I pulled together this word list from a variety of resources that I use regularly. Unfortunately no one resource has all of the Greek and Latin Roots listed in an easy to use, teacher-friendly format. I am often asked by my students if one word is related to a specific Greek or Latin root. Sometimes it is hard to tell if a word has a spelling variant or if the word has a different root.

Hopefully you will find this Greek and Latin Roots Word List helpful! This list was gathered to share with my fifth grade students. While this list is pretty thorough, some of the Greek and Latin roots below have more technical words associated, but I left them off the list as they would not have be meaningful or useful for a 10 year old student.

Resources for Teaching Greek and Latin Roots

I have gathered these word lists over the years of teaching Greek and Latin Roots. If you are interested in learning more check out these resources:

FYI: I only endorse things that I've personally used or have come highly recommended from my teacher friends and family and think they may be helpful to you. If you buy anything mentioned using my Amazon referral links, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Membean– I love their podcasts. They have a pretty good list of words for each Greek and Latin Root.

Etymonline– Just type in a word and you will see a very thorough history of the word.

Wikipedia– Yes it is Wikipedia, but they have a very thorough alphabetical list.

Google– If you type “word origin ______” (insert word) in the Google search bar, Google should pull up its origin resource and give you something that looks like this-

When you are looking for the origin of Greek and Latin roots via google, this Google Word Origin doesn’t always come up. It’s worth a shot because it is a very helpful visual when it does work.

Looking for More Greek and Latin Roots Resources?

If you need more resources for teaching Greek and Latin Roots, check out my other posts on Lisa Teaches Reading.

Greek and Latin Roots Number Prefixes Word List

How to Teach Greek and Latin Roots

Guide to Teaching Greek and Latin Roots & Prefixes and Suffixes

Teaching Syllables in a Fun and Interesting Way

If you are looking for more targeted practice for Greek and Latin roots, scroll past the list to check out my Greek and Latin Roots Word Search Pack and Color the Greek and Latin Root. Both are for sale at my Teacher’s Pay Teachers Store.

The Ultimate Greek and Latin Roots Word List

Click any root below to jump straight to it in the table.

Greek and Latin Roots, Origins, Meanings, and Example Words

Root	Origin	Meaning	Example Words
A/An	Greek	not, without	anomaly, atom, anemia, amorphous, anonymous, anarchy, asocial, apathetic, amnesia, anaerobic, Anastasia, atypical, arrhythmia, ambrosia
Ab	Latin	away from	absent, abduct, absolutely, abuse, abominate, absorb, abdicate, abnormal, abrasive, abhor, avert, absolve, abject, aberration, aberrant
Ac	Latin	to, toward	acclaim, accost, accomplish, access, accede, accuse, accumulate, acclimate, accommodate, accentuate, accoutrement, acquaintance, accrue, accuracy, accompany, accolade, accord
Acr	Latin	sharp, bitter, sour	acerbic, acrid, acrimonious, acrimony, exacerbate
Ad	Latin	to, toward	advice, adage, adjust, adhere, adept, adventurous, advisor, unadorned, adjacent, advertise, advocate, adverb, adopt, adapt, admit, admonish, adjective, adventure
Af/Ag	Latin	to, toward	affable, affirmation, affront, aggravate, aggressive, aggregate, affirm, affection, affliction, affiliate
Alter	Latin	Other	alias, alibi, alien, alter, alternate, altruism, altercation, alteration, alternative, alternator, unalterable, adultery, unadulterated
Am	Latin	Love	Amor, amore, amenity, amorous, amour, Amanda, amateur
Amb	Latin	both	ambiguous, unambitious, ambient, ambiance, ambassador, ambivalent, ambition, ambitious, ambidextrous
Ana	Greek	back, again, against	analysis, analyze, analogous, anachronism, analogy, anatomy, analytic, anagram, anaphylaxis
Anim	Latin	breath, life, soul, spirit	animal, animation, anime, animism, animus, inanimate, equanimity, animator, magnanimous, unanimous, magnanimity, unanimity
Ante	Latin	before	ante meridian (A.M.), antechamber, antecedents, ancestor, antepenultimate, antecedent, ante, antemortem, ancient
Anti	Greek	against, opposed to, preventive	Antarctica, antacid, antifreeze, antimatter, antagonist, anti, antonym, antisocial, antiseptic, antidote, antibiotic, antiperspirant, antibody, anti fungal, antipathy, antidepressant
Ap	Latin	to, towards	apparition, apprise, apply, appurtenance, appraisal, appeal, appease, appreciate, apprehensive, approximate, apparatus, appoint, apprentice
Aqua	Latin	Water	aqueduct, aquifer, aquatic, Aquarius, aqualung, aquarium, aqua, aquamarine
Arch	Greek	rule	archive, anarchy, archon, monarch, patriarchy, matriarch, matriarchy, oligarchy, patriarch, hierarchy, architect, archetype
Ar/As	Latin	to, toward	associate, assault, assist, arrears, assessment, assent, assembly, arrangement, arraign, assumption, arrest, assure, assertive, assignation, arrogant, unassuming, assortment, assign, arrogance, assuage, assimilate
Astr	Greek	Star	astrological, astrology, disaster, astrolabe, astrobiology, asterisk, astronomical, disastrous, astronomer, asteroid
Aud	Latin	Hear	audit, auditorium, inaudible, audiovisual, auditor, audition, auditory, audible, audio
Auto	Greek	self, same	autobiography, automatic, automobile, autograph, automatically, autopilot, automaton, autocracy, automation, autofocus, automotive, autonomy, autonomous
Bell	Latin	War	antebellum, bellicose, belligerent, rebellion, rebel, revel
Bene	Latin	good, well	benefactor, benevolence, benefit, benevolent, beneficiary, beneficial, benign
Bio	Greek	Life	biology, biopsy, biodegradable, biofeedback, symbiotic, biochemistry, biosphere, macrobiotics, microbe, amphibian, autobiography, biodiversity
Brev	Latin	Short	abbreviation, brief, abridge, abbreviate, brevity
Cap	Latin	hold, take	capable, capacious, captive, caption, captivate, capture, conception, except, forceps, intercept, recipient, capacity, capsule, encapsulate, incapable, incapacity
Cata	Greek	down, downward, through, on, against, concerning, occasionally against, wrongly, completion of action	catapult, cataract, cataclysm, catalog, catatonic, category, catawampus, catalyst, catastrophe, catabolic, catacomb
Cede/Cess	Latin	move, yield, go, surrender	accede, cede, concede, precede, procedure, proceed, procession, recede, secede, succeed, success
Chron	Greek	Time	synchronize, synchronicity, chronicle, crony, chronic, synchronous, chronology, chronological, anachronism, chronometer
Cide	Latin	Killing	arborcide, avicide, fratricide, fungicide, genocide, germicide, herbicide, insecticide, pesticide, rodenticide, sorocide, suicide, vermicide
Circum/Circ	Latin	around circle, ring	circumvent, circumspect, circumstantial, circumvention, circumference, circumstances, circumnavigate, circumcise circuitous, semicircle, encircle, circular, circle, circus, circulate, circuit
Cise	Latin	To cut, related to the stem side	decision, decisive, concise, incisive
Clam	Latin	cry out, shout	acclaim, claim, clamor, exclamation, proclamation, reclamation, disclaimer, acclamation, declamation, declamatory, proclaim, reclaim
Clude	Latin	Close, Shut	clause, claustrophobia, conclude, exclude, exclusive, include, occlusion, occult, recluse, seclude, seclusion, exclusion, conclusion, close, enclose, closure, close-minded
Cogn	Latin	Learn, Know	cognition, recognize, cognizant, precognition, connoisseur, incognito, cognitive, reconnaissance
Col/Co	Latin	With, Together	cohort, collate, coexisting, collection, collude, coincide, collusion, coherent, incoherent, collateral, coordinate, coagulate, cohesive, cooperate, collide, collapse, coalition, collaborate
Com	Latin	With, Together, Thoroughly	comply, complicated, commandeer, complex, commendation, compromise, complacent, complete, compliant, discombobulated, complicity, compunction, compulsion, complaisant, comport, accomplish, encompass, competent, comfort, recommend, comprehend, compassion, compare, complement, combine, incompatible, compilation, compete, accompany, compact, commentary, noncommittal, combative, compatible, compendium, committee, competition, compliance, companion, complimentary, commiserate, compel
Con	Latin	with, together	concurrent, concur, disconcert, convergent, concerted, concise, condole, concordant, congenital, conflate, conventional, congenial, conglomerate, convene, conjure, contiguous, consensus, consent, convivial, contemporary, contract, content, confidential, conflict, concord, congratulate, connection, inconsistency, confine, consecutive, contain, construct, conduct, context, conversation, constituent, condominium, connect, contribute, congregate, confront
Contra/Counter	Latin	opposite, against	counter, counteroffensive, contraindicate, contrary, country, contrast, counterproductive, counterattack, encounter, counterclockwise, counterespionage, counterfeit, con, counteract, counterbalance, contraband, contradict, pro & con
Cred	Latin	believe, trust	accreditation, credence, credentials, credibility, credible, credit, creditor, credo, credulity, credulous, creed, discredit, incredible, incredulous, miscreant, recreant
Culp	Latin	Blame, Fault, guilt	culpability, culpable, culprit, exculpate, exculpatory, inculpable, inculpatory, mea culpa
Curr/Curs	Latin	run, course	concur, concurrent, corridor, courier, course, currency, current, cursive, cursor, cursory, discourse, excursion, incur, occur, recur, recursion, recursive, succor, curriculum, recurrent, occurrence
De	Latin	Off, From, Down, Away, Removing	depression, decaffeinated, depend, condescend, decelerate, despicable, derivative, demote, debonair, decadent, derive, deficient, dejected, deduction, delineate, detract, deduce, denounce, deciduous, despondent, debunk, decapitate, decision, decide, derelict, demonstrate, delusive, devote, demure, define, deprivation, devoid, deluge, decry, demean, definitive, deprive, depict, demand, deplorable, declare, denigrate, desolate, deportment
Dexter	Latin	Right	dextrous, ambidextrous, dexterity, ambidexterity, dextrose
Dia	Greek	Through, Across, Away	diorama, diabetes, diadem, dialogue, diagram, diaspora, diametrically, diaper, diabolical, diarrhea, diameter, diagnosis, diagonal, dialect
Dict	Latin	Say	condition, predicament, jurisdiction, abdicate, addict, dictate, predict, indicate, vindicate, valedictorian, edict, judicial, predictability, dedicate, indictment, contradict, dictionary, indicator, verdict, addictive, dictator
Dif/Di	Latin	Apart, not, away from	dilate, digest, diversion, diverse, difference, digress, dispersal, diffuse, different, divest, diffident, dilapidated, divert, indifferent, dilute, directive, difficult, divergent
Dis	Latin	Apart, Not	disinterested, distant, discern, disappear, discomfort, disorder, discombobulated, discussion, disadvantage, distinct, distrust, discrepancy, dismantle, disingenuous, disarray, discriminate, disease, disburse, distortion, dislocate, indispensable, disdain, indiscreet, distract, disband
Doc	Latin	teach	documentary, doctor, document, documentation, doctrine, docile, docent
Dorm	Latin	sleep	dormant, dormitory, dormer
Duc	Latin	lead, make	deduct, abduct, produce, duchess, duke, introduce, reduce, duct, product, conductor, conduct, aqueduct, deduce, educate
Dyn	Greek	Power	aerodynamic, dynamo, electrodynamics, dynasty, dynamism, dynamite, dynamic, thermodynamics, dynastic
E/Ec/Ef	Latin	Out of, From	elated, eliminate, anecdote, emerge, egress, egregious, evasive, eminent, elite, enormity, eclipse, eccentric, eject, ecstasy, erode, edit, erupt, emergency, event, ineffable, emotional, erudite, enormous, ineffectual, enunciate, elicit, ecstatic, evacuate, appendectomy, evaluate, elective, effusive
Em/En	Greek	In, On	emphatic, embodiment, embellish, emblem, embankment, empirical, empathy, employ, ensconce, endure, endear, encumber, enclave, enthusiasm, parenthetical, disentangle, encourage, entice, endorse, entail, ensue, endemic, encroachment, enthrall, encapsulate, encompass, environment, entourage, engaging, engender, energy
Epi	Greek	Upon, Over	epilogue, epicenter, epithet, epilepsy, episode, epidemic, epitaph, epidermis, epigram, epitomize
Equi/Equ	Latin	Equal	equation, equity, iniquity, adequate, equilateral, equality, equate, equidistant, inequality, equivocal, equal, unequal, equator, equilibrium, equinox, equanimity, equivalent
Eu	Greek	well, good	euphony, euphoria, euphoric, eulogy, euphonious, euphemism, euthanasia
Ex/E	Latin	Out of, from, Outside	extenuate, exhaustive, exasperate, elude, emaciated, extol, evanescent, emeritus, exuberance, inevitable, elucidate, exult, emollient, ebullient, exacerbate, evidence, excruciating, explore, exclusive, exposition, expire, exorbitant, excerpt, extend, exonerate, exude, eradicate, extricate, eject, expunge, excursion, exit, exhume, exceed, exclude, expensive, exalt, emit, expansive, expedite, expound
Extra	Latin	Outside, Outer	exoskeleton, extraordinary, extraneous, extracurricular, extra credit, exotic, extravagant, extraterrestrial, extra, extrovert, extrasensory
Fer	Latin	carry	aquifer, circumference, confer, conifer, defer, differ, different, ferry, fertile, infer, offer, prefer, refer, suffer, transfer, vociferous, referendum
Fund	Latin	bottom, depths, basis	unfounded, flounder, fund, found, fundamental, fundraiser, profound, foundation, founder, profundity, funding
Fus/Fund	Latin	Pour	confound, diffusion, effusion, effusive, fusion, infusion, perfusion, profuse, profusion, refund, transfusion, fuse, infuse, confuse
Gen	Latin	birth	genesis, generate, indigenous, carcinogen, genealogy, generation, gender, generous, gene, genocide, genus, pathogen, progeny, progenitor
Geo	Greek	earth	geography, geology, geocentric, geologist, geometry
Germ	Latin	Sprout	germ, germane, germicide, germinal, germinate, germination, non germane, regerminate, wheatgerm
Gno	Greek	Know	diagnostic, diagnosis, prognostication, prognosticate, prognostic, prognosis
Graph	Greek	To Write	graffiti, graph, graphite, epigraph, demographic, biography, cinematography, geography, bibliography, photograph, cartography, telegraph, calligraphy, choreography, orthography, autograph, topography
Grat	Latin	thank, please	agree, agreeable, agreement, congratulations, congratulatory, ingrate, ingratiate, gratuitous, gratification, grateful, gratify, gratis, gratitude, gratuity, disagree, grace, gracious
Greg	Latin	flock, herd	aggregate, egregious, gregarious, congregate, congregation, desegregate, segregate
Homo/Hetero	Greek	Same other, different	homograph, homogeneity, homeostasis, homonym, homosexual, homogenize, homophone, homogenous heterotroph, heteronym, heterography, heterogeneous, heterodox, heterosexual, heteromorphic
Hydr	Greek	Water	carbohydrate, hygroscope, hydrophobia, hydrogen, hydrate, dehydrate, hydrophone, hydrotherapy, hydraulics, hydroponics, hydrosphere, hydroplane, hydrangea, hydrant
Hyper/Hypo	Greek	Over, Above Under, Below	hype, hyperactive, hypercritical, hypertension, hyperbole, hyperthermia, hyperventilate, hyperlink, hypersensitive, hyperbaric hypodermic, hypothesis, hypochondriac, hypotenuse, hypothyroidism, hypocrite, hypothermia, hypocrisy, hypothetical, hypoallergenic
Im (in, on)	Latin	In, on	imbibe, implicit, impediment, implant, impact, impinge, impugn, impute, reimburse, implement, imposition, impoverish, impending, imminent, immigrate, impress, immerse, impulsive, impassioned, import, superimpose
Im/In/Ig/Il/Ir (not)	Latin	Not	Im-: imperceptible, immense, impunity, immortal, impasse, impassive, immediately, immovable, immobile, impartial, impervious, impossible, immutable, impromptu, impertinent, immaculate, impenetrable, implausible, immune, impeccable, improvise. In-: inept, insatiable, inconsistency, inconclusive, inconceivable, incognito, inalienable, indefatigable, intolerant, incessant, innocuous, inhospitable, incorrigible, indispensable, invalid, inject, ineffectual, insipid, inevitable, insane, inanimate, indiscreet, ineffable, infamous, innumerable, incoherent, inert, independent, incompatible, ingrate, infinite. Ig-: ignoramus, ignore, ignorant, ignominy, ignominious, ignoble. Il-: illogical, inaudible, illegal, illegible, illegitimate, illicit. Ir-: irrefutable, irrevocable, irreversible, irretrievable, irreproachable, irreconcilable, irregular, irrelevant, irrational, irresistible
Ig (do, act)	Latin	Do, Act	unmitigated, navigator, ambiguous, navigate, litigate, mitigate, intransigence, allege, litigation, intransigent, castigate, ambiguity, exigency, prodigal, exiguous
Inter	Latin	between	interpret, interrupt, intersection, intervention, intern, interesting, intermittent, international, internal, internalize, interim, interdependent, interior, interpretive, interject, interloper, intertwine, interview, misinterpretation
Intra	Latin	inside, within	intramural, intravenous, intracellular, intrinsic, intramuscular
Intro	Latin	Within	intro, introversion, introspection, introspective, introvert, intrinsic, introduce, introductory
In/Ob	Latin	Against	inhibit, invective, obligation, obnoxious, inordinate, obvious, objective, obstacle, obstruct, insurrection, object, observe, injunction
Ject	Latin	cast, throw	abject, conjecture, objective, subjective, interject, reject, deject, inject, project, projectile, trajectory, adjective, jet, jettison
Junct	Latin	join	adjoin, adjunct, conjoin, conjoint, conjunction, conjunctive, disjoin, disjoint, disjunction, disjunctive, enjoin, injunction, injunctive, join, junction, juncture, rejoin, rejoinder, subjunctive
Juxta	Latin	next to, beside	juxtapose, juxtaposition, jostle
Kine/Kinesis	Greek	Movement, moving	cinematography, kinetic, kinesiology, cinema, kinesis, telekinesis, psychokinesis, cinematic, kinesthetic
Lev	Latin	lift, light in weight	leverage, alleviate, levitate, irrelevant, levitation, relieve, elevate, lever, relevant, levy, elevator
Loc	Latin	place	allocate, bilocation, dislocate, dislocation, local, locale, locality, locate, location, locator, locomotion, locomotive, echolocation, lieutenant, milieu, relocate, relocation, translocation
Luc/Lum	Latin	light, brightness, clarity light, glow	lucidity, lucid, translucent, elucidate, pellucid, translucence luminescent, illumination, luminous, luminescence, illumine, luminary, luminosity, illuminate
Luna	Latin	moon	circumlunar, cislunar, lunar, lunatic, lunation, lunette, sublunar
Macro/Micro	Greek	large, long small	macroscopic, macrocosm, macrobiotic microcosm, microscope, microbiology, microprocessor, microphone, microbiologist, microbe, microwave, microchip, micromanager, microorganism
Magn	Latin	great, large	magnanimity, magnanimous, magnate, magnificent, magnify, magnitude, magnum, magna cum laude, Magna Carta, magnificence, magnifier, magniloquence
Mal	Latin	bad, evil	maleficent, malaise, malicious, malpractice, maltreat, malice, dismal, malaria, malfeasance, malady, malign, malefactor, malevolent, malformed, malodorous, maladjusted, malinger, malnourished, malnutrition, malignant
Manu	Latin	hand	manager, emancipation, manuscript, manicure, manners, manual, manufacture, mannerism, manacle, manage, maneuver, manure, manipulate, manifest
Mar	Latin	sea	mariculture, marina, marinade, marinara, marinate, marination, marine, mariner, maritime, submarine, ultramarine, aquamarine, marsh, mermaid, merman, rosemary
Matr/Mater	Latin	mother	maternal, maternity, matrimony, matrix, matron, matronly, matriarch, material, materialism, matrices, matriculate, matter
Medi	Latin	middle	immediate, intermediary, mean, media, median, mediate, mediation, medieval, mediocre, Mediterranean, medium, multimedia, postmeridian, milieu, mediator, mediocrity
Meta	Greek	beyond, change	method, metabolism, methodical, metamorphic, metabolic, metaphorical, metaphysical, metaphor, metamorphosis
Mid	Latin	middle, between, intermediate	midtown, midsection, midst, midwife, mid-air, amid, midlife, midland, midday, mid-afternoon, midstream, midterm, midnight, mid-Atlantic, mid-course, midway, midsummer, midshipman, midwinter
Migr	Latin	wander, move	emigrant, emigrate, emigration, immigrant, immigrate, immigration, migrant, migrate, migration, migratory, transmigrant, transmigration, transmigratory
Mis (wrong)	Greek	wrong, wrongly, hatred	misnomer, misapprehension, misconstrued, misogamist, misogynist, misanthrope, misgiving, misapply, miscount, misconceived, misogyny, miscalculate, misdeed
Mit/Mis (send)	Latin	Send	dismiss, committed, surmise, commit, committee, remit, missile, premise, noncommittal, admit, submit, demise, omit, permit, unremitting, admittance, compromise, transmit, commitment, emit, intermittent, admittedly
Multi	Latin	Many, much	multilingual, multitude, multiply, multidimensional, multinational, multiplication, multimedia, multifaceted, multivitamin, multiple, multimillionaire, multitask
Neo/Nov	Latin / Greek	new new	novel, innovate, nouveau, innovation, novelty, nova, novice, renovate, supernova, innovator neologism, neophyte, neolithic, neon, neonatal
Non	Latin	not	non sequitur, nonsensical, nonchalant, noncombatant, nonfat, nonfiction, noncommittal, nonconformist, nonexistent, nondescript, nonreturnable, nonsense, nonsmoker, noninvasive
Numer	Latin	number	enumerable, enumerate, enumeration, enumerative, innumerate, numerable, numeracy, numeral, numerator, numerical, numerous, supernumerary, numberless, numerousness
Ob/Oc/Op	Latin	to, toward, against	obscure, occlude, obtuse, occupy, obtain, occupation, obligation, obfuscate, obstacle, opponent, unobtrusive, opportunity, inopportune, obsequious, obliging, obtrude, opportune, ostensible, oppressive, oppose, ostentatious, objective, opposite, observe, oppress, obliged, obstinate
Omni	Latin	all	omniscience, omnipresence, omnibus, omnivore, omnivorous, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient
Ortho	Greek	correct, straight, sure, regular	orthodontist, orthotics, unorthodox, orthography, orthodontics, orthodox, orthopedic
Pac	Latin	peace	pacifism, Pacific, pay, peaceful, pact, appease, peace, pacifist, peacefulness, pacify, peacemaker
Pan	Greek	all	panegyric, pantomime, panacea, pandemonium, panoramic, pancreas, pandemic, panorama, panoply, pantheon
Para	Greek	beside, alongside	parable, parochial, paralyze, paranoid, parallel, parasite, paralysis, paraphernalia, paradox, paraphrase, parameter, parenthetical, paranoia, unparalleled, parenthesis, paragraph, paragon, parody, paradigm
Pater/Patr	Greek & Latin	father	patriarch, patriarchy, patriot, patriotic, patriotism, compadre, patron, patronize, perpetrate, paternal, paternity, expatriate, repatriate
Path	Greek	feel, disease	pathogen, pathetic, pathogenic, antipathy, psychopath, pathology, sympathy, apathetic, sympathetic, empathetic, sympathize, empathy, sociopath, pathological, apathy
Pen/Peri	Latin / Greek	almost, nearly around, near, about	penury, antepenultimate, peninsula, penurious, penumbra periodic, period, periodontal, periphrasis, peripatetic, periphery, peripheral, perimeter, periscope, periodical
Pend	Latin	hang, weigh	dependent, independent, pending, pendant, pendulum, suspend, suspense, expense, expensive, compensation, dispenser, pensive, compendium, impending, append, appendage, appendectomy, appendices, appendix, dependability, dependable, expenditure, perpendicular, spend, spendthrift, stipend, suspenders
Per	Latin	thoroughly, through	pellucid, perfection, permeate, pernicious, persistence, peruse, pervade, perfect, imperfection, perceive, imperceptible, persist, perceptible, persuade, persuasion, persevere, perpetual, perplex, perfunctory, perennial, impertinent, perpetrate, repercussion, perform, perfume, persecute
Phil	Greek	love	philologist, philatelist, philodendron, philately, philosopher, philanthropic, audiophile, philosophy, philanthropist, philanthropy, anglophile, bibliophile, hemophiliac
Phon	Greek	voice, sound	megaphone, microphone, phonics, saxophone, phonograph, telephone, phoneme, phone, xylophone
Pop	Latin	people	popular, populate, population, populist, populous, public, pueblo
Post	Latin	after, behind	preposterous, postgraduate, postpartum, postponement, posterity, postpone, posthumous, postseason, posterior, postscript, postdate, postwar
Photo	Greek	light	photon, photo induction, photograph, photojournalism, photometer, photosynthesis, photocopy, photography, photophobia, photogenic
Pond	Latin	weigh, consider	ponder, preponderance, imponderable, ponderous, preponderate
Pre	Latin	before, in front	precept, prevent, precipitate, prefer, prepare, prefix, preview, prejudice, preponderance, predict, precursor, precaution, precise, president, precocious, presumptuous, unprecedented, prevail, premise, preclude, precipitous, omnipresent, predicament, predispose, predominant, preliminary, predecessor, preamble, pretentious
Pro	Latin	forward; Greek- before, in front of	prominent, prognosis, prognosticate, provisional, provide, prophet, improvise, prophecy, procrastinate, propel, pro & con, promote, pro bono, procedure, progress, professional, compromise, propose, propensity, progeny, product, promise, proceed, pronoun, prohibit, problem, process, proverbial, proxy, procure, propellant, prologue, prostate, prow, provide, prophesy, profound, prognosis, prophet
Proxim	Latin	near, nearest	proximate, approximate, proximity, approximation
Pugn	Latin	fight	impugn, pugilism, pugnacious, repugnant, repugnance, pugilist, pugnacity
Punct	Latin	prick	acupuncture, expunge, poignant, point, punch, punctual, punctuation, puncture, pungent
Put	Latin	prune, reckon, think, consider	amputation, compute, dispute, impute, putative, reputation, repute, computation, computer, deputy, disreputable, disrepute, indisputable, reputedly, undisputed
Quit	Latin	rest, be still	tranquil, quite, unrequited, quiet, requiem, acquit, quit, acquiesce, acquittal
Re	Latin	back, again	renege, return, recede, respite, reject, repute, revert, rejuvenate, resounding, recant, reduce, redeem, revelry, irrevocable, relegate, requisite, irrefutable, irreproachable, remonstrate, refrain, reprisal, reflect, retribution, reprehensible, rearrange, redundant, repudiate, recumbent, resilience, referendum, irreconcilable, recluse, rebuff, repugnance, irrelevant, recrimination, restitution, remiss, resonate, requited, unremitting, rescind, regale, rapport, recognizance, regression, refurbish, redress, rebuke, correlate, recoup, reprieve, remorse, reminiscent, resignation, repercussion, repulsive, restore, resurgence, reimburse, irreversible, reprimand, renovate, renounce, rehabilitate, reiterate, retention, reserved, requiem, reinstate, retort, relinquish, regurgitate, replenish, remission, residual relation, reinforce, reserve, revert, respond, refuge, reflect, redeem, remove, revelation, retain, resident, report, reaction, reveal, relate, reverse, reject, recognize, reciprocal, respect, relax, recovery, release, resume, research, reliable, repertoire, replete, request, resolute, resplendent, restraint, reticent, refined, required, reverent, resource, resolve, irresolute, realist, realty, realize, realistic, republic, reality, unreal, surrealistic, real, surreal, realization
Rect	Latin	straight, direct, ruled, guided, put right	correct, direct, erect, rectangle, rectify, rectitude, regent, regime, regimen, regiment, region, directive, correction, corrective, director, erector, incorrect, indirect, redirect
Rupt	Latin	break, burst	abrupt, corrupt, corruptible, corruption, corruptor, disrupt, disruption, disruptive, erupt, eruption, incorrupt, incorruptible, interrupt, interruptible, rupture, bankrupt, bankruptcy
Sanct	Latin	holy	sanctimonious, sanction, sacrosanct, sanctity, sanctification, sanctify, sanctimony, sanctuary, sanctum, unsanction
Sanguin	Latin	blood	sanguine, consanguinity, sangfroid, consanguineous, sanguinary
Sci	Latin	Know	science, omniscience, unconscious, prescient, conscience, prescience, omniscient, scientific, scientist, conscionable, consciousness, conscientious, unconscionable
Scop	Greek	see	arthroscopic, colonoscopy, episcopal, gyroscope, horoscope, kaleidoscope, microscope, microscopic, periscope, scope, stethoscope, telescope, telescopic
Scrib/Script	Latin	to Write	prescription, describe, manuscript, descry, indescribable, prescribe, postscript, transcript, inscribe, ascribe, subscription, transcribe, subscriber, scribble, describable, subscribe, circumscribe, proscribe, script, scripture, scribe
Se/Sed	Latin	away, apart	secede, secure, secrete, select, segregate, sedition, security, seclude, separate, sever, seclusion, secret
Semi	Latin	half	semiannual, semicolon, semiconductor, semifinal, semi-attached, semi-automatic, semicircle, semiconscious, semi-detached, semi-monthly, semi-solid, semisweet
Son	Latin	sound	absonant, assonance, consonance, consonant, sonorous, dissonance, dissonant, inconsonance, inconsonant, infrasound, resonance, resonant, resonate, resound, sonance, sonata, sonnet, sound, supersonic, ultrasonic, ultrasound
Stell	Latin	Star	interstellar, constellation, stellar, circumstellar
Sub/Suc/Suf/Sug/Sup/Sur	Latin	below, under	surreptitious, subscribe, subway, sufficient, supply, support, subpar, surrogate, suppress, suffix, submarine, suffer, suggest, supplement, subtle, surreal, succumb, subterranean, succeed
Super/Sur	Latin	over, above over, above, beyond	superlative, superstar, superimpose, superfluous, superb, superintendent, supersede, sovereign, supercilious, superior, supervise, supernumerary, superficial surcharge, surpass, surveillance, surmount, surmise, survey, surfeit, unsurpassed, surround, survive, surname, surface
Sym/Syn	Greek	with, together	synoptic, symphony, syndicate, synchronous, symbol, photosynthesis, synonym, symbiosis, sympathy, symptom, synthesis, synopsis, symposium, symmetry, symbiotic, syntax, synchronize, synergy
Tang	Latin	touch, affect	attain, contact, contagious, continent, contingency, contiguous, intact, tactile, tangent, tangible, contagion, integral, tangential, cotangent, intangible
Tele	Greek	Far	telekinesis, telemeter, teleconference, telescope, telecommute, telepathy, telecommunication, telephone, television, teleprompter, telegram, telegraph, teleport
Tempor	Latin	time	temporize, tempestuous, extemporaneous, temporal, contemporary, contretemps, contemporaneity, contemporaneous, extempore, extemporize, temp, tempest, tempo, temporary
Terr	Latin	earth	terra, territorial, extraterrestrial, disinter, terrain, terrier, territory, terrestrial, terrarium, inter
Tort	Latin	twist	contort, distort, extort, extortion, retort, torque, torsion, tortuous, torture, distortion, contorted, contortion, extortionate, extortioner, tortoise, torturer, torturous
Trans	Latin	across	traverse, transformation, transmit, translucent, transit, transition, transatlantic, transfuse, transcendent, transform, translate, transparent, transport, transpose, transcribe, transfer, trajectory, transportation, transfix
Trib	Latin	pay, divided, granted, given credit	retribution, contribute, distribute, attribute, attribution, contribution, contributor, distribution, distributive, distributor, retributive, tribute, tribe, tribunal, tribune, tributary
Ult	Latin	Beyond	ultraviolet, ultramarathon, ultimate, ultrasonic, ulterior, ultimatum
Un	Old English/Germanic, connected to Greek a	, an- and Latin in-; meaning not, opposite of	unprecedented, unorthodox, unobtrusive, uncanny, untoward, unkempt, unfazed, unseemly, unflappable, unsavory, uncharted, unconscionable, unstable, unrelenting, unfeasible, unrestrained, unassuming, unfounded, unscathed, unparalleled, unadorned
Urb	Latin	city	exurb, interurban, urbane, inurbanity, nonurban, suburb, suburban, suburbanite, urban, urbanity, exurbia, urbanization, urbanize
Vac/Van	Latin	empty empty, illusion	vacuity, vacancy, vacuum, vacation, evacuate, evacuation, vacuous, evacuee, vacate, vacant vaunted, vain, vainglory, vanishing, vanity, vainglorious, evanescence, evanescent, vanish, vaunt
Ver	Latin	truth, true	verdict, verify, unverifiable, veracity, very, versed, verity, verdure, verisimilitude, veracious, verification
Vis/Vid	Latin	To See	envision, visage, video, advice, visitor, provisional, revisit, envisage, invisible, visor, visible, proviso, vision, visual, visit, provider, supervise, revise, inadvisable, evidence, visualize, television, improvise
Vita	Latin	life	vital, vitality, vitamin, devitalize, revitalize, curriculum vitae, vitals, vivacity
Voc	Latin	Call, Voice	advocacy, advocate, avow, convocation, convoke, disavow, equivocal, equivocate, evocation, evocative, evoke, invocable, innovate, provocation, provocative, provocateur, provoke, revoke, vocabulary, vocal, vocation, vocational, vociferous, voice, vouch, voucher

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Notes on Greek & Latin Roots

Cata- (“Latinized form of Greek kata” read more at etymonline for historical context- down, downward, through, on, against, concerning . . . occasionally against, wrongly or even completion of action (catapult and catalog). This is a perfect example of why students struggle with Greek and Latin roots and why the study of linguistics can be so interesting!

*Pro/Con lists are shortened for pro/contra . . . which means against

Ign (to not know) vs. Ig (do, act)

• The prefix ‘Ign’ is actually the prefix ‘in’ (not) and the root ‘gno’ (know) working together to create ignorare (to not know). Looking at the meaning of these words all relate to not knowing- ignore (refuse to take notice of or acknowledge, disregard intentionally- to purposely not know), ignorant (lacking knowledge or awareness in general). ignoramus, ignore, ignorant, ignominy, ignominious, ignoble
• Ig- (Latin- Do, Act) unmitigated, navigator, ambiguous, navigate, litigate, mitigate, intransigence, allege, litigation, intransigent, castigate, ambiguity, exigency, prodigal, exiguous

*join spelling variant of Junct

*Lieu spelling variant (French) of Loc

Nov- (Latin- new) novel, innovate, nouveau, innovation, Nova Scotia, novelty, nova, novice, renovate, supernova, innovator

*Check out my Greek and Latin Number prefixes for the root non meaning nine.

Neo- (Greek- new) neologism, neophyte, neolithic, neon

Check out my Pre- & Post- Prefix Word Search on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Pugn- (Latin- fight) *this root is related peuk a Proto-Indo-European root like punch, punctuation, point etc.

Check out my Re- prefix word search on Teachers Pay Teachers.

*Re- (Intensive- thoroughly) research, reliable, repertoire, replete, request, resolute, resplendent, restraint, reticent, refined, required, reverent, resource, resolve, irresolute

Sur- (Latin- over, above, beyond) *surreptitious and surrogate appear to have spelling variants of the prefix sub (surreptitious= sub [under/secretly] + rapere [snatch] and surrogate= sub [in place of/under] + rogare [to ask/propose])

Tort/Torqu- (Latin- twist) tortoise * origin of tortoise is thought to possibly be either from “twisted” shape of the feet or possibly from classical Latin testudo & testa for ‘shell’.

Un- (Old English, German connected to Greek- a-, an- as well as Latin’s in- Meaning- not, opposite of) You can read more history here.

Resources for Teaching Greek and Latin Roots

Greek and Latin Roots Word Searches

Looking for more practice with teaching word morphology? I created targeted word searches based off of common prefix, suffix and root words. I wanted to make an activity that could be more engaging than a regular worksheet and included a list of words. Sometimes it is hard to come up with multiple examples of words with a specific prefix, suffix or root.

Grab my free Phobia suffix word search here!

Phobia Suffix Free Word Search

Greek and Latin Roots Word Search

Greek and Latin Prefixes Word Search

Color the Greek and Latin Root

Looking for Greek and Latin Roots Stems vocabulary activities to engage students? Students will expand their vocabulary and understanding of Greek and Latin affixes & morphology and generative vocabulary with these 37 visual activities to highlight or color the Greek and Latin Root in each word. This is perfect for teachers who are new to teaching Greek and Latin Roots and educators looking to find a variety ways to bring UDL (Universal Design for Learning) into the classroom!

Color the Greek & Latin Root

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How to Teach Greek and Latin Roots

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Teacher Classroom Resources

How Do You Teach Greek and Latin Roots?

What resources do you like to use? Which Greek and Latin roots are the hardest for your students? I would love to hear about it!