Greek and Latin Word Roots: The Ultimate Way to Improve Your English Vocabulary

Hello everyone!

Today, I wanted to share some Greek and Latin word roots that will help you to expand your English vocabulary.

Greek and Latin roots are the core word elements from which other words are made.

You’ll be ensuring your success in mastering the English language by learning and familiarizing yourself with word roots.  

So, let’s begin. 
 

Root         
dec (meaning ten)                      

Words

decade

decimal point

December (December was at first the tenth month in the Roman calendar.) 

Example: She went to Europe a decade ago.

Root
dem (meaning people)                  

Words

democracy

demographic

Example: The concept of democracy (rule by the people) originated in ancient Greece.

Root 
derm (meaning skin)              

Word

dermatologist

                                   

Example: She went to the dermatologist for a skin cancer test.

Root 
don (meaning to give)            

Word                                                                     

donation

Example: We give a donation to the children’s charity every year.

Root 
equ (meaning equal)              

Word

equator

                       

Example:  Ecuador is located at the equator.

Root 
flor (meaning flower)     

        

Words

flora

floral

Example: This flower shop makes beautiful floral arrangements.

Root 
flu (meaning flow)                   

Words

fluency

fluent

affluence

Example: She is fluent in Japanese and English.

Root 
gen (meaning be born)         

Word

generation

Example: Her mother’s generation is very traditional.

Root 
graph (meaning write)            

Words

paragraph

autograph

biography

autobiography

Example: I like to read autobiographies about famous people with interesting lives.

Root 
hydr (meaning water)               

Word

hydrate

Example: When it’s hot outside, it is important to hydrate your body by drinking a lot of water.

Root 
micro (meaning small)                      

Word

microscope

Example:  Doctors analyze samples of cells under the microscope so that they can diagnose illnesses.

Root 
multi (meaning many)         

Word

multiple

           

Example:  She can speak multiple languages.

Root 
nau (meaning ship)                

Words

nautical

nauseous

Example:  I was very nauseous during the boat ride to Hawaii.

Root 
phil (meaning love)                  

Words

Philadelphia (the city of brotherly love)

bibliophile

philharmonic

philosophy

philosopher

Example:  I love books; therefore, I am a bibliophile.

Root 
phob (meaning fear)                

Word

phobia

Example: Most people have a phobia of snakes and spiders.

Root 
phon (meaning sound)             

Words

phone

microphone

saxophone

symphony

Example: The phone always rings during the lesson.

Root 
psych (meaning mind, soul)     

Word

psychology

                                                           

Example:  She studied psychology while she was in college.

Root 
scrib (meaning to write)         

Word

prescription

                                               

Example:  The doctor wrote me a prescription for antibiotics.

Root 
sol (meaning sun)                     

Words

parasol

solar

                                               

Example:  She uses a parasol on hot days because she is very sensitive to the sun.

Root 
spir (meaning breath, spirit)

Word

inspirational

Example: I like taking yoga because it is very inspirational, and it makes me happy.

Root 
ver (meaning truth)                 

Words

to verify

very

verdict

Example: The store clerk asked her for her passport to verify her identity when she was buying a pair of shoes.

Root 
vid (meaning to see, sight)    

Word

video

                                               

Example:  I watched a funny cat video on YouTube yesterday.