In English grammar, a root word is the basic lexical unit of a word that carries its core meaning. It is the foundation upon which other words are built by adding prefixes and suffixes. Root words are also known as base words or stem words.
For example, the root word “love” can form other words such as “lovable”, “lovely”, “lover”, “lovingly”, etc. Similarly, the root word “play” can form “playful”, “player”, “playing”, “playground”, and so on.
Understanding root words can help improve vocabulary and comprehension skills as it allows one to recognize the meaning of unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their component parts.
How many word roots are there in English?
There is no definitive answer to the exact number of word roots in English as the language has borrowed extensively from other languages over time, resulting in a vast and constantly evolving vocabulary. However, some estimates suggest that there are thousands of word roots in English.
English has a diverse range of root words, including those of Latin, Greek, Germanic, French, and many other origins. These roots provide the basis for the construction of many English words, allowing speakers to easily understand new words and form new words themselves.
It’s worth noting that many English words have multiple roots, and some words have roots from more than one language. Additionally, some words have been created in English by combining two or more existing words, rather than by using a root word.
Root Word Examples
Here is a root word list in English:
Aqua: aquarium, aquatic, aquamarine, aqueduct, aquaplane
Aud: audio, auditorium, audible, audition, inaudible
Auto: automobile, autonomy, automatic, autograph, autocracy
Bene: benefit, benevolent, benefactor, benign, benediction
Biblio: bibliography, bibliophile, bibliotherapy, bibulous, bibliopole
Bio: biography, biosynthesis, biochemistry, biofeedback, biotech
Cap: capture, capacity, capsule, capitalize, decapitate
Cardi: cardiac, cardiology, cardiogram, cardiopulmonary, cardiomegaly
Cede: concede, recede, intercede, secede, antecedent
Cogn: recognize, cognitive, incognito, agnostic, cognizance
Corp: corporation, corpse, corporal, corpulent, corporatism
Crypto: cryptic, cryptography, cryptogram, encrypt, cryptologist
Demi: demigod, demitasse, demimonde, demirelief, demitint
Derm: dermatology, dermal, epidermis, hypodermic, taxidermy
Dict: dictate, dictator, diction, predict, verdict
Duct: conduct, ductile, ductwork, abduct, induct
Dyna: dynamic, dynamite, dynasty, hydrodynamic, thermodynamic
Equi: equal, equitable, equinox, equilateral, equidistant
Extra: extraordinary, extraterrestrial, extravagant, extraneous, extracurricular
Fer: transfer, infer, fertile, defer, aquifer
Fid: confident, fidelity, infidel, confidential, affidavit
Flu: fluid, fluctuate, influence, influenza, fluent
Fort: fortress, fortify, fortunate, fortitude, comfort
Fract: fracture, fraction, refract, infraction, fractal
Gen: generation, genetics, generate, genealogy, carcinogen
Geo: geology, geography, geocentric, geothermal, geopolitics
Graph: graphic, autograph, graphite, photography, lithograph
Hydro: hydrology, hydroplane, hydrophobia, dehydrate, hydrometer
Hyper: hyperactive, hyperbole, hypertension, hypercritical, hyperrealism
Hypo: hypodermic, hypoglycemia, hypothesis, hypothermia, hypotension
Intra: intramural, intravenous, intrapersonal, intrastate, intrauterine
Jur: justice, juror, jurisdiction, jury, injure
Loc: location, relocate, local, dislocate, locomotion
Log: logic, logarithm, dialogue, apology, analog
Luc: lucid, translucent, elucidate, lucubrate, pellucid
Macro: macroeconomics, macrocosm, macrophage, macronutrient, macroevolution
Mal: malevolent, malfunction, malnutrition, malcontent, maladjusted
Medi: medium, mediate, meditation, medieval, intermediary
Mega: megaphone, megalopolis, megabyte, megalomania, megafauna
Micro: microscope, microbe, microcosm, microeconomics, microchip
Naut: Nautical, astronaut, astronautics
Neo: Neoclassical, neologism, neonatal
Neuro: Neurology, neuroscience, neuropsychology
Oct: Octagon, octopus, octave
Omni: Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent
Opt: Optimal, optician, optimize
Pac: Pacify, pacifist, pacifier
Pan: Panorama, pandemic, panacea
Path: Pathology, empathy, psychopath
Ped: Pedal, pedestrian, pediatrics
Phil: Philosophy, philanthropy, bibliophile
Phon: Phone, phonics, microphone
Photo: Photography, photogenic, photosynthesis
Pod: Podiatry, tripod, pseudopod
Poly: Polygon, polygamy, polymer
Quad: Quadrant, quadruple, quadrennial
Retro: Retroactive, retrograde, retrospective
Rhin: Rhinoceros, rhinoplasty, rhinestone
Scope: Telescope, microscope, periscope
Sect: Section, sectarian, bisect
Semi: Semifinal, semicolon, semiconscious
Sol: Solitude, solo, solar
Spec: Spectacle, specter, spectator
Super: Superman, superpower, supervises
Syn/Sym: Synchronize, synthesis, sympathy
Tele: Television, telegraph, telepathy
Terra: Terrestrial, terrain, extraterrestrial
Trans: Transportation, transfer, transcontinental
Ultra: Ultraviolet, ultrasonic, ultraconservative
Uni: Universe, unify, unicorn
Ver: Verify, veracity, veritable
Vice: Vice-president, viceroy, vice-chancellor
Vid/Vis: Video, visible, vision
Water: Waterproof, watercolor, waterlogged
Xeno: Xenophobia, xenophile, xenon
Y/yr: Yearly, anniversary, centenary
Zen: Zenith, zenon, zenana
Zo: Zoology, zoo, protozoan
Root Words List | Images
