fortis, FORT	strong, brave	fortify, force, forte, comfort, FORTITUDE
fortuna, FORT	chance, luck	fortunate, FORTUITOUS
fundare, FOUND, FUND	bottom	foundation, fundamental, PROFOUND
frangere, FRANG	to break	frangible, fragment
frangere, FRAG	to break	fragment, fragile
fractrum, FRACT	to break	fraction, fracture
frater, FRATR	brother	fraternal, fraternize
fraus, FRAUD	deceit, trickery	fraud, FRAUDULENT
frivolus	fragile, silly	FRIVOLOUS, frivolity
fructus, FRUIT, FRUG	fruit, produce	fruitful, fruition
frugalis	proper, worthy	FRUGAL
fugere, FUG	flee, escape	fugacious
fugitum, FUGIT	flee, escape	fugitive
fulmen	lightning, thunderbolt	FULMINATE
fumus	smoke	fumitory, fumarole
fundere, FUND	to pour out, shed, scatter	refund, FUSILLADE
fungi, FUNG	perform, do, discharge	function
functum, FUNCT	perform, do, discharge	functionary
funus, FUNER	death, funeral	funeral, funereal
furere, FUR	rave, rage	fury, furious, infuriate
furtum	theft, stealthy	FURTIVE
fusum, FUS	pour, shed, scatter	diffuse, PROFUSE, effusive
futilis	worthless, untrustworthy	FUTILE, futility
garrire	chatter	GARRULOUS
genialis	of birth, generation	GENIAL, congenital, CONGENIAL
genus, GEN, GENER	birth, race, kind	GENRE, generic, generous, generation
gestum, GEST	carry, wear, wage	gestation, gesture
gladius	sword	gladiator, gladiate
globus	ball, sphere	globe, global
glutire	to devour	GLUTTON, gluttonous
gradior, GRAD, GRADI	walk, step; move foreward	gradual, retrograde, gradient
gressum, GRESS	walk, step; move foreward	progress, aggressive, REGRESS
grandis, GRAND	great	grandeur, grandiose, grandiloquent, AGGRANDIZE
gratia	favor, grace	grace
gratus, GRAT	pleasing, favorable	gratitude, congratulate, INGRATIATE
gravis, GRAV, GRIEV	heavy, serious	grave, grievance, AGGRAVATE, gravid, grief, AGGRIEVE, GRAVITY
grex, GREG	flock, herd	congregate, segregate, GREGARIOUS
habere, HAB	to have, hold, keep	habit, inhabit
habeo, HABIT	to have, hold, keep	habitual, habituate
haerere, HER, HES	to cling, stick	adhesive, cohesive, adherent, INHERENT
haeresis	school of thought, sect	heretic, HERESY
harmonicus	fitting, agreement	HARMONY, harmonic
heres, HERED	heir	hereditary, heredity
herba	grass, herb	herbivorous, herbaceous
hilarare, hilaris	to gladden, merry	hilarious, exhilarate
histrio	actor	HISTRIONICS
homo, HOMIN	man, human being	homicidal, hominize
horrere, HORR	shudder, stand stiff	horrendous, abhor
hostis	enemy	hostile
humanus	mankind	humanity
humere, HUM	be moist, damp	humid
humilis	lowly	HUMILITY, humiliate
id	one’s own	IDIOM, idiosyncrasy
ignis	fire	ignite, ignition, igneous
ignorare	to have no knowledge of	ignore, ignorant
imbuere	to wet, soak	IMBUE
imitari, IMIT	to copy	imitative
imitatum, IMITAT	to copy	imitate, imitation
immunis	tax exempt	IMMUNE
impedire (im + pes)	"to hold the feet", entangle	IMPEDE
imponere	to place upon	IMPOSE
inanis	empty, vacant	INANE
incidere	occur, to fall upon, likely	incident, INCIDENTAL
incisio, incisivus, CIS	to cut	excise, incision, INCISIVE, incisor
inchoare	to begin	INCHOATE
incurrere	to run into, attack	incur, INCURSION
indulgere	be kind to, yield to	indulge. INDULGENT
iners (in + ars)	without skill or art	inertia, INERT
infere (in + ferre)	to carry in	INFER
ingenerare	to beset	ENGENDER
ingenuus	native, inborn, frank	INGENUOUS
inhibere	hold back, restrain	INHIBIT
inimicus	hostile	INIMICAL
iniquus	uneaqual	INIQUITY, INIQUITIOUS
innovare	to renew	INNOVATE
inquirere	to seek	inquire, INQUISITIVE
instigare	to incite, stimulate	INSTIGATE
insula, isola	island, to isolate	isolate, insulate, INSULAR
integritas	whole, entire	INTEGRITY
intendere	aim at, stretch for	intend, intense, INTENSIFY
intricare	to entangle, PERPLEX	INTRICATE, intricacy
intus	within	INTIMATE
iratus	to be angry	IRATE, IRASCIBLE
ire, itum, IT	to go	initiate, transit
iter, ITINER	journey, walk	ITINERANT
jacere, JAC	to throw, cast down	ejaculate, adjacent
jactum, JECT	to throw, cast down	eject, reject, trajectory, ejecta, object, OBJECTIVE
jejunus	hungry or meager	jejune
jocus	joke	jocund, jocular, jocose, jocosity
Jovis	Roman god Jupiter	JOVIAL
judex, JUDIC	judge, judgement	JUDICIOUS, judicial, adjudicate
jugum	a yoke	SUBJUGATE
jungere, JUNG	to join, to meet	conjugal, conjugate, CONJOIN
junctum, JUNCT	to join, to meet	junction, injunction
jus, JUR, JUST	right, law, take an oath	abjure, PERJURY, CONJURE, jurisprudence
juvenile	oung	juvenile, REJUVENATE
labi, LAB	slide, slip, fall	labile
laborare	to work	collaborate, ELABORATE
lapsum, LAPS	slide, slip, fall	lapse
labor	work, exertion	labor, laboratory, laborious
lacrima	a tear	lachrymal, lachrymouse
lamentium	a mourning, wailing	LAMENT
languere	to be faint, listless	languid, LANGUISH, languor
lassus	faint, weary	LASSITUDE
latus, LATER	wide, sideways	LATITUDE. lateral, UNILATERAL
latere	to lie, hidden	LATENT
latum, -LAT	to bear, to carry	relate, translate
laudare	to praise, glory	LAUDABLE
lavere, LUT, LUG, LAV	to wash	dilute, DELUGE, lavatory
laxus	to be loose	LAX, laxity
legare	to send	RELEGATE, delegate
legere, LEG	gather, choose, read	legend, elegant, ELEGANCE
lectum, LECT	gather, choose, read	dialect, election, collect, select
lethargia	idle	lethargic, LETHARGY
lex, LEGIS	law	legislature, illegitimate, legal
levare, LEV	light, to lift, rise	LEVITY, elevate, ALLEVIATE, RELIEVE
liber	free	liberate, libertine, deliberate
liber, LIBR	book	library, libel
licere, lictum, LICT	leave, quit, permitted	license, licet
ligare	to bind	allegiance, oblige, ligature
ligne, LIGN	line, cord	align
lignum	wood	LIGNEOUS
linqua	tongue, language	linguistics, lingual
linquere, LINQU	leave, quit	relinquish
liquere, LIQU	to flow, be fluid, clear	liquid, PROLIX
litigare	to dispute	LITIGATE, LITIGANT
littera	letter of the alphabet	literature, obliterate, literal, literati
livere	be black and blue	livid
locus	place	dislocate, ALLOCATE
longus	long	PROLONG
loquax, LOQUAC	talkative	LOQUACIOUS
loqui. LOQU	speak, talk	eloquent, soliloquy
locutum, LOCUT	speak, talk	elocution, CIRCUMLOCUTION
lucere, LUC, LUM, LUS	shine, be light	LUMINOUS, translucent, LUCID, luster
lucidus	light, clear	ELUCIDATE
ludere, LUD	to play, to mock	interlude, delude, ludicrous, elude, prelude
lugere, lugubris	to mourn	lugubrious
lusum, LUS	to play, to mock	illusion, COLLUSION
lumen	bright light	luminance, luminary, LUMEN
luna	moon	lunatic, lunate, lunation
lupus	wolf	lupine
lympha	water	lymph, lymphatic
macer	lean, thin	MEAGER
macerare	make soft, or tender	MACERATE
magister, MAGISTR	teacher, master	magistrate
magnus, MAGNA	big, great, large	magnitude, magnify, MAGNANIMOUS
major, MAJ	greater, bigger, larger	major, majestic
maximus, MAX	greatest, biggest, largest	maximum, maxim
manere, MAN	remain, dwell	manse, manor
mansum, MANS	remain, dwell	mansion
malleare	to beat with a hammer	MALLEABLE
malus, MAL	bad, evil, wrong	maladjusted, MALICE, malignant
malus, pejor	worse	PEJORATIVE
malus pessimus	worst	pessimist, pessimism, PESSIMISTIC
mandare (manus + dare)	to order, command	mandate, commandment, MANDATORY
manus, MAN, MANI	hand	manual, MANIFEST, manumit, manipulate
mare	sea	mariner, aquamarine
margo	boarderland	margin, MARGINAL
Martialis	of Mars (the god of war)	MARTIAL
matea	a hoe, club	MACE
mater, MATR	mother, women	maternity, MATRIARCH
materia	matter	MATERIAL, materialism, materialize
mecari	to trade, buy	merchant, market
medius, mediocris	middle	intermediary, medieval, MEDIOCRE
melior	better	meliorate, AMELIORATE, melioration
mellifer	honey	MELLIFLUOUS
memoria, MEMIN	remember	memoir, memorable, memorandum
mendax, MENDAC	lying, false	mendacious, MENDACITY
mens	mind	mention
mensurare	to measure	measure, COMMENSURATE
merces	pay, wages	mercenary
mergere	to dip, sink	merge, MERGER
merx, MERC	goods, wares	merchant, merchandise
metus, meticulosus	fear, fearful	METICULOUS
migrare. MIGR	move, change places	emigrant
migratum, MIGRAT	move, change places	MIGRATORY, migration
militare, MILIT	to serve as soldiers	militia, military, demilitarize
ministre, MINISTR	attendant, servant, helper	minister, ministration
min	small	minute, miniature, diminish
minor	smaller. less	minor, minority
mimimus	smallest, least	minimal, minimize
minure	to lessen	DIMINISH
mirare	to look at, wonder at	mirage, miracle, admiral
miscere. MISC	to mix	admixture, miscellaneous, PROMISCUOUS
miser	wretched, unhappy	MISER, miserable, miserly
miserari	to pity	misery, COMMISERATE
mitigare	to make mild, soft, tender	MITIGATE
mittere, MIT, MITT	send, let, go	emissary, remit, admittance, transmit
missum, MIS, MISS	send, let, go	missive, remission, demise, SURMISE
modestus	keeping due measure	MODEST, modesty
modus, MOD	measure, manner, means	mode, modal, modify
moles	mass, bulk, pile	moleculr, molecular
monere, MON	to warn, advise, remind	monument, summons, remonstrate
monitum, MONIT	to warn, advise, remind	monitor, admonition, ADMONISH
monotonus	one tone	monotone, monotony, MONOTONUS
mons, MONT	mountain	montage, monticule
morbus	disease	morbid
mordere, MORD	bite	REMORSE, mordacious
morsum, MORS	bite	morsel
morsus	peevish, fretful	MOROSE
mors, MORT	death, to die	immortal, morgue, MORBID, moribund
mos, MOR	manner, custom	MORALITY, mores
movere, MOV	to move	locomotive, MOTIVE, MOTILITY
motum, MOT	to move	motion, motor, MOTIF
multus, MULTI	many	multitude, multiply, multimedia
munificus	bountiful	MUNIFICENT
murmure	to murmur, roar	MURMUR
murus	wall	mural, intramural
mus, MUR	mouse	murid, murine
musivus	artistic, of a muse	MOSAIC
mutare, mutatum, MUT	to change	mutation, mutant, permutation, MUTABLE, IMMUTABLE
nasci, NAT, NAS, NAI	to bear, be born	native, prenatal, natural, INNATE, RENAISSANCE
nativus	natural, native	NAÏVE, naivete
navis	ship	navy, navigate
negare	to deny	negation, abnegate
nemus, NEMOR	wood, grove	nemophila
nervous	tendon, sinew	nervous, nervy, nerve
neuter	ne-not + uter-neither	neuter, NEUTRAL, neutrality
nihil, NIHIL	none, nothing, not any	ANNIHILATE, nihilism, nil
nocere, NEC, NOC, NOX	to harm, injure	internecine, INNOCUOUS, obnoxious
momen, NOM, NYM	name	nominate, misnomer, nomenclature
norma	rule	normative
noster	ours	NOSTRUM
notare	to mark, note	notation, connotation, annotation
notum, NOT	know	notable, notation
novus, NOV, NOU	new, fresh	renovate, NOVICE, NOVEL
nox, NOCT	night	nocturnal, equinox
nullus, NUL, NULL	not any, none	null, annul, NULLIFY
numerou	number	enumerate, numerable, INNUMERABLE
numisma	a coin	numismatic, NUMISMATIST
nuntiare	to announce	DENOUNCE
nutrire	nourish	nutriment
nutiare, NOUNC, NUNC	to report, tell	announce, RENOUNCE, pronounce
nucella, nux, NUC	nut	nucellus, nuclear
obliterare	to blot out	OBLITERATE
obscurus	covered over	OBSCURE
obstare	to stand against, oppose	OBSTINATE
obviare	to prevent	OBVIATE
oculus	eye	monocle, binocular, ocular
odium	hatred	odium, ODIOUS
officius	to do work	office, OFFICIOUS
ominosus	evil omen	OMINOUS
omnis, OMNI	all	omnipotent, omniscient
onus, ONER	burden	onerous, EXONERATE
opacus	shady dark	OPAQUE, APACITY
opponere, oppositus	against	opposite, OPPOSITION
optare	choose	option, opinion
optimus, OPTIM	best	optimum, OPTIMISM
opus, OPER	work	operative, opus, opera, operate
ordo, ORDIN	rank, row, order	ordinal
oriri, ORI	rise	origin, original
os, OSS	bone	ossicle, OSSIFY
oscillare	to swing	OSCILLATE
ostendere	to show against	ostensible, OSTENTATION
palatum	to the palate	PALATABLE
palpare	to feel, stroke	palpable, PALPITATE
pallere, PALL	be pale, yellow, or faded	PALLID, PALOR
palliare	to conceal, cloak	PALLIATE, palliative
par, parare	equal, to make equal	par, DISPARATE
paradigma	to show, example	PARADIGM
parage	rank	PEER
parcere	to spare	PARSIMONY
parens, parere	to appear	apparent, TRANSPARENT
parere, PAR	prepare, get ready, equal	DISPARATE, parity, preparedness
pars, PART	part	particle, PARTISAN, BIPARTISIAN
passus, pati, passum	suffer, endure	patient, PASSIVE, passion
pater, PATR	father	paternal, patronize, EXPATRIATE
pauci, PAU	few	PAUCITY, pauper
pauper, PO, POV, PU	poor person, poor	poverty, IMPOVERISH, pauper
pax, PAC, PEAC	peace	pacify, APPEASE, pact
pecunia	money	pecuniary, impecunious
pejor	worst	PEJORATIVE
pellere, PELL	driven, to push	compel, expel, propellant
pelsum, PULS	to push	pulsate, IMPULSIVE
pendere, PEND	to hang, weigh, play	impending, appendage, suspend, pending, PENCHANT
penser, pensum, PENS	to hang, weight, play	expense, dispense, pensive, indispensable
penuria	want, scarcity	PENURY, PENURIOUS
perfidia	faithlessness, to deceive	perfidy, perfidious
perfungi	get rid of, discharge	PERFUNCTORY
peroratus	to pray, speak, orate	PERORATE
perquisitum	something required	PERQUISETE
pervadere (per + vadere)	to go through	PERVADE, pervasive
pervius	per (through) via (way)	pervious, IMPERVIOUS
pes, PED, POD	foot	pedal, PEDESTRIAN, expedition, podiatrist
pessimus	worst	pessimist, pessimism, pessimistic
pestis	plague	pestilence, pestiferous, PESTILENT
petere, PET, PIT	aim at, seek, attack	impetuous, PETULANT, propitious
petitum. PETIT	aim at, seek, attack	petition
pictum, PICT	paint, tattoo	picture, pictorial
pius	devoted to duty, godly	PIOUS, piosity
placere, PLAC	please, be agreeable	PLACATE, placebo, IMPLACABLE
placitum, PLACIT	please, be agreeable	PLACID, COMPLACENT
planus	flat, even	plane
plaudere, PLAUD	beat, clap, approve	applaud, plaudit, implode
plausum, PLAUS	beat, clap, approve, true	PLAUSIBLE
plexum, PLEX, PLIC	weave, plait, fold, tangle	complicate, IMPLICATE, complex
plenus,	full	plenty, replenish, PLETHORA
plicare, PLIC, PLICAT	to fold, bend	complicate, EXPLICIT, IMPLICIT
plere, PLE, PLET, PLEN	to fill, full	complete, IMPLEMENT, DEPLETE, replete
plus, pluris, PLU	more, further	surplus, plurality, NONPLUS
poenalis, PEN, PUN	to pay, compensate	penalty, punitive, penance
pompa	SOLEMN procession	pomp, POMPOUS, POMPOSITY
ponderare	to weigh	PONDER, PONDEROUS
ponere,PON	to place, put	component
positum, POS, POUND	to place, put	position, opposite, EXPOUND
populus	people	populace, popularity
portere, PORT	carry	portable, portage, export, import
portio	share, portion	apportion, proportion
posterus	next, following	PREPOSTEROUS
potens	powerful, able	potentate, potent, potential
praecedere	to precede	precedence, UNPRECEDENTED
praecipitare	before, ahead	precipice, PRECIPITATE
praedicare	to proclaim, declare	PREACH
precarius, PREC	to request, beg, prayer	precarious, imprecate
prediligere	to prefer	PREDILECTION
prehendere, PREHEND	seize, grasp	apprehend, comprehend
prehensum, PREHENS	seize, grasp	REPREHENSIBLE, COMPREHENSIVE
PRISE	seize, grasp	comprise, REPRISAL
pressare	to press, squeeze	press, pressure, REPRESS
pressum, PRESS	squeeze	depress, oppress, impress, SUPPRESS
pretiare, PREC	to value	precious, depreciation
primus, PRIMO	first	primordial, primary, PRIME
pristinus	former	PRISTINE
privare	separate, peculiar	privilege, deprive
probare, PROB	to prove, test	probation, prove, PROBITY
prodigere	wasteful	PRODIGAL
prodigiosus	marvelous	PRODIGIOUS, PRODIGY
profanus	before a temple	PROFANE, PROFANITY
progresse	to step, to go forward	progress, PROGRESSIVE
proles	offspring	prolific, PROLIFERATE
prolongare	lengthen, extend in time	prolong
promere	to bring forth	PROMPT
promittere	to promise	COMPROMISE
prope	near	approach, REPROACH
propendere	to hang or lean foreward	propend, PROPENSITY
propinquus	near	PROPINQUITY
proprius	ones’ own, peculiar	property, proprietary, PROPRIETY
prosa	direct speech	PROSE, PROSAIC
prosperare	succeed, thrive, grow	prosper, PROSPEROUS
providere, providens	to see before, cautious	provide, PRUDENT, providence, IMPROVIDENT
provincia	territory outside of Rome	province, PROVINCIAL
proximus	nearest	proximity, approximate
pudere, pudens	to feel shame, modest	IMPUDENT
pugnare, PUG	to fight, boxer	pugilist, REPUGNANT
pugnare, PUGN	to fight, boxer	pugnacious, IMPUGN, REPUGNANT
pungere, PUNG	prick, sting	PUNGENT, EXPUNGE
punctum, PUNC	prick, sting	punctual, puncture, compunction
pungere, POIGN, POINT	prick, sting	poignant, pointed
pulcher, PULCHR	beautiful	pulchritude
purgare	to clean	purge, purgatory
putare, PUT	to think, reckon, consider	computer, compute
putatum, PUTAT	to think, reckon, consider	reputation, COMPUTATION
putris	rotten	putrid, PUTRIFY
quaerere, QUE	ask, seek	conquer, quest, acquire, query
quaesitum, QUIS	ask, seek	INQUISITIVE, exquisite, acquisition
qualis	of what sort, kind	QUALITY, QUALIFY
quantus, quande	how great, how much	QUANDARY
quattuor	four	quarterly, quatrain, quaternary
queri	complain	QUERULOUS
quies, QUI	quite	tranquil, ACQUIESCE, QUIESCENT
quotus	how many	QUORUM, quotient
rabies	madness	RABID
radius	ray, beam, rod	radian, radiation
radix, RADIC	root	radicle, radical, ERADICATE
rancere, RANC	be stinking	rancid
rapere, RAP	to seize, snatch	rape, rapacious, rapine
raptum, RAPT	to seize, snatch	rapture, rapt
ratio, RATION	reckoning, account	reason, ration
ratum, RAT	think, suppose, consider	rational, IRRATIONAL
ratus	to reckon	RATIFY
raucus	to mutter, give hoarse cries	RAUCOUS
recalcitrare	to kick back	RECALCITRANT
reciprocus	returning	reciprocate, RECIPROCAL
rectificare	to correct	RECTIFY
recipere	to take back	receive, receipt, RECEPTIVE
rectum, RECT	direct, in a straight line	rectitude
redundare	to overflow	REDUNDANT
refere, relatus	to bring back	refer, relate, CORRELATE
reformare	to make better	REFORM
refutare	to repel	REFUTE
regere, rectus	right, to make straight	erect, RECTITUDE
regere, rex, regis	to rule, king, direct	regimen, direct, regular, regency
regnum	to reign	INTERREGNUM
removere	to remove	REMOTE
renda	to tear apart	rend
renuntiare	to tell back	RENOUNCE
repletus	to fill again	REPLETE, REPLETION
repellere	to repel, reject	repulse, repellent, repel
repressus	to hold back	REPRESS
reprobare	rebuke, censure	REPROVE
repudiare	to put away, divorce	REPUDIATE
rescindere	to cut off	RESCIND
residere	remainding	residue, RESIDUAL
resilire	(salire) to jump, (re-) back	resile, RESILIENT
respectus	to look at, look back on	respect, RESPITE
resplendere	shining brightly	RESPLENDENT
retrahere	to draw back	RETRACT
revelatio, revelare	disclose, reveal	REVELATION
rex, REG	king	regal
ridere, risum, RID, RIS	to laugh at	DERISION, ridicule, risible, DERIDE
rigere, RIG	to be stiff, numb	rigor, RIGOROUS, rigid, RIGIDTY
rogare, ROG	ask, stretch out the hand	arrogance
rogatum, ROGAT	ask, stretch out the hand	INTERROGATE, rogation, abrogate
rotare, rotatus, rota	to turn, wheel, turned	rotation, rotary, rotor, ROTUND
ruffelen	to scratch	ruffle
rumpere, RUMP	to break, destroy	abrupt, rupture
ruptum, RUPT	to break, destroy	interrupt, CORRUPT, corruptive
rus, RUR	country	rural
saccharum	sugar	SACCHARINE
sacrare, SANCT, SECR	holy	DESECRATE, CONSECRATE, sanctify
sacrare, SACR	holy	sacred, sacrament
sagax, sagacis, sapare	wise, to know, to taste	sage, SAGACIOUS, sapient
sal	salt	saline
salire, SAL, SIL	to leap, jump	sally, salutatory, salient, RESILIENT
saltum, SAULT, SULT	to leap, jump	assault, desultory, somersault
salus, SALUT	health, safety	salute, SALUTARY, SALUBRIOUS
salvare	to save	salvation, salvage, save
sanctus, SANCT	holy	sanctify, SANCTION, sanctuary
sanguis, SANGUIN	blood (cheerful)	SANGUINE, consanguinity
sanitas, sanatorius	health, healthy	sanitation, sanitary
sanus	sound	sanity
sapor, sapere	to taste	SAVOR, INSIPID
satis, satiare, SAT	enough, to fill, full	sated, INSATIABLE, satisfy, satiate
satura	a satire, poetic medley	satire, SATIRIC
saquire	perceive clearly	SAGACIOUS
scala	stairs, ladder	SCALE
scandere, SCAND	climb	ascend, ascension, descendant
scire, SCI	to know, knowing	OMNISCIENT, science, conscious
scribere, SCRIB	write, incise, scratch	scribe, describe, TRANSCRIBE
scriptum, SCRIPT	write, incise, scratch	subscription, script, manuscript
scrupus	sharp stone	scruple, SCRUPULOUS
scrutari	to search into carefully	scrutiny, SCRUTINIZE
secare, SEC	to cut	section, sectional, sector
sectum, SECT	to cut	intersection
securus	free from care	secure, security
sedere, SED	to sit	sediment, preside, RESIDE
semen, SEMIN	to sow, seed	seminal, DISSEMINATE, SEMINARY
senex, SEN	old man	senate
sensus, SENSU	feeling	sensual
sentiere, SENT	to feel, perceive, think	SENTIENT, sentiment, consent, DISSENT
sensum, SENS	to feel, perceive,think	sensation, sensible, sensory, dissension
sepsis	poison, rotting	septic, ANTISEPTIC, aseptic
sequi, SEQ	to follow, following	SEQUENTIAL, sequence
secutum, SEC, SECUT	to follow	second, prosecute
sera	a saw	serrate, SERRATED, serration
serenus	dry, clear, calm	SERENE, SERENITY
servere, SERV	save, protect, keep, hold	servant, reserve, RESERVED
servus	slave	SERVITUDE, service
sessum, SESS, SED, SID	to sit. plan, plot	session, preside, residual, subsidy
severitas	harsh, strict	severity, SEVERE
sidere	to settle	SUBSIDE
signare, SIGN	to sign, to mark out	signature, CONSIGN, RESIGNATION
simplex, SIMPLIC	single, simple	simple, simplex, SIMPLICITY
similare, similis	to make like	similar, facsimile, simulation, assimilate
sinister	lefthanded, unlucky	SINISTER
sinus	a bend	SINUOUS
sobrius	sober, moderate	SOBER, SOBRIETY
socius, sociare	companion, follower	society, social, association
sol	sun	solar, solstice
solare, solus, SOL	to make lonely, alone	solo, SOLITARY, SULLEN
sollicitus	anxious, worried	SOLICIT, solicitous
soloecismus	speaking incorrectly	SOLECISM
solutum, SOL	loosen, release, undo	dissolute, soluble, RESOLUTE
solvere, SOLV	loosen, release, undo	solvent, resolve, INSOLVENT
somnus	sleep	somnolent, sopor, soporific
sonus, sonare	to sound	DISSONANCE, unison, sonorous
sonus, sonare	to sound	RESOUND, SONATA, DISSONANT
sors, sortis	lot, a share	sort, consortium
spatiosus	large area	SPACIOUS
specere, SPEC, SPIC	see, look at	specimen, CONSPICUOUS, specific
spectum, SPECT	see, look at	inspect, spectacle, RETROSPECT
spirere, SPIR	to breathe, breath	aspire, INSPIRE
spiratum, SPIRAT	breath	respiration, inspiration
spondere, sponsus	to pledge, promise	sponsor, respond, RESPONSIVE
spontaneus	of free will	SPONTANEOUS, SPONTANEITY
sporadicus	to scatter	SPORADIC
spurius	false, illegitimate	SPURIOUS
squalere, SQUAL	be rough, foul, or filithy	SQUALID, squalor
squandere	to scatter	SQUANDER
stagnare	pool, swamp	stagnate, STAGNATION
stare, stet, STA	to stand	stable, stagnant, contrast
statum, STAT	to stand	status, statue, STATIC, STANZA
stellare, stella	to shine, star	stellar, constellation
sterilis	barren	STERILE
stinguere, STINGU	to prick, to quench	DISTINGUISH, EXTINGUISH
stinctum, -STINCT	to prick, to quench	distinct, distinction, distinctive
stolidus	firm, slow, stupid	STOLID
strategema	act of a general	strategy, STRATAGEM
stratum, STRAT	layer, spread	STRATIFY, STRATUM
striare	groove, channel, lined	STRIATED
stringere, STRING	draw tight, bind	astringent, STRINGENT
strictum, STRICT	draw tight, bind	strict, constriction
stridere	rasp	STRIDENT
struere, STRU	build, construct, spread	structure, MISCONSTRUE, instrument
structum, STRUCT	build, construct, spread	instruct
studere, STUD	diligent, zealous, study	student, studious
stupere, STUP	be stunned	STUPOR
suavis, SUA	sweet, smooth	suave, ASSUAGE, persuade
substare (sub + stare)	to stand under, present	substance, SUBSTANTIVE
subtilis	fine, thin, precise	SUBTLE, subtlety
succedere	to go under, follow after	succeed, succession, SUCCESSIVE
succinctus	short, contracted	SUCCINCT
summonere	to remind privily	SUMMONS, summon
summus	highest	summit
sumptus	expense, cost	SUMPTUOUS
superlatus	excessive	SUPERLATIVE
supplantare	to trip up	SUPPLANT
supponere	to suppose, assume	SUPPOSITION
surgere, surrection	to rise, risen	insurgency, INSURRECTION, resurrection
surrepticius	to take away secretly	SURREPTITIOUS
sycophania	informer, toady	SYCOPHANT
symbolus	token, pledge	SYMBOLISM
tabula	board, tablet	tablet, tabloid, table
tacere, TAC, TIC	to be silent	TACIT, TACITURN, RETICENT
taedet	to disgust, offend	tedium, TEDIOUS
taliare	to cut, split, prune	TAILOR
talio	punishment in kind	retaliate, RETALIATION
tangere, tactus, TANG	to touch	tangent, TANGIBLE, TANGENTIAL
tactum, TACT	to touch	TACTILE, tactual
tardus	to make slow	TARDY, RETARD
tegere, TEG	cover, hide, defend	integument
tectum, TECT	cover, hide, defend	detection, protect
temere, temeritas	rashly, blindly	TEMERITY
temetum	strong drink	ABSTEMIOUS
temnere	to scorn	contemn, CONTEMPT
temperare	to temper, mix, regulate	TEMPERATE, temperance, TEMPERAMENT
tempus. TEMPOR	time	temporal, contemporize, temporize
tendere, TEND	stretch, spread, aim	contend, tend, EXTEND, DISTEND
tentum, TENT, TEN	stretch, spread, aim	PRETENTIOUS, EXTENSIVE
tensum, TENS	stretch, spread, aim	tension, tensor
tendere	to stretch, extend, tend	tendency, TENDENTIOUS
tenere, TEN,TAIN	hold, keep	TENACIOUS, contain, detain, tenure
tentare, tent	to touch, try	TENTATIVE
tenuis, TEND, TENS	thin, stretched	extend, tenuous, tendency, tendon
tenuis, TENT, TENU	thin, stretched	tentative, contend, TENUOUS, extenuating
tepere	be lukewarm	tepid
tergere	to wipe	TERSE
terminus	boundry, end	terminator, terminal, DETERMINE
terere, TER, TRIT	rub away, tread, wear out	detriment
terra	land, earth	terrace, terra firma
terrere, TERR	frighten	terror, DETER, terrorism
testis	witness	testament, testify, testimony
texere, textum, TEXT	weave, build	text, texture, textual, texturized
theoria	a looking at, speculation	theory, THEORETICAL
timere, TIM	fear	timid, TIMOROUS
tingere, TING	dip, soak, moisten, dye	tinge
tinctum, TINCT	dip, soak, moisten, dye	tincture
tirare	to draw fire	TIRADE
tirer	to draw	retire, RETIRING
tonsum, TONS	shear, clip, shave	tonsorial, tonsure
torpere, TORP	be stiff, numb	torpid, TORPOR
torquere, TORQU	to twist, turn	torque
tortum, TORT	to twist, turn	contortionist, extort, torture, TORTUOUS
torrere, TORR	parch, scorch	torrid
toxicare, toxicum	to smear with poison	toxic, toxin, toxicant
tradere	to deliver	EXTRADITE, tradition
traducere	exhibit, disgrace	TRADUCE
trahere, TRA	to draw, drag	TRAIT, TRACE
tractum, TRACT	to draw, drag, pull	subtract, TRACTABLE, PROTRACT
tradere	to give, deliver over	TRADITION, treason
tragicus	suffer	TRAGIC, tragedy
transcendere	trans + scandere- to climb	transcend, transcendent
transigere	to come to a settlement	transact, INTRANSIGENT
transire (trans + ire)	to go across	transit, TRANSITORY
tremere, TREM	quake, quiver	tremble, tremendous, tremor
trepidare	to tremble	tremulous, TREPIDATION
tribuere, tributus, tribus	to assign, allot, pay	tribute, distribute, attribute
trivialis	commonplace, unimportant	TRIVIAL, trivia, trivialize
trudere	to thrust	ABSTRUSE
truncus	stem, trunk	TRUNK, truncate, truncheon
trux, TRUC	wild, rough, fierce	TRUCULENT
trudere, TRUD, TRUS	to push, thrust	protrude, intrusion, UNOBTRUSIVE
tumere, TUM	swell, be swollen	tumescence, tumult, TUMOR
turba, TURB	uproar, disturbance	perturb, turbulence, turbid
turpis	base, vile	TURPITUDE
ubique	(ubi) where, (qua) any	UBIQUITOUS, ubiquity
ultimus, ULTI	last	ultimate
umber (sub+umbrare)	shade, (under the shade)	SOMBER, ADUMBRATE
universus	all together	universal, universality, university
unda, UND	wave	undulate, abundant
uniformis	one form, unchanging	UNIFORM, uniformity
unus, UNI	one	unicorn, unicycle
urbs, URB	city	urban, exurb
usum, US	to use	usage, abuse, usurp
uter	neither	neuter, NEUTRAL
utor, UTI	to use	utility, utilization, UTILIZE
vacare, vacuus	empty	VACUOUS, evacuate
vacillare	to stagger	VACILLATE
vadere, vasun, VAD	to go, make ones way	vademecum, EVADE, EVASIVE
vagari, vagus	to wander	vagrant, vagaries, VAGUE
vanescere	to vanish	EVANESCENT
vanus	vain, boastful	vaunted
vasum, -VAS	a vessel, dish	vascular, vasectomy
valere, validum, VAL	to be strong, be well	valor, valid, evaluate, validity
varicar	to straddle, walk crookedly	PREVARICATE
varius	colored, DIVERSE	variable, variant, vary, VARIEGATED
vehemens	eager	VEHEMENT
vehere	carry	vehicle, vehicular
velle, volens	to wish, willing	VOLITION, BENEVOLENT
vena	blood vessel	vein, venous
vendere, VEND	sell	vend, vendor, venal
venenum	poison	venom, venomous
veneratus	to worship	VENERATE, veneration
venire, VENI, VEN	come, move toward	intervene, convention, CONTRAVENE
ventum, VENT, VENU	come, move toward	adventure, venue, invention
ventus	wind	VENT, VENTILATE
venter, VENTR	stomach	ventral, ventricle
verbum, VERB	word	VERBATIM, proverb, adverb, verb
vereri	to feel awe	REVERE
vergere	to turn, bend	CONVERGE, DIVERGENT
vermis	worm	vermin, verminous
verus, VER	true	VERIFY, aver, verdict, VERACITY
versum, VERS	to turn, change	versatile, AVERSION, DIVERSE
vestire, VEST	to dress, garment	vestment, vest, divest, investiture
vestigium	track, footprint	VESTIGIAL, VESTIGE
vertere, VERT, VER	to turn, change	revert, introvert, subvert, introversion, diverse, DIVERT
verticalis	the top, turning point	VERTICAL, VERTEX
vexare, VEX	shake, toss, trouble	VEX
vexatum, VEXAT	shake, trouble, distress	vexation
via	way, road	via, viaduct
videre, VID	to see	evident, provide, PROVIDENT
visum, VIS, VIEW	to see	visual, visible, review, supervise, VISIONARY
vigere, VIG	thrive, flourish	vigorous, VIGOR, vigorish
vilis	cheep, base	vile, VILIFY
vincere, VINC	conquer, win	invincible, convince, CONVICTION
vindicta	revenge, to claim, avenge	VINDICTIVE, VINDICATE
violare, violatus	to use force	violate, INVIOLATE, violence
victum, VICT	conquer, win	victor, victory, victorous
vino, vinum, vinosus	wine	vinous, vintage, viticulture
vir, virtus	man, manliness, worth	virtue, VIRTUOUS, triumvirate
virus	slime, poison	virus, VIRULENT, virulence
vitium	fault, flaw, offence	vitiate
vivere, vita, VIV, VI	to live, life, lively	REVIVE, convivial, VITAL, VIVID
victum, VIC, VICT	to live, life, lively	vicarious, VIABLE, VITALITY
vocere, VOC, VOK	to call, voice	vocal, invoke, revoke, PROVOCATIVE
vocatum, VOCAT	to call, voice	vocation, convocation, vocative, ADVOCATE
vociforatus	to cry out	VOCIFEROUS, vociferate
vocitus, vacare	to be empty	void, vacant
voluntas	free will	VOLUNTARY, VOLUNTEER
volvere, volutum	to turn	revolve, devolve, revolt, voluble
vorere	to eat, devour	VORACIOUS, carnivore, omnivorous
vocalis, vox, VOC	voice	vocal, vocalise
volare	to fly	VOLATILE
volo, VOL	to wish, towill	VOLUNTARY, VOLITION
volumen	a roll, scroll	volume, VOLUMINOUS
votum, VOT	promise, wish, vow	vote, votive, vow
vox	voice	voice, vocal, VOCALISE
vulgus	the common crowd, rabble	vulgar, vulgarize, VULGARIAN
vulnerare	to wound	vulnerable

5. Greek prefixes

Prefix	Meaning	Examples
A-, AN-	not, without	apolitical, anoxia, amoral, ATYPICAL
ACRO-	top, end	acrobat
ALLO-	other	ALLOCATE
AMB-, AMPHI-	around	amphitheater, ambit, AMBIANCE
AMB-, AMPH-	both, more than one	amphibious, AMBIGUOUS, AMBIVALENT
ANA-, AN-	up, back, again, similar to	anadromous, anagram, analogy
ANDRO-, ANDR-	human, male	androgynous, android,
ANTI-, ANT-	instead, against	antacid, antisocial, antipodes, ANTIPATHY
APO-, AP-	away, from, off, utterly	apogee, APOCRYPHAL, apostasy
ARCHAE-	ancient	archaeology
AUTO-	self	automatic, autocrat, AUTONOMY
BI-	two, twice	bipolar, biannual, bigamy, BILATERAL
CACO-	bad	CACOPHONY
CATA-, CAT-	down, down from, against	catacomb, catapult, CATASTROPHE
DECA-	ten	decade
DERMAT-	skin	dermatitis
DEUTERO-	second, farther	Deuteronomy
DIA-, DI-	through, across	diagram, dialysis, DIALECT, dialogue
DIS-, DI-	two, through, across	dilemma, dissect
DYS-	bad, difficult, faulty	dysfunctional (ill-, un-, mis-)
EC-, EX-	out, from, off	exit
ECO-	environment, habitat	ecosphere, ecosystem, ecotype
ECTO-	on the outside, without	ectoderm, ectomorphic
EN-, EM-	in, into	energy
ENDO-	within, inside, internal	endocrine, endocranium
ENNEA-	nine	ennead
EPI-, EP-	upon, at, over, near	epicenter, EPISODE, epidermis
ESO-	inward, within	esorteric, esotropia
EU-	good, well	EUPHONY, euphemism, eugenics, euphoria
EXO-	outside, external	exoteric, exclude
HECATO-	hundred	hecatomb
HEMI-	half	hemisphere
HEPTA-	seven	heptagon
HETERO-	unlike, other	heterogeneous, HETERODOXY
HEXA-	six	hexagon
HIER-	sacred	HIEROGLYPHICS
HOLO-	whole	holistic
HOMEO-	like, similar	HOMEOPATHY, HOMEOSTASIS
HOMO-	like, similar	homogeneous, homonym
HYPER-	over, above, beyond	hyperactive, HYPERBOLE
HYPO-	under, less than	HYPOCRITE, hypodermic, HYPOTHETICAL
IDIO-	individual	IDIOSYNCRASY
IDEO-	idea	ideologue
ISO-	equal	isometric, isobar
KILO-	thousand	kilogram, Kilohertz
MACRO-	large	macroscopic
MEGA-, MEGALO-	large	megaton, megalopolis, MEGALOMANIA
MESO-	middle	Mesolithic, mesoderm
META-	among, between, beyond	metathesis, metaphysical
MICRO-	small	microscopic
MONO-	one	monorail
MYRIAD-	ten thousand	MYRIAD
NEO-	new	neoclassical
OCTO-	eight	octogenarian, octopus
OLIG-	few	oligarchy
ORTHO-	straight, regular, upright	orthopedic, orthogenesis
PALEO-	ancient	Paleolithic
PALIN-, PALI-	back, again, backwards	palindrome
PAN-	all	pandemic, panorama, PANACEA, Pan-American
PARA-	beside, beyond, near, incorrectly, resembling	paragraph, paranormal, PARADOX, PARADIGM
PACHY-	thick	pachyderm
PENTA-	five	pentagon, pentagram
PERI-	around, about	perimeter, PERIPHERY, perihelion, perigee
POLY-	many	polychromatic, polyglot, polygamy
PRO-	before, forward, for	procrastinate
PROS-	to, toward, besides	prosenchyma
PROTO-	first	prototype, protoplasm
PSEUDO-	false	PSEUDONYM
SCHIZO-	cleave, cut, split	schizophrenia
SYN-, SYM-, SYS-	together, with	symmetric, SYNOPSIS, SYNTHESIS
TAUTO-	same	tautological
TELE-	far, distant	telephone, telegraph
TELEO-	end, result	teleology
TETRA-	four	tetrameter
TRI-	three	trimester

6. Greek Number Forms

Prefix	Meaning	Examples
MONO-	one	monogram
BI-	two	bipolar
TRI-	three	trimester, trycycle
TETRA-	four	tetrameter
PENTA-	five	pentagon
HEXA-	six	hexagon
HEPTA-	seven	heptagon
OCTO-	eight	octogenarian
ENNEA-	nine	ennead
DECA-	ten	decade
HECATO-	hundred	hecatomb
KILO-	thousand	kilogram
MYRIAD-	ten thousand	myriad
MEGA-	one million	Megahertz, megabyte

7. Greek suffixes

Suffix	Meaning	Examples
-AC, -IAC	pertaining to	cardiac, hypochondriac
-AGIA, ALGIA-	pain	neuralgia
-AST	one who does	dicast
-CRACY	government	democracy
-CLASM	destruction	iconoclasm
-EMIA	condition of the blood	anemia
-GENESIS	creation, formation	parthenogenesis
-GENIC	suitable	photogenic
-GRAM	record	electrocardiogram
-GRAPH	written	monograph, telegraph
-GRAPHY	process/method of writing	photography, calligraphy
-IA, -Y	act, state of	polity, EUPHORIA, dyslexia
-IATRICS	treatment of disease	pediatrics
-IATRY	healing	psychiatry
-IC	pertaining to, one who	DOGMATIC, aristocratic
-ICAL	pertaining to, made of	political, angelical
-IC, -ICE	art, science, study of	politics
-INE	used to form feminine nouns	heroine
-ITE	inhabitant of, product	sybarite, Lucite
-ITIS	inflammation	tendonitis, bronchitis, neuritis
-ISE, -IZE	to make to give	PROSELYTIZE, sanitize
-ISK, ISCUS	little	asterisk
-ISM	the belief in, profession of	hylozoism, euphemism, baptism
-IST	one who believes in	Platonist
-LATRY	worship of	idolatry
-LITE, -LITH	stone	megalith
-LOGUE	manner of speaking	monologue
-LOGY	science or study of	geology
-LYSIS	loosening	analysis
-MA, -M, -ME	result of	dogma, theorem, theme
-MANCY	prophecy	necromancy
-MANIA	madness for	pyromania
-METER	to measure	centimeter
-OID	resembling, like, shaped	humanoid, android
-OLOGY	science or study of	geology
-OMA	tumor	melanoma
-ORAMA	view	panorama
-OSIS	abnormal condition	halitosis
-PATHY	feeling, disease	ANTIPATHY, osteopathy
-PHILIA	love, affinity for	Anglophilia, homophilia
-PHILIC	love, affinity for	audiophilic
-PHOBIA	fear of	claustrophobia
-PHOR	that which carries	metaphor
-PHORIA	production of	EUPHORIA
-PHOROUS	producing	phosphorous
-POLY	sale, selling	monopoly
-SCOPE	instrument for visual exam	telescope, microscope
-SIS	act, state of	metamorphosis
-THERAPY	to nurse, care for	hydrotherapy
-TIC	pertaining to	STATIC, enigmatic
-Y	state of being	ANTIPATHY

7. Greek base words

Word	Meaning	Examples
acro	tip, top, apex	acropolis. acrophobia
aesth, AESTH	feeling	AESTHETICS
aer, AER	lower air	aerobic, aerodynamic
aden	gland	adrenal
agogos, AGOG	leader	DEMAGOGUE, pedagogic
agon, AGON	contest, struggle	antagonist, agony
agro, agros	field, earth, soil	agriculture, agronomy
aigis	goatskin cloak; shield	AEGIS
akme	top point	acme
algia	pain	neuralgia
allos, ALLO	other	allotropic, allomorph, allopathic, allogamy
anthropos, ANTHROP	man, stamen	anthropomorphic
anemo	wind	anemometer, anemophilous
athl	prize	decathlon
ainigma	riddle	ENIGMA, enigmatic
anthropos	man	anthropology
archos, ARCH	chief, first, rule	monarch, archangel, archipelago, ANARCHY
archaeo, archaios	ancient, old	archaeology, archeozoic
aristo, aristos	best	aristocracy, aristocrat
arithmos	number	arithmetic
askein	exercised, austere	ASCETIC
aster, astro, ASTR	star	astronomy, astronaut, astral
atmos	steam, vapor	atmosphere
auto, autos, AUTO	self	autoimmune, autobiography
axioma	authority, to think worthy	AXIOM
ballein, BAL	throw	ball, ballistics
baro, baros, BAR	weight, pressure	barometer, barograph
barbaros	foreign, barbarian	BARBARIC, barbarous
barys	heavy	hyperbaric
bat, BAT	go	acrobat
batho, BATHO	depth	bathysphere
biblos, BIBLIO, BIBL	book	bibliography, bible
bios, BIO	life	biography, bionics, biopsy
blasphemein	speak evil of	BLASPHEMY
caco	bad, poor, evil	CACOPHONY
CAUT, CAUST	burn	cauterize, CAUSTIC
center	center	center
cephal	head	encephalitis
chiro, CHIR	hand	chiropractor, criropter
chroma	color	monochromatic
chronos, CHRON	time	chronicle, CHRONOLOGY, SYNCHRONIZE
CLIN	lean	incline, thermocline
cosmos, COSM	order, world	cosmology, cosmic
CRAT, CRAS	type of government	bureaucrat, theocracy, democracy
CRIT	judge	criticize
crypto, CRYPT	hide, conceal	ENCRYPTION, CRYPTOGRAM
cyclos, CYCLE	circle, wheel	bicycle, cyclorama
Cynicus	a Greek philosopher	CYNIC, cynicism
deleisthai, deleterios	destroyer, harmful	DELETERIOUS
demos, DEM, DEMO	the people	ENDEMIC, demographic, democrat
dendron	tree	dendroid
derma, DERM	skin	dermatology, hypodermic, endodermic
diatribe	a wearing away	DIATRIBE
didakikos	apt at speaking	DIDACTICS
didonai, dosis	give	dose, dosage
doxo, DOX	belief, opinion	ORTHODOX, HETERODOXY, doxology
dran, DRA	to do, act	DRAMATIZE
DROM	running course	aerodrome
dynamis, DYN	force, power	dynamic, dynamo, dyne
eidyllion	form, figure, image	idyll, IDYLLIC
eirene	peace	IRENIC
eiron	dissemble in speech	irony, IRONIC, ironical
eklegein	to select, pick out	ECLECTIC
elektron, ELECTRO	amber (electric)	electron
ekleipsis	a defect, fall short	ellipsis, elliptical, ELLIPSE
enkomion	hymn to a victor	ENCOMIUM
ENTOM	insect	entomology
EP,	word	epigraph
ephemeros	for the day, shortlived	EPHEMERAL, ephemeris, ephemeron
episteme	knowledge	EPISTEMOLOGY
ergon, ERG	work, deed	ergonomic
esoteikos	inner	ESOTERIC
esthesia	feel sensation	anesthesia, AESTHETICS
ETHER	upper air	ETHEREAL
ethnos, ETHN	nation, people	ethnic
ethos, ETH	character, moral	ethos, ethical
ETYM	root	etymology
exo	outside	exocarp
galakt	milk	galactic
gamos, GAM	marriage	polygamy, monogamy
gastro-	belly, stomach	gastric, gastritis
geno, GEN	kind, type, race	gender, Genesis
ge, GEO	earth	geography, geodesic, geometry, apogee,
glossal, GLOT	language	polyglot, glossary, monoglot
GLYPH	carving	HIEROGLYPHICS, petroglyph
GNO, GNOS,	know	diagnosis, ignore, incognito, cognitive
GON	angle	polygon, pentagon
gonos	to produce	cosmogony, theogony
gramma, gram	written, drawn	telegram, lithography
graphein, GRAM	write, record	telegram
graphein, GRAPH	write, record	graphic
GYN	woman	gynecology, MISOGYNY
hedonikos	pleasure	hedonic, HEDONISTIC, hedonism
hedra, hedron	side, base	hexahedral, polyhedron
hemi	half	hemisphere
hemo, hema, HEM	blood	hemoglobin, hemorrhage, hemotoma
homos, HOMO	one and the same	homonym, homogeneous, homosexual
helios, HELIO	sun	heliocentric, heliotropic, aphelion
helix, HELIC	spiral	helix, helicoid
hemisus, hemi-	half	hemisphere
hiero	sacred, holy	HIEROGLYPHIC
hippos, HIPP	horse	hippodrome
histanai, STA, STE	stand	STATIC
hybris	exaggerated pride	HUBRIS
hydor, HYDR	water	hydrotherapy, hydrology, hydroponics
hypno	sleep	hypnosis, hypnotoxin
hypocrita	stage actor	HYPOCRITE, HYPOCRISY
ICON	image	icon
ICTHY	fish	ichthyology
ideo	idea	ideogram
iris, IRID	rainbow, iris	IRIDESCENT
isos, ISO	equal, alike	isometric, isotope
k(c)ine, KINE, CINE	movement	kinesthetic, cinema
k(c)ardia), CARD	heart	cardiac
k(c)lastes	breaker, broken	ICONOCLAST
K(C)LINO, CLI	to bend, slant	inclination, declination, decline, recline
k(c)oma	deep sleep	comatose
k(c)ranion,	skull	cranial
k(c) risis, CRIT	to sift, separate	crisis, criterion, critic, critical
K(C)RYPTO	hidden	crypt, CRYPTIC, cryptography
lakon	a Lanconian, Spartan	LACONIC
laos	the people	laity, laic, liturgy
latreia	service, worship	idolatry
legein	to choose, pick	LOGIC
lemma	proposition	DILEMMA
lithos, LITH	stone	megalith
logos, -LOG	word, reason, study	monologue, logic
lysis	loosen	analysis, electrolysis
macros, macro	enlarged	macrocosm
malagma	an emollient	AMALGAM
mania	madness	pyromania, kleptomania
mega	large, powerful	megalith
megalo	great, enlarged	megalomania
metron, METER	measure	metric, geometrical, thermometer
micros, micro	small	microcosm
mimos, MIM	imitate	mime, MIMIC
misein, MIS, MISO	hate	MISANTHROPE, misogynist
mnem-		memory, mnemonic
monos	one, alone	monocle, monosyllable
MORPH	form, shape	amorphous, metamorphosis
mucus, muco	slime	mucous
mytho	myth	mythological
naus, nautes, -NAU	ship, sailor	nautical, astronaut
necro	death, corpse	necropolis
neos, NEO	new, young	NEOPHYTE, neologism
neuron, neuro	nerve	neurology, neuritis
nom	rule	ANOMALY, ANOMALOUS
nomos	law, science	astronomer
nostos	a return	NOSTALGIA
oasis	fertile spot	OASIS
od	path	exodus
odont-	tooth	odontoid, odontology
oikos	house	ecology
oikonomia	household management	economy, ECONOMICAL
oligio	few, scant, small	oligarchy
onoma, ONYM	name	acronym, homonym, ANONYMOUS
opsis, optic	sight, view, eye	optician, optical, SYNOPSIS, SYNOPTIC
ophthalmo	eye	ophthalmologist
ornis, ORNITH	bird	ornithology
oro	mountain	orology
orthos	right, correct	orthogenesis
OSTEO	bone	osteopath
pais, paidos	child	pediatric
paleo	ancient, early	Paleolithic
panegyris	public meeting	PANEGYRIC
pas, PAN, PANT	all, entire, every	panoply, PANDEMONIUM, pantheon
pater, PATR	father	patrician, patron, paternal, patriarch
PATH	disease	PATHOLOGY, PATHOGEN
pathos, PATHO	feeling, suffering	EMPATHY, ANTIPATHY, SYMPATHY
ped, PED	child, instruction	pediatric, encyclopedia, PEDAGOGUE
pelagos	sea	pelagic
periphos	moving around	periphery, PERIPHERAL
petros, PETR	rock, stone	petrified
phago, PHAG	eat, eating	phagocyte, esophagus
PHAN	show, make appear	phantom, fantasy, emphasis
philanthropia	love of mankind	PHILANTHROPY
philos, PHIL	love, tendency	philharmonic, philately, philosophy, bibliophile
phobos, PHOB	fear, flight	zoophobia
phone, PHON	voice, sound	phonograph, telephone, EUPHONY, CACOPHONY
phos, PHOT	light	photograph
phylo, PHYLL	leaf	chlorophyll
physica, PHYS	nature	physical, physician, physics, METAPHYSICS
plasm, plast	shape, substance	plasma, plastic
plethore	to be full	PLETHORA
PLUT	wealth	plutocrat
pneuma, PNEUM	wind, spirit	pneumatic
pneumon	lung	pneumonia
POD	foot	podiatrist
polemikos, polemos	a war	POLEMIC
polit, polis	city	cosmopolitan, metropolitan
polys	many	polynomial
prattein, PRAG	do	PRAGMATIC, pragmatism
poblema	to throw forward	problem, PROBLEMATIC
protos, PROTO	first	prototype, proton, protozoa
pseudes, PSEUDO	false	pseudoscience, pseudointellectual
psyche, PSYCH	mind, soul	parapsychology, psychosis
ptero	feather, wing	pterosaur
pyro, pur, PYR	fire	pyrotechnics, pyromaniac
RHEA, RHAG	flow, gush, break	diarrhea, hemorrhage
rhis, RHIN-	nose	rhinology, rhinoscope
rhiza	root	rhizoid, rhizome
schisma, SCHIS, SCHIZ	cleave, split	schism, schist, schizophrenic
scopos	to watch, see	telescope
seismo	earthquake	seismic
SEPT	poison, from rot	septic
SKEP, SCOP	examine, look at	SKEPTICAL, scope
SOMA	body	SOMATIC
sophos, SOPH	wise	sophisticated, sophomoric, sophist
sperma, SPERM	seed	sperm
sphero	sphere, ball	atmosphere, spheroid
STAT	stand	status, ELECTROSTATIC
stizein, STIG	mark, tattoo	STIGMA
stoa	porch	Stoicism, STOIC, stoical
STROPH	turn	catastrophe
TACT, TAX	arrangement	tactics, syntax
TAPH	tomb	EPITAPH
techne, TECH	art, craft, skill	technical, tectonic, technocrat, technician
TELE	far away	telemetry, telescope
temno, tomos	cut, cut off	appendectomy, lobotomy
tetra	four	tetrarch
thanatos	death	thanatopis, thanatology, EUTHANASIA
theos, THEO	god	THEOLOGY, atheist, theocracy
THERAP	cure	therapeutic
thermos, THERM	heat, warm, hot	thermometer, thermodynamics, thermograph
thesis	position	SYNTHESIS, thesis
thorax	body	thorax
temnein, TOM	cut	appendectomy, tome, epitome, DICHOTOMY
tonos, TON	tone	monotone, TONIC
topo, TOP	place	topography, topic
TOX	poison	toxic
tracheia, tracheo-	windpipe	tracheotomy
TROP	respond to	trophy
TROPH	nourish	ATROPHY
typos	type, model	typify, typical, typical, atypical
xenos, xeno	stranger	xenophobia, xenophilia, xenial
zelos	ardor, zeal	ZEALOUS, zealot
zoo, ZO	animal	zoo, zoology

Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, German phrases and words

One of the most creative aspects of the English language is the absorbsion of foreign words and phrases. Quite often there are no precise English words to describe some particular thing or action so that expression or word is taken as is from the French, Italian and Latin language. English has also taken many words from literature and mythology. These words are included here for your information and education. You may not see many of them on the vocabulary section of the SAT, but you will see them in your reading and be expected to understand and use them in your college writing.

Ab Ovo (From the egg) From the beginning.

Ad hoc (To this) For this special purpose. For a special case only without general application.

Ad lib ad libitum ( it pleases) At pleasure; as one pleases. To improvise spontaneously; spoken or done extemporaneously.

Ad hominem (To the man) Appealing to ones prejudices rather than reason.

Ad infinitum (To infinity) Endlessly; forever; without limit.

Ad nauseam To the point of disgust; to a sickening degree.

Adonis A very handsome young man. Adonis was the youth loved by Aphrodite in Greek mythology

Affaire d’ amour A love affair.

Affaire de coeur Affair of the heart; a love affair.

Affaire d honneur An affair of honor; a duel.

Aficionado A devoted follower of some sport; a devotee.

A’ haute voix (In high voice) Aloud.

A’ la carte All menu items are priced separately.

A la francaise In the French manner.

A la mode In the fashion of; stylish.

A la morte (to the death) Seriously ill; dejected; mortally.

Al dente (to the tooth) Firm to the bite: chewy.

Al fresco (In the cool) In the open air.

Alma mater (FOSTER mother) The college or school that one attended; it’s official anthem or hymn.

Alpha and Omega (First and last letters of the Greek alphabet) The beginning and the end. The be all and end all.

Amor Patriae Love of ones’ country; patriotism.

Animus (Soul, mind, passion) An animating force or underlying purpose; intention.

Anno Domini (A.D.) In the year of the Lord. Used to indicate that a time division falls within the Christian era.

Ante diluvian Before the Bibical flood. Extremely old; old fashioned or primitive.

Ante meridian (AM) Before noon.

Ante mortem Made or done just before ones’ death.

A posteriori (From what comes later) From effect to cause, or from particular instances to a generalization; Empirical. Opposed to a priori.

A priori From cause to effect or from a generalization to particular instances; deductively. Opposed to a posteriori.

Apropos (English spelling), ƒ propos (French spelling) At the right time; fitting the occasion; RELEVANT. Apropos of-; in connection with.

Aqua vitae (Water of life) Brandy or strong liquor.

Arriviste A person who has recently gained power, wealth and success and is regarded as an upstart; PARVENU.

Ars longa, vita brevis Art is long, life is short.

Ars poetica The art of poetry.

Au courant Informed, up to date.

Au contraire On the contrary.

Au naturel In the natural state; nude.

Au pair An arrangement in which services are exchanged on an even basis.

Avant garde The leaders in new or UNCONVENTIONAL movements, especially in the arts. Vanguard.

A votre sant¾ To your health. A toast in drinking.

Bacchanal A devotee of Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. A wild, uninhibited and drunken orgy.

Banal Dull or stale because of overuse. TRITE; HACKNEYED

Bas-relief Sculpture in which figures are carved in a flat surface so that they project only a little from the background.

Belles-letters Literature as one of the fine arts.

BÃ te noire (Black beast) A person or thing feared, disliked and avoided.

Billet-doux A love letter.

Bistro A small wine shop, restaurant, nightclub or bar.

Blasé Bored from overindulgence.

Bonbon A small piece of candy

Bon homie Good nature; a pleasant, affable manner.

Bon mot (Good word) An apt, clever or witty remark.

Bon vivant A person who enjoys good food, good wine and good times.

Bon voyage Pleasant journey; a farewell to a traveler.

Bona fide Made in good faith; the real thing.

Boutique A small shop where fashionable expensive clothes and other items are sold.

Bourgeois A person whose beliefs, attitudes and practices are conventionally middle class. CONVENTIONAL;smug; materialistic.

Boutonniere A flower worn in a lapel buttonhole.

Bowdlerize To expunge a book by omitting or modifing parts considered vulgar. To modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content. From Thomas Bowdler, an 18^th century Englishman who tried to expurgate the works of Shakespeare.

Boycott To engage in a concerted refusal to have any dealings with a person, store or organization as a form of protest and coercion. Charles C. Boycott was a English land agent in Ireland who refused to lower rents.

Braggadocio A braggart. Vain, noisy boasting.

Bravado Pretended courage or defiant confidence where there is little or none.

Bravura A bold attempt or display of daring; dash.

Carte blanche (White card) i.e. A paper bearing only a signature, allowing the beared to fill in conditions. Full authority.

Cassandra A daughter of Priam endowded with the gift of prophecy but fated never to be believed. One who predicts misfortune or disaster.

Causus belli (An occurrence of war) An event provoking war or the used as a pretext for making war.

Cause c¾ lÀ bre A celebrated law case, trial or controversy. Popular cause or issue.

Caveat emptor (Buyer beware) One buys at his own risk.

Charg¾ d’affaires A diplomatic official sent to a foreign nation to represent his government.

Chauvinism Excessive or blind patriotism. Undue partiality or attachment to a group or place to which one belongs. An attitude of superiority towards members of the opposite sex. From Nicholas Chauvin, a character noted for his excessive patriotism and devotion to Napoleon in the French play La Cocarde Tricolore.

Chiaroscuro (Italian for clear dark) From the Latin clarus-clear + obscurus-dark. The treatment of light and shade in a painting or drawing to produce the illusion of depth. Sometimes used to describe a personality that’s a bit two sided.

Chimera A fire-breathing she-monster in Greek mythology having a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. An illusion or fabrication of the mind; an unrealizable dream.

Cinematheque A place where early avante-garde motion pictures are collected and shown.

Circa (c.) About. Used to identify a period of time when the exact date is unknown.

Circe In Homer’s Odessey, an enchantress who turned men into pigs.

Comme il faut As it should be; proper; fitting

Commedia del l’arte A type of Italian comedy with stereotyped plot, improvised dialogue and stock characters.

CONNOISSEUR A person who has expert knowledge and ken discrimination in some field, especially the fine arts or in matters of taste.

Corps de ballet The ensemble of a ballet company.

Corpus delicti (Body of the crime) The facts constituting or proving a crime.

Coup de grce Death blow; a finishing stroke.

Coup d’¾ tat The sudden, forcible overthrow of a government; coup.

Couture The business of designing new fashions in womans’ clothes.

Crème de la crème The best of the best.

Crescendo A gradual increase in loudness or intensity.

Croix de guerre A French military decoration for bravery in action.

Cui bono? Who benefits? Who stands to gain? An assumption that the person who benefits the most might have committed the crime or questionable act.

Cuisine The style of cooking. Manner of preparing food.

Cul-de-sac A passage or position with only one exit. A blind alley. A situation from which there is no escape.

Culpa Fault; guilt; NEGLIGENCE

Cum laude With praise; Graduarion with honors.

Curriculum vitae (C.V.) (Course of life) A complete summary of ones personal history and professional qualifications as submitted by a job applicant. Much more detailed than a resume.

Déclassé Lowered in social status.

Decolletage The neckline or top of a dress cut low so as to bear the neck and shoulders thereby revealing cleavage.

De facto Existing or being such in actual fact though not by legal establishment or official recognition.

De jure By right or legal establishment.

Déjà vu (Already seen) The illusion that one has previously had an experience that is actually new to one.

Delirium tremens A violent delirium with hallucinations resulting chiefly from excessive drinking.

De marche A line of action; move or countermove.

Denouement The outcome, solution,or unraveling of a plot in a drama or story; any final revelation or outcome.

De profundis From the deepest sorrow or misery.

Détente A lessing of tension or hostilities between nations through treaties and trade agreements.

De rigueur Required by custom or fashion; indispensible

Deus ex machina In ancient Greek and Roman plays, a deity brought in by stage machinery to intervene in the action. Any unconvincing character or event brought artificially into the plot of a story to settle an involved situation in a quick and easy manner.

Dishabille The state of being only partially dressed, or in night clothing.

Dolce vita (Sweet life) A casual way of life.

Doppelganger (doppel- double + ganger-goer) A ghostly counterpart of a living person; a double; alter ego; a person who has the same name as another.

Double-entendre A term with two meanings where one of them has a risque or INDECOROUS connotation.

Draconian Characteristic of Draco or his severe code of laws. A cruel, harsh punishment. From Draco, a particularly harsh Athenian lawgiver.

‹clat Brilliant or CONSPICUOUS success.

Élan Spirited self assurance; verve; dash; PANACHE.

Embarras de richesses An embarrassment of wealth. Too much to choose from.

Émigré A person forced to flee his country for political reasons.

‹minence grise A person who wields great power and influence, but secretely or unofficially.

Enamor To fill with love and charm.

Enfranchise To free from slavery; to admit to citizenship; the right to vote. Disenfranchise, or disfranchise means to deprive one of the rights of citizenship,or the right to vote; to deprive of a privilege, right or power.

En garde In fencing, the opening position from which one may attack or defend. Usually given to warn someone to defend themselves prior to attacking them.

Entourage A group of associates or attendants; retinue.

E pluribus unum Out of many, one. The motto of the U.S.

Esprit de corps Group spirit; sense of pride and honor shared by those in the same group.

Et alii (et al.) And others.

Et cetera (etc.) And others; and the like; and the rest; and so forth. Note: Using etc. in formal writing is inappropriate. In general, you should rewrite to avoid its use and never ever write "and etc."

Etceteras Additional things; customary extras.

Et sequens (et seq.) And following.

Ex cathedra With the authority that comes from one’s rank or office.

Exempli gratia (e.g.) For example.

Ex officio By virtue of one’s office or position.

Ex post facto Done or made afterwards, especially when having retroactive effect.

Extempore Without preparation; offhand.

Fait accompli (An accomplished fact) A thing already done so that opposition or argument is useless.

Falsetto A very high pitched male voice.

Fauna The animals of a specified region or time.

Flora The plants of a specified region or time.

Faux pas (False step) A social blunder; error in etiquette; tactless act or remark.

Femme fatale An alluring woman, especially one who leads men to their downfall or ruin.

Fiasco A complete failure.

Fin de siÀcle (End of the century) Formerly used to refer to progressive ideas and customs, but now generally used to indicate decadence.

Forte The thing that a person does particulary well.

Gauche Left handed; clumsy; or INEPT.

Habeas corpus An order requiring that a detained person be brought before a court at a stated time and place to decide the legality of his detention. This law safeguards one against illegal detention or imprisonment.

Habitu¾ A person who frequents a certain place or places.

Halcyon Calm, peaceful prosperous times. A bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient times to nest at sea at the time of the Winter solstice and calm the waves.

Haut mond¾ High society.

Herculean Of or relating to Hercules, a mythical Greek hero renowned for his great strength. Requiring extraordinary power or strength.

Hermetic Relating to the Gnostic writings of Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary author of works embodying magical, astrological, and alchemical doctrines. Relating to occultism or abstruseness; recondite. Also the belief that he invented a magic seal to keep vessels airtight. Impervious to external influence.

Homo sapiens Modern man; mankind; human being.

Hors de combat Put out of action; disabled.

Hors d’oeuvres Appetizers; canapes; party snacks.

Hydra A many headed monster in Greek mythology slain by Hercules. A multifarious evil not overcome by a single effort.

Ibidem (ibid) In the same place. Used in refering to the book, or page previously cited.

Ide¾ fixe A fixed idea; obsession.

Idem The same as that previously mentioned.

Id est (i.e.) That is (to say.)

Idiot savant (Wise idiot.) A mentally retarded person who possesses some remarkable special aptitude for music, memorization or rapid mental calculation.

Ignoratio elenchi The fallacy of irrelevant conclusion or missing the point where a proposition other than the one at issue is established by appel to emotion.

Imbroglio An involved and confusing situation. A confused misunderstanding or disagreement.

Impasse Dead end. An argument where no agreement is possible; deadlock.

In Absentia (In Absence) Although not present.

Infra dig(nitatem) Beneath one’s dignity.

In flagrant delicto In the act of commiting the offense; red-handed.

Ingénue An innocent, naïve young woman. An actress playing such a role in the theater.

Imprimature License or permission to publish or print a book, or article. Specifically such permission as granted by an ecclesiastical order.

IMPROMPTU Without preparation or advanced thought.

Incognito With true identity unrevealed or disguised; under an assumed name.

In memoriam In memory of.

Innuendo An indirect remark, gesture or reference, usually implying something derogatory; an insinuation.

Insouciance Calm and unbothered; carefree; INDIFFERENT.

Ipso facto By the very fact.

In perpetuum Forever.

Inter alia Among other things.

Inter alias Among other persons.

Inter nos Between ourselves.

Interregnum An interval between two successive reigns when the country has no sovereign.

In vino veritas In wine there is truth. Alcohol relaxes inhibitions and allows people to speak their minds freely.

Jejune Lacking nutritive value. Devoid of significance or intrest; dull. Juvenile and puerile in regard to life and art.

J’accuse (I accuse) Any strong accusation or denunciation.

Joie de vivre Joy of living; zestful enjoyment of life.

Junoesque A woman marked by stately beauty. From Juno, the Roman goddess of light, birth, women and marriage and the wife of Jupiter.

Junta A small military ruling group responsible for the overthrow of the previous government rulers.

Laissez faire The policy of letting people act without interference or direction.

Lilliputian Small, miniture; petty. An undersized individual. Relating to the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput, an island in Swift’s book, Gulliver’s Travels where the inhabitants are six inches tall.

Loco citato (loc. cit.) In the place cited.

Lothario A man whose chief interest is seducing women. A seduced in the play The Fair Penitent by Nicholas Rowe.

Machiavellian Of or relating to Niccolo Machiavelli, author of The Prince, and suggesting his principles of conduct emphasising cunning, duplicity and bad faith. Machiavellianism is his view that politics is amoral and that any means, however unscrupulous, can justifiably be used in achieving political power.

Macho A strong virile man; masculine, manly.

Magna cum laude With great praise. Signifies graduation with high honors.

Magnum opus A great work, especially of art or literature; masterpiece. A person’s greatest work or undertaking.

Maitre d Headwaiter.

Malaise A vague feeling of physical discomfort or uneasiness, as early in an illness.

Mal de mer Seasickness.

Martinet A strict militaristic disciplinarian. From Jean Martinet, a 19^th century French General.

Maverick An unbranded range animal; a motherless calf. An independent individual who does not go along with the group. A nonconformist. Taken from Samuel Maverick, a 19^th century Texas rancher who did not brand his calfs.

Mea culpa Through my fault

Mélange A mixture or medley; hodgepodge.

Mercurial Relating to Mercury, the Roman god of travel and cunning. Having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity or thievishness attributed to the god Mercury. Rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood.

Modus operandi Mode of operation. A way of doing or making; any established procedure.

Modus vivendi Manner of living or of getting along.

Mores Folkways that are considered conductive to the welfare of society and so, through general observance, develop the force of law, often becoming part of the formal legal code.

Ménage ´ trois An arrangement by which a married couple and the lover of one of them live together.

Mot juste The right word; the exact appropriate word or phrase.

Motif A main element, idea,or feature to be elaborated on or developed in art, music or literature.

Narcissistic Narcissus was a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who pines away for love of his own reflection and is turned into the narcissus flower. Self-absorbed and exceedingly vain.

Nemesis Nemesis was the Greek god of retributive justice. One that inflicts retribution or vengeance. A formidable opponent.

Noblesse oblige Honorable behavior expected of someone of high birth or rank.

Nolo contendere (I do not wish to contend.) Acceptance of the facts in an indictment, as opposed to a formal plea of guilty, on which a judge would pass judgment.

Non compos mentis (Not of sound mind.) Legally insane or incompetent.

Nom de plume Pen name; pseudonym. A false name used to hide an authors true identity

Nom de guerre A pseudonym. False name used in under cover operations.

Non sequitur A conclusion or inference which does not follow from the premises. A remark having no bearing on what was just said.

Nota bene (n.b.) Note well. Take particular notice.

Nouveau riche A person who has only recently become rich; often connoting tasteless ostentation and lack of culture.

Odyssey In Homer’s poem the Odyssey, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca and leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War, who after the war wanders 10 years before reaching home. A long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune. An intellectual or spiritual quest.

Opere citato (op. cit.) In the work previously cited.

Outr¾ Eccentric; bizarre

Par excellence In the greatest degree of excellence; beyond comparison; preeminently; the epitome of something.

Parvenu A person who has suddenly acquired wealth or power, especially one who is not fully accepted socially by the class into which he has risen; upstart.

Per Contra On the contrary; By way of contrast; As an offset

Per se By or in itself; intrinsically.

Personna The characters of a drama, play or novel. The outer personality or FAÇADE presented to others by an individual.

PiÀ ce de résistance The principle dish of a meal. The main item or event. An outstanding accomplishment.

Prima facie At first sight; on first view. Evidence adequate to establish a fact or raise a PRESUMPTION of fact unless refuted.

Post meridiem (PM) After noon.

Post scriptum (P.S.) Postscript. A note added below the signature line of a letter as an afterthought.

Pro bono publico (For the public good.) Free legal representation for a beneficial cause.

Pro forma As a matter of form or custom.

Pro se (For himself.) Representing oneself in court rather than retaining a lawyer.

Pro tempore (pro tem) Temporarily

Prot¾ g¾ A person guided and helped, especially in the furtherance of his career, by another more influential person.

Provocateur Agitator; revolutionary.

Quasi As if; in a sense or manner; seamingly; in part; i.e. A quasi scholar. A quasi intellectual.

Qui vive? Who goes there? A sentry’s challenge. On the qui vive.(on the look out; on alert.)

Quid pro quo One thing in return for another. Something equivalent; substitute.

Quixotic Blindly idealistic and romantic. From the main character in Cervante’s Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Quod erat demonstratum (QED) Which was to be demonstrated or proved.

Quod vide (q.v.) Which see.

Raison d etre Reason for being.

Rapprochement Establishing or restoring harmony and friendly relations.

Recherch¾ Rare; choice; uncommon. Having refinement or studied elegance. Too refined; too studied

Repartee A quick, witty reply. A series of such rejoinders.

Respondez s’il vous plaÐ t (RSVP) Please reply. Usually found on formal invitations. The recipient is obligated to respond as to their acceptance. Whether you plan on accepting or not, you must let the host know either way as soon as possible but not later than the given date. To not respond or to say that you can’t accept and then to show up is as serious a breach of etiquette as responding affirmatively and then failing to attend.

Rosetta Stone A black basalt stone found in 1799 with both Egypian heiroglyphics and Greek writing, which enabled archiologists to translate Egypian heiroglyphics for the first time. Something that gives a clue to understanding.

Sadism To take delight in the cruel infliction of physical or mental pain on others. Named after the French nobleman the Marquis de Sade. Masochism is the infliction of pain on oneself for pleasure.

Sangfroid (Cold blood) Cool self-possession or composure.

Sanguine Of the color of blood; ruddy complexion. Cheerful and confident; optimistic; hopeful.

Saturnine Gloomy or taciturn. From the Roman god Saturn.

Savoir faire Ready knowledge of what to do or say, and of when and how to do or say it.

Semper fidelis Always faithful. Motto of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Sic So, thus. Intentionally as written. Used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is intended exactly as printed or to indicate that it exactly reproduces an orginal, errors and all.

Sine die Without a day being set for meeting again. For an indefinite period.

Sine qua non An essential condition or qualification Indispensable thing; absolute prerequisite.

Sobriquet A nickname; an assumed name

Soup¸on A suspicion. A slight trace as of a flavor; hint; suggestion A tiny amount.

Soir¾e An evening party, or gathering.

Stentorian A person having a loud, deep voice. From Stentor, a Greek herald in the Trojan War noted for his loud voice.

Tabula Rasa Smooth Tablet. The mind in its hypothetical primary blank or empty state before receiving outside impressions. Something existing in its original pristine state.

Tantalize To tease or torment by presenting something desirable to the view, but continually keeping it out of reach. Tantalus was the king of Lydia condemned to stand up to the chin in a pool of water in Hades and beneath fruit ladden boughs only to have the water or fruit recede at each attempt to eat or drink.

Titanic Having great power, magnitude, or power. From the Titans, mythical giants who ruled the earth until overthrown by the Olympian gods. A titan is someone who stands out for greatness of achievement.

Status Quo The current state of affairs.

Sui generis Legally competent to manage one’s own affairs, because of legal age and sound mind.

Summa cum laude With the greatest praise. Signifies graduation with the highest honors.

TÃ te-´ -tÃ te (Head to head) A private or intimate conversation between two people that excludes all others.

Tour de force An unusually skillful or ingenious creation, production or performance.

Vaunt-courier A soldier sent out in advance of an army; a scout; a forerunner; precursor

Versus (vs.) As against, in contrast to.

Vignette A short, delicate literary sketch.

VIRTUOSO A person displaying great technical skill in some fine art, especially music.

Vide infra (v.i.) See below

Videlicet (viz.) That is; namely

Vide supra (v.s.) See above.

Vis-à-vis (Face to face.) Opposite to. In comparison with or in relation to.

Zeitgeist The spirit of the age; trend of thought and feeling in a period.