Roots

Reference list: A full list of common prefixes, roots, and suffixes appears in the reference list chapter at the end of this unit.

Roots

Roots are the core of a word. They carry the main meaning and usually can’t be broken down into smaller word parts. You can think of a root as the “main idea” that prefixes and suffixes build on.

Some roots can stand on their own as complete words. When a word includes both a prefix and a suffix, the root typically appears in the middle.

For example, form is a root meaning “shape or type of something.” If we add the prefix re- (meaning “again”), we get reform, meaning “improve by correcting mistakes.” The meaning changes, but the root idea of “shape/form” stays at the center.

Example: Using a root and the sentence

The witness’s veracity was questioned by the defense attorney. Veracity most nearly means:

A) speed   B) truthfulness   C) anger   D) memory

• The root ver means “truth,” so the answer should connect to truth or accuracy.
• That rules out A) speed, C) anger, and D) memory - none of them connect to truth.
• B) truthfulness fits both the root and the sentence, since the attorney is questioning whether the witness is being honest.

Answer: B) truthfulness

Context does more than confirm a definition - it also chooses between multiple meanings for the same root. Manipulate, built from the root manu (“hand”), can mean “to physically handle something” (manipulating a lever) or “to influence someone unfairly” (manipulating a person); only the surrounding sentence tells you which sense applies.

Exam tip: You won’t recognize every word on the test. When you hit an unfamiliar one, break it into its root (and any prefix or suffix) to get a general sense of its meaning, then check that sense against the sentence to confirm or narrow down your answer.

Here are a few more common roots.

Bio

Meaning: life

Example words: Biology, biography, biodegradable, biopsy, biosphere

• Biology: Bio-logy, meaning “study [of] life.” Biology is the study of living organisms.

Knowledge check: What does the word biosphere mean?

(spoiler)

Bio-sphere, meaning “life globe.” A biosphere is the collection of living organisms in a particular location or of the whole Earth.

Chron

Meaning: time

Example words: Chronology, anachronistic, chronicle, chronic, synchronize

• Chronicle: Chron-icle, meaning “time records” (from the Greek chronika, “records of the times”). A chronicle is the historical account of facts for a particular time and place.

Knowledge check: What does the word synchronize mean?

(spoiler)

Syn-chron, meaning “same time.” Things that are synchronized are in time with one another or occur simultaneously.

Manu

Meaning: hand

Example words: Manual, manuscript, manufacture, manipulate

• Manual: Manu-al, meaning “of the hand.” Something that is done manually is done by hand, and manual labor is work done by hand (rather than machine).

Knowledge check: What does the word manipulate mean?

(spoiler)

Manu-pul, from the Latin manipulus (“handful”), meaning “handle by hand.” To manipulate something is to handle and maneuver it by hand. It can also mean to influence people or events (as in to “take them in hand.”)

Spec

Meaning: look

Example words: Spectate, prospect, inspect, respect, perspective

• Spectate: Spec-ate, meaning “to perform the act of looking,” since the suffix -ate means “to do.” To spectate is to look at or observe something, typically a game or activity.
• Respect: Re-spec, meaning “look back” (here, re- means “back” rather than “again”). To respect someone is to look back at them with regard - that is, to hold them in esteem.

Knowledge check: What does the word perspective mean?

(spoiler)

Per-spec, meaning “look through.” One’s perspective is one’s understanding or viewpoint, and to see from another person’s perspective is to see through their eyes.

Ver

Meaning: truth

Example words: Verify, veracity, veritable, verisimilitude, verdict

• Verify: Ver-ify, meaning “make true.” To verify something is to prove it to be true.

Knowledge check: What does the word verdict mean?

(spoiler)

Ver-dict, meaning “say truth.” A verdict is the judge or jury’s ruling on a case. A verdict is considered to be a true report or spoken statement.

More high-value roots

These roots also show up often on the exam.

Root	Meaning	Example word
Dub	Doubt	Indubitable
Corp / corpor	Body	Corpse
Lum / luc	Light	Illuminate
Pugn	Fight	Repugnant
Fug	Flee	Refuge