Introduction to Word Building

Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes & the English Language

The English language is derived from three major sources: Anglo-Saxon*, Latin, and Greek. Anglo-Saxon has given English common everyday words which most of us use and are familiar with. Those English words, however, which have Latin or Greek derivations, are the words whose meanings and use we find most difficult. English words are formed from Latin or Greek roots. The "root" or "stem" is the main part of a word. The syllable added before the root is called a "prefix". The syllable added at the end of the root is called a "suffix". A knowledge of the important and most frequently used Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes, as found in English words, will enable a candidate to understand the meanings of a great variety of words in the same family.

For example, in the word "contradiction", contra is the prefix; dict is the root; ion is the suffix. Dict is a Latin root meaning "to speak"; contra is the prefix meaning "against"; ion is the suffix meaning "act of". The literal meaning of the word "contradiction" is an "act of saying against," and the dictionary definition is "an assertion of the contrary." There are many other words that can be formed from the same root "dict": prediction, dictation, verdict, benediction, malediction, valedictory, diction, and dictionary. Knowing the meaning of the root "dict" will give an important clue to the meanings of many other words containing this root. In this way, one can enlarge his or her vocabulary immeasurably simply by acquiring the meanings of important Greek and Latin roots.

Etymology - Your key to word recognition

One of the most efficient ways in which you can build up and grow your vocabulary is by a systematic study of the basic word and letter combinations which make up the greater part of the English language.

Etymology is the science of the formation of words. This somewhat frightening word can be one of the greatest aids to you in learning new words and identifying words which may be unfamiliar to you. You will also find that the progress you make in studying the following material will help you improve your spelling.

A great many of the words we use every day have come into our language from Latin and Greek. In the process of being absorbed into English, they appear as parts of words, many of which are related in meaning to each other. You will begin to realize this connection when you study words systematically.

For your convenience, this material is presented in an easy-to-study format. Latin and Greek syllables and letter combinations have been categorized into three groups.

With the prefixes and suffixes, which you should study first, we have given examples of word-formation with meanings and additional examples. If you find any unfamiliar words among the samples, grab your dictionary and look up their meanings.

After you have given this section your full attention, you will be surprised at how many new words are at your command.

* Footnote: (A descendant from the Germanic people who conquered England in fifth century A.D. and formed the ruling class of England until the Norman conquest in 1066.)