Prefix Meaning Example

a, an without, not asexual, amoral, anarchy, anhydrous, Anabaptist, anachronism

ab, abs, a apart, away from abnormal, abduct, abductor (muscle), abscission .See ad in Prefixes

ad toward adhere, adductor (muscle) . See ab in Prefixessection), adumbrate

agere act agent, agency, agenda

amphi, ambi round, both sides amphitheater, amphibian, ambidextrous, ambivalent

ante before antedate, anteroom, antecedent, anterior

anthro man anthropology, anthropomorphic

anti against antipathy, antitank, anticlimax

aqua water aquarium, aqueous

archaios ancient archeology, archetype, archaic, archeozoic

archos leader, first, chief monarchy, oligarchy, anarchy, archetype, architect

audio hear audiophile, audiometer, auditory

auto self automatic, automaton, auto-immune

bi two bi-partisan, bisexual, biennial, binary, bicuspid, bivalve

bene well, favorable benefit, benevolent, benefactor, beneficent

bible book bibliography, Bible, bibliophile

bio life biology, biography, bio-active

caco Bad cacophony

cide kill homicide, parricide, germicidal, ecocide

circum around circumference, circumlocution, circumnavigate

constitutus stand constitution, statute

corpus body corpse, corporeal punishment, corpus callosum

cracy rule democracy, theocrat, technocracy

credo belief credit, (see also roots section)

demos people democracy, demographic

di two, double dimorphism, dicotyledon, diatomic

dia across, through diagonal, dialectic, dialogue, diagnosis

dis not, apart disperse, disinherit, disenfranchise, distend

dominus lord dominant, dominion

dynasthai be able dynamic, dynamo, dynasty, dynamite

ego I, self ego, egomaniac, egocentric,

epi upon, over epidermis, epidemic, epigram, epitaph, epithet, epiphyte, epistasis, epinephrine, epiphysis

ex out exotic, exterior, extraneous, extemporaneous, exophalmic, exogenous, exothermic, exoskeleton

federis (see also Rootssection)

league, pact federation, confederate

frater brother fraternize, fraternity, fraternal, fratricide

geo earth geology, geography, geocentric, geomancy

graph (see also Roots section)

write, record graphic, graphite, graphology,

hetero mixed, unlike heterogeneous, heterosexual, heterodox, heterodont, hetero atom, heterocyclic, heterozygous,

homo same, alike homogeneous, homogenized, homozygous, homolytic fission, Homo

idem the same identity, idiopathic, I, individual

ideo idea ideology, ideation, ideal

idios one's own idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiopathic

in in incarcerate, incorporate, inculcate, induction, inductance, indigenous, indicator, inspiration

in, im not incredible, ignoble, inglorious, inhospitable, infinite, infinitesimal, immoral

inter between interact, interstellar, interpret, interstitial

legis (lex) law legal, legislature

lexis word lexicon, lexicography

liber free, book liberty, library, liberal

locus place locality, local, circumlocution

macro large macroeconomics, macroscopic, macrophage

mania (see Roots section also)

obsession maniac, Beatlemania

meter (see Roots section also)

measure metronome, speedometer, odometer

micro small microscope, micron, micrometer, microorganism

mittere, mitto (see Rootssection also)

send mission, transmit, remit

mono one, single monocle, monopoly, monogamy, monovalent, monomania, monarchy

mortis death mortician, mortuary, moribund, morbid

nomen name noble, ignominy, nomenclature, nominal

olig few oligarchy, oligopoly

pater father paternal, paternity, patricide

ped (see Roots section also)

foot pedestrian, pedal, pedicure, podiatrist

peri around peripatetic, periscope, perineum, peritoneum

phage (see Roots section also)

eat phagocyte, phagocytosis

philo love philosophy, philanthropy

phobos (see Roots section)

phon (see Roots section)

polein sell monopoly

polis (see Roots section also)

city political, metropolitan

poly (see Roots section also)

many polygamy, polyphonic, hoi polloi

porto carry porter, export

post after post script (p.s.), ex post facto, post hoc, post-mortem

pre before premier, preview, premium, prescient

pro before, in favor of project, projectile,

psyche mind, soul psychology

publicus people public, republic, pub, publican

riparia river riparian

scope examine microscope, oscilloscope

scribo (see Roots section also)

write transcribe, scribe, script

solus alone solo, solitary

subter under, secret subterfuge, subtle, subaltern, subterranean

sin (sys before b, p, or m) together, with synchronize, symphony, sympathy, syncretic, syncope

tele distance telegraph, telephone, teleology

trans across transport, transcend, transmogrify

utilis useful utility, utilitarian

vide, visibil, vis see video, vision, visible

Root Meaning

acer, acid, acri bitter, sour, sharp acerbic, acidity, acrid, acrimony

acu sharp acute, acupuncture, accurate

ag, agi, ig, act do, move, go agent, agenda, agitate, navigate, ambiguous, action

ali, allo, alter other alias, alibi, alien, alloy, alter, alter ego, altruism

alt(us) high, deep altimeter, altitude

am, amor love, liking amiable, amorous, enamoured

Anni, annu, enni year anniversary, annually, centennial

anthrop man anthropology, misanthrope, philanthropy

anti(co) old antique, antiquated, antiquity

arch chief, first, rule archangel, architect, archaic, monarchy, matriarchy, patriarchy, Archeozoic era

aster, astr star aster, asterisk, asteroid, astronomy, astronaut

aud, aus hear, listen audiology, auditorium, audio, audition, ausculate

aug, auc increase augur, augment, auction

auto, aut self automobile, autograph, automatic

belli war rebellion, belligerent, casus belli, bellicose

bibl book Bible, bibliography, bibliomania

bio life biology, biometrics, biome, biosphere

brev short abbreviate, brief

cad, cas to fall cadaver, cadence, cascade

calor heat calorie, caloric, calorimeter

cap, cip, cept take capable, intercept, forceps, capture, except, reciprocate

capit, capt head decapitate, capital, captain, caption

carn flesh carnivorous, incarnate, reincarnation, carnal

caus, caut burn, heat caustic, cauldron, cauterize

cause, cuse, cus cause, motive because, excuse, accusation

ced, ceed, cede, cess move, yield, go, surrender procedure, proceed, cede, concede, recede, precede, accede, success

cenetri center concentric, centrifugal, centripetal, eccentric

chrom color chrome, chromosome, polychrome, chromatic

chron time chronology, chronometer, synchronize

cide, cise cut down, kill homicide, exorcise, germicide, incision, scissors

cit call, start incite, citation, cite

civ citizen civic, civil, civilian, civilization

clam, claim cry out exclamation, clamor, proclamation, reclamation, acclaim

clud, clus, claus shut include, conclude, recluse, claustrophobia, occlusion, occult

cognoac, gnosi know recognize, prognosis, cognoscenti, incognito, agnostic

cord, cor, cardi heart cordial, concord, discord, courage, encourage

corp body corporation, corporal punishment, corpse, corpulent, corpus luteum

cosm universe, world cosmos, microcosm, cosmopolitan, cosmonaut

crat, cracy rule autocrat, aristocrat, theocracy, technocracy

crea create creature, recreation, creation

cred believe creed, credo, credence, credit, credulous, incredulous, incredible

cresc, cret, crease, cru rise, grow crescendo, concrete, increase, decrease, accrue

crit separate, choose critical, criterion, hypocrite

cur, curs run current, concurrent, concur, incur, recur, occur, courier, precursor, cursive

cura care curator, curative, manicure

cycl, cyclo wheel, circular Cyclops, unicycle, bicycle, cyclone, cyclic

deca ten decade, decalogue, decathlon, decahedron

dem people democracy, demography, epidemic

dent, dont tooth dental, denture, orthodontist, periodontal

derm skin hypodermic, dermatology, epidermis, taxidermy

dict say, speak dictation, dictionary, dictate, dictator, Dictaphone, edict, predict, verdict, contradict, benediction

doc, dokein teach doctrine, indoctrinate, document, dogma, dogmatic

domin master dominate, dominion, predominant, domain

don give donate, condone

dorm sleep dormant, dormitory

dox opinion, praise orthodox, heterodox, paradox, doxology

drome run, step syndrome (run together), hippodrome (place where horses run)

duc, duct lead induce, seduce (lead aside), produce, reduce

dura hard, lasting durable, duration, endure

dynam power dynamo, dynamic, dynamite, hydrodynamics

endo within endorse, endocardial, endoskeletal, endoskeleton, endosperm

equi equal equinox, equilibrium, equipoise

erg work energy, erg, allergy, ergometer, ergograph, ergophobia

fac, fact, fic, fect do, make factory, fact, manufacture, amplification, confection

fall, fals deceive fallacy, falsify, fallacious

fer bear, carry ferry, coniferous, fertile, defer, infer, refer, transfer

fid, fide, feder(is) faith, trust confidante, fidelity, confident, infidelity, infidel, federal, confederacy,

fila, fili thread filigree, filament, filter, filet, filibuster

fin end, ended, finished final, finite, finish, confine, fine, refine, define, finale

fix fix fix, fixation, fixture, affix, prefix, suffix

flex, flect bend flex, reflex, flexible, flexor, inflexibility, reflect, deflect

flu, fluc, fluv flowing influence, fluid, flue, flush, fluently, fluctuate

form form, shape form, uniform, conform, formulary, perform, formal, formula

fort, forc strong fort, fortress, fortify, forte, fortitude

fract, frag break fracture, infraction, fragile, fraction, refract

gam marriage bigamy, monogamy, polygamy

gastr (o) stomach gastric, gastronomic, gastritis, gastropod

gen birth, race, produce genesis, genetics, eugenics, genealogy, generate, genetic, antigen, pathogen

geo earth geometry, geography, geocentric, geology

germ vital part germination, germ, germane

gest carry, bear congest, gestation

gloss, glot tongue glossary, polyglot, epiglottis

glu, glo lump, bond, glue glue, agglutinate, conglomerate

grad, gress step, go grade, gradual, graduate, progress, graduated, egress

graph, gram write, written graph, graphic, autograph, photography, graphite, telegram

grat pleasing congratulate, gratuity, grateful, ingrate

grav heavy, weighty grave, gravity, aggravate, gravitate

greg herd gregarious, congregation, segregate, gregarian

hypn sleep hypnosis, hypnotherapy

helio sun heliograph, heliotrope, heliocentric

hema, hemo blood hemorrhage, hemoglobin, hemophilia, hemostat

here, hes stick adhere, cohere, cohesion, inherent, hereditary

hetero different heterogeneous, heterosexual, heterodox

homo same homogeneous, homonym, homogenize

hum, human earth, ground, man humus, exhume, humane

hydr, hydra, hydro water dehydrate, hydrant, hydraulic, hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrophobia

ignis fire ignite, igneous, ignition

ject throw deject, inject, project, eject, interject

join, junct join adjoining, enjoin, juncture, conjunction, injunction, conjunction

juven young juvenile, rejuvenate

lau, lav, lot, lut wash launder, lavatory, lotion, ablution, dilute

leg law legal, legislate, legislature, legitimize

levi light alleviate, levitate, levity

liber, liver free liberty, liberal, liberalize, deliverance

liter letters literary, literature, literal, alliteration, obliterate

loc, loco place locality, allocate, locomotion

log, logo, ology word, study, speech catalog, prologue, dialogue, logogram (symbol representing a word), zoology

loqu, locut talk, speak eloquent, loquacious, colloquial, circumlocution

luc, lum, lus, lun light translucent, luminary, luster, luna (moon goddess)

macr-, macer lean emaciated, meager

magn great magnify, magnificent, magnanimous, magnate, magnitude, magnum

man hand manual, manage, manufacture, manacle, manicure, manifest, maneuver, emancipate

mand command mandatory, remand, mandate

mania madness mania, maniac, kleptomania, pyromania

mar, mari, mer sea, pool marine, marsh, maritime, mermaid

matri mother matrimony, maternal, matriarchate, matron

medi half, middle, between, halfway mediate, medieval, Mediterranean, mediocre, medium

mega great megaphone, megalopolis, megacycle (a million cycles), megaton

mem remember memo, commemoration, memento, memoir, memorable

meter measure meter, voltammeter, barometer, thermometer

micro small microscope, microfilm, microcard, microwave, micrometer

migra wander migrate, emigrant, immigrate

mit, miss send emit, remit, submit, admit, commit, permit, transmit, omit, intermittent, mission, missile

mob, mot, mov move mobile, motionless, motor

mon warn, remind monument, admonition, monitor, premonition

mor, mort mortal, death mortal, immortal, mortality, mortician, mortuary

morph form amorphous, dimorphic, metamorphosis, morphology

multi many, much multifold, multilingual, multiped, multiply

nat, nasc to be from, to spring forth innate, natal, native, renaissance

neo new Neolithic, nuveau riche

neur nerve neuritis, neuropathic, neurologist, neural, neurotic

nom law, order autonomy, astronomy, gastronomy, economy

nomen, nomin name nomenclature, nominate, ignominious

nov new novel, renovate, novice, nova, innovate

nox, noc night nocturnal, equinox, noctilucent

numer number numeral, numeration, enumerate, innumerable

numisma coin numismatics

oligo few, little Oligocene, oligosaccharide, oligotrophic, oligarchy

omni all, every omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omnivorous

onym name anonymous, pseudonym, antonym, synonym

oper work operate, cooperate, opus

ortho straight, correct orthodox, orthodontist, orthopedic, unorthodox

pac peace pacifist, pacify, pacific ocean

paleo old Paleozoic, Paleolithic, paleomagnetism, paleopsychology

pan all Pan-American, pan-African, panacea, pandemonium (place of all the demons),

pater, patr father paternity, patriarch, patriot, patron, patronize

path, pathy feeling, suffering pathos, sympathy, antipathy, apathy, telepathy

ped, pod foot pedal, impede (get feet in a trap), pedestrian, centipede, tripod, podiatry, antipode

pedo child orthopedic, pedagogue, pediatrics

pel, puls drive, urge compel, dispel, expel, repel, propel, pulse, impulse, pulsate, compulsory, expulsion, repulsive

pend, pens, pond hang, weigh pendant, pendulum, suspend, appendage, pensive

phage eat macrophage, bacteriophage

phil love philosophy, philanthropy, philharmonic, bibliophile

phlegma inflammation phlegm, phlegmatic

phobia, phobos fear phobia, claustrophobia, acrophobia, aquaphobia, ergophobia, homophobia

phon sound phonograph, phonetic, symphony, homophone, euphonious

photo light photograph, photoelectric, photogenic, photosynthesis

plac, plais please placid, placebo, placate, complacent

plu, plur, plus more plural, pluralist, plus

pneuma, pneumon breath pneumatic, pneumonia,

pod (see ped)

poli city metropolis, police, politics, Indianapolis, megalopolis, acropolis

poly many polysaccharide, polyandrous, polytheistic

pon, pos, pound place, put postpone, component, opponent, proponent, expose, impose, deposit, posture, position, expound, impound

pop people population, populous, popular

port carry porter, portable, transport, report, export, import, support, transportation

portion part, share portion, proportion

pot power potential, potentate, impotent

prehendere seize, grasp apprehend, comprehend, comprehensive, prehensile

prim, prime first primacy, prima donna, primitive, primary, primal, primeval

proto first prototype, protocol, protagonist, protozoan, Proterozoic, protoindustrial

psych mind, soul psyche, psychiatry, psychology, psychosis

punct point, dot punctual, punctuation, puncture, acupuncture, punctuation

reg, recti straighten regiment, regular, rectify, correct, direct, rectangle

ri, ridi, risi laughter deride, ridicule, ridiculous, derision, risible

rog, roga ask prerogative, interrogation, derogatory

rupt break rupture, interrupt, abrupt, disrupt, ruptible

sacr, sanc, secr sacred sacred, sacrosanct, sanction, consecrate, desecrate

salv, salu safe, healthy salvation, salvage, salutation

sat, satis enough satient (giving pleasure, satisfying), saturate, satisfy

sci, scientia know science, conscious, omniscient, cognocienti

scope see, watch telescope, microscope, kaleidoscope, periscope, stethoscope

scrib, script write scribe, scribble, inscribe, describe, subscribe, prescribe, manuscript

sed, sess, sid sit sediment, session, obsession, possess, preside, president, reside, subside

sen old senior, senator, senile

senescere to grow old senescence, evanescent

sent, sens feel sentiment, consent, resent, dissent, sentimental, sense, sensation, sensitive, sensory, dissension

sequ, secu, sue follow sequence, consequence, sequel, subsequent, prosecute, consecutive, second, ensue, pursue

serv save, serve servant, service, subservient, servitude, preserve, conserve, reservation, deserve, conservation, observe

sign, signi sign, mark, seal signal, signature, design, insignia, significant

simil, simul like, resembling similar, assimilate, simulate, simulacrum, simultaneous

sist, sta, stit stand assist, persist, circumstance, stamina, status, state, static, stable, stationary, substitute

solus alone solo, soliloquy, solitaire, solitude

solv, solu loosen solvent, solve, absolve, resolve, soluble, solution, resolution, resolute, dissolute

somnus sleep insomnia, somnambulist

soph wise sophomore (wise fool), philosophy, sophisticated

spec, spect, spic look specimen, specific, spectator, spectacle, aspect, speculate, inspect, respect, prospect, retrospective, introspective, expect, conspicuous

sphere ball, sphere sphere, stratosphere, hemisphere, spheroid

spir breath spirit, conspire, inspire, aspire, expire, perspire, respiration

string, strict draw tight stringent, strict, restrict, constrict, boa constrictor

stru, struct build construe (build in the mind, interpret), structure, construct, instruct, obstruct, destruction, destroy

sume, sump take, use, waste consume, assume (to take, to use), sump pump presumption (to take or use before knowing all the facts

tact, tang, tag, tig, ting touch tactile, contact, intact, intangible, tangible, contagious, contiguous

tele far telephone, telegraph, telegram, telescope, television, telephoto, telecast, telepathy

tempo time tempo, temporary, extemporaneously, contemporary, pro tem, temporal

ten, tin, tain hold tenacious, tenant, tenure, untenable, detention, retentive, content, pertinent, continent, obstinate, contain, abstain, pertain, detain

tend, tent, tens stretch, strain tendency, extend, intend, contend, pretend, superintend, tender, extent, tension, pretense

terra earth terrain, terrarium, territory, terrestrial

test to bear witness testament, detest, testimony, attest

the, theo God, a god monotheism, polytheism, atheism, theology

therm heat thermometer, theorem, thermal, thermos bottle, thermostat, hypothermia

thesis, thet place, put antithesis, hypothesis, synthesis, epithet

tom cut atom (not cuttable), appendectomy, tonsillectomy, dichotomy, anatomy

tort, tors twist torture (twisting to inflict pain) retort, extort, distort, contort, torsion, tortuous, torturous

tox poison toxic, intoxicate, antitoxin

tract, tra draw, pull tractor, attract, subtract, tractable, abstract, subtrahend

tom cut atom (not cutable, smallest particle of matter), appendectomy, tonsillectomy, dichotomy, anatomy

tort, tors twist torture (twisting to inflict pain), retort, extort (twist out), distort, contort, torsion

tox poison toxic, intoxicate, antitoxin

tract, tra draw, pull tractor, attract, traction, subtract, tractable, abstract (to draw away), subtrahend (the number to be drawn away from another).

trib pay, bestow tribute, contribute, attribute, retribution, tributary

turbo disturb turbulent, disturb, turbid, turmoil

typ print type, prototype, typical, typography, typewriter, typology, typify

ultima last ultimate, ultimatum

umber, umbraticum shadow umbra, penumbra, (take) umbrage, adumbrate

uni one unicorn, unify, university, unanimous, universal

vac empty vacate, vacuum, evacuate, vacation, vacant, vacuous

vale, vali, valu strength, worth equivalent, valiant, validity, evaluate, value, valor

ven, vent come convene, intervene, venue, convenient, avenue, circumvent, invent, convent, venture, event, advent, prevent

ver, veri true very, aver, verdict, verity, verify, verisimilitude

vert, vers turn avert, divert, invert, introvert, convertible, reverse, controversy, versatile

vic, vicis change, substitute vicarious, vicar, vicissitude

vict, vinc conquer victor, evict, convict, convince, invincible

vid, vis see video, evident, provide, providence, visible, revise, supervise, vista, visit, vision

viv, vita, vivi alive, life revive, survive, vivid, vivacious, vitality, vivisection

voc call vocation, avocation, convocation, invocation, evoke, provoke, revoke, advocate, provocative, vocal

vol will malevolent, benevolent, volunteer, volition

volcan fire volcano, vulcanize, Vulcan

volvo turn about, roll revolve, voluble (easily turned about or aroundvoluminous, convolution

vor eat greedily voracious, carnivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous, devour

zo animal zoo (short for zoological garden), zoology, zoomorphism (attributing animal form to god), zodiac (circle of animal constellations), protozoan

Suffix Meaning

able, ible able, capable capable, agreeable, edible, visible

ade result of action blockade

age act of, state of, result of storage, wreckage, damage

al relating to gradual, manual, natural

algia pain neuralgia, nostalgia, myalgia

an, ian native of, relating to African, riparian,

ance, ancy action, process, state assistance, allowance, defiance

ary, ery, ory relating to, quality, place where aviary, bravery, dormitory

cian possessing a specific skill or art magician, physician,

cy action, function hesitancy, prophecy, normalcy

cule, ling very small molecule, ridicule, animalcule, duckling, sapling

dom quality, realm freedom, kingdom, wisdom

ee one who receives the action refugee, nominee, lessee

en made of, to make silken, frozen, wooden

ence, ency action, state of, quality difference, confidence, urgency, agency

er, or one who, that which baker, miller, professor

escent in the process of adolescent, senescence, putrescence

ese a native of, the language of Javanese, Japanese, Balinese

esis, osis action, process, condition genesis, hypnosis, neurosis, osmosis

ess female goddess, lioness, actress

et, ette small one, group midget, baronet, sextet, lorgnette

fic making, causing scientific, specific

ful full of frightful, careful, helpful

fy make beautify, fortify, simplify

hood order, condition, quality manhood, adulthood

ic nature of, like metallic, acidic, bucolic, simplistic

ice condition, state, quality justice, malice

id, ide a thing connected with or belonging to fluid, fluoride, bromide

ile relating to, suited for, capable of juvenile, senile, purile, missile

ine nature of feminine, genuine, medicine

ion, sion, tion act, result, or state of cancellation, contagion, infection, crenellation

ish origin, nature, resembling foolish, Irish, clownish, impish

ism system, manner, condition, characteristic alcoholism, communism, capitalism,

ist one who, that which artist, dentist, flautist

ite nature of, quality of, mineral product prelate, Mennonite, dynamite, graphite, Israelite

ity, ty state of, quality celebrity, captivity, clarity, poverty

ive causing, making abusive, exhaustive, abortive

ize, ise make emphasize, exercise, bowdlerize, bastardize, idolize, fanaticize

logy study, science, theory biology, anthropology, geology, neurology

ly like, manner of carelessly, fearlessly, hopelessly

ment act of, state or, result containment, contentment, amendment

ness state of carelessness, restlessness

nomy law autonomy, economy, taxonomy

oid resembling asteroid, spheroid, rhomboid, anthropoid

ous full of, having gracious, nervous, pompous,

ship state of, office, quality assistantship, friendship, authorship

some like, apt, tending to lonesome, lissome, threesome, gruesome

tude state of, condition of gratitude, aptitude, multitude

ure state of, act, process, rank culture, literature, rupture, rapture

ward in the direction of eastward, downward, backward

y inclined to, tend to cheery, crafty, faulty

viscous  

vicious  

restive  

restful  

effect  

affect  

compass  

compress  

indigenous  

indigent  

ingenuous (and disingenuous)

 

ingenious (ingenuity)

 

infer  

imply  

insensible  

insensitive  

elusive  

effusive  

corroborate  

collaborate  

endemic  

epidemic  

dissemble  

disassemble  

diffident  

different (difference)

 

deference  

deprecate (deprecation)

 

depreciate (depreciation)

 

fission division into two or more parts: Nuclear fission is the principle behind nuclear weapons.

fusion joining of two or more entities into one, such as in nuclear fusion (the joining of atomic nuclei) or fusion jazz (jazz that joins elements from various musical traditions): They are attempting to harness the energy produced by nuclear fusion

extant in existence; used especially to refer to the last surviving examples of something passing out of existence, such as an antique book or a nearly extinct species

extent  length or amount: The extent of corruption in the bureaucracy was well known.

incredulous (credulous) disbelieving, very doubtful

incredible (credible)

difficult to believe

emulate to pattern one's behavior (on a respected role model)

imitate to copy

descry to make open or plain, by saying

decry to condemn

engender to bring into being

endanger  to put at risk

ambiguous vague; capable of various interpretations

ambivalent being of two minds; holding conflicting feelings or attitudes

discomfort (n)  the lack of ease or comfort

flaunt to display brazenly or pretentiously

flout to show an obvious disregard or disrespect for; to treat contemptuously

lied the past tense of lie, as in "He lied about his age to get into the Army."

lied (pronounced leed)

a song; a type German of song, meant to be sung, as opposed to a purely instrumental tune (since this is actually a German word, the plural is lieder, not lieds)

discomfit (vt) to disconcert or make uncomfortable

WordPart of Speech

Definitions, Other Forms, and Examples

aberrant adj. deviating from normal or correct.abscond v. to leave secretly and hide, often to

avoid the law.advocate v., n. to speak, plead, or argue for a

cause, or in another’s behalf. (n) -- one who advocates.

aggrandize v. to make greater, to increase, thus, to exaggerate.

amalgamate v. to unite or mix. (n) -- amalgamation.

ambiguous adj. vague; subject to more than one interpretation

ambrosial adj. extremely pleasing to the senses, divine (as related to the gods) or delicious (n: ambrosia)

anachronism n. a person or artifact appearing after its own time or out of

chronological order (adj: anachronistic)

anomalous adj. peculiar; unique, contrary to the norm (n: anomaly)

antediluvian adj. ancient; outmoded; (literally,before the flood)

antipathy n. hostility toward, objection, or aversion to

arbitrate v. to settle a dispute by impulse (n: arbitration)

assuage v. to make less severe; to appease or satisfy

attenuate v. weaken (adj: attenuated)audacious adj. extremely bold; fearless,

especially said of human behavior (n: audacity)

aver v. to declarebanal adj. commonplace or trite (n: banality)barefaced adj. unconcealed, shameless, or

brazenblandishment n. speech or action intended to coax

someone into doing somethingbombast n. pompous speech (adj: bombastic)breach n., v. a lapse, gap or break, as in a

fortress wall. To break or break through.ex: Unfortunately, the club members never forgot his breach of ettiquette.

burgeon v., n. to grow or flourish; a bud or new growth (adj: burgeoning )

buttress v., n. to support. a supportcadge v. to get something by taking

advantage of someonecaprice n. impulse (adj: capricious)castigate v. to chastise or criticize severelycatalyst n. an agent of change (adj: catalytic;

v. catalyze)caustic adj. capable of dissolving by chemical

action; highly critical: "His caustic remarks spoiled the mood of the party."

chicanery n. deception by trickerycomplaisant adj. willingly compliant or accepting of

the status quo (n: complaisance)conflagration n. a great firecorporeal adj. of or having to do with material,

as opposed to spiritual; tangible.

(In older writings,coeporeal could be a synonym for corporal. This usage is no longer common)

corporal adj. of the body: "corporal punishment." a non-commissioned officer ranked between a sergeant and a private.

corroborate v. to strengthen or support: "The witness corroborted his story." (n: corroboration)

craven adj., n. cowardly; a cowardculpable adj. deserving of blame (n: culpability)dearth n. lack, scarcity: "The prosecutor

complained about the dearth of concrete evidence against the suspect."

deference n. submission or courteous yielding: "He held his tongue in deference to his father." (n: deferential. v. defer)

depict v. to show, create a picture of.deprecation n. belittlement. (v. deprecate)depredation n. the act of preying upon or

plundering: "The depredations of the invaders demoralized the population."

descry v. to make clear, to saydesiccate v. to dry out thoroughly (adj:

desiccated)diatribe n. a bitter abusive denunciation.diffident adj. lacking self-confidence, modest (n:

diffidence)disabuse adj. to free a person from falsehood or

error: "We had to disabuse her of the notion that she was invited."

disparaging adj. belittling (n: disparagement. v. disparage)

dispassionate adj. calm; objective; unbiaseddissemble v. to conceal one's real motive, to

feigndogged adj. stubborn or determined: "Her

dogged pursuit of the degree eventually paid off."

dogmatic adj. relying upon doctrine or dogma, as opposed to evidence

eclectic adj. selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of

sources: "Many modern decorators prefer an eclectic style." (n: eclecticism)

efficacy n. effectiveness; capability to produce a desired effect

effluent adj., n the quality of flowing out. something that flows out, such as a stream from a river (n: effluence)

emollient adj., n. softening; something that softensemulate v. to strive to equal or excel (n:

emulation)encomium n. a formal eulogy or speech of

praiseendemic adj. prevalent in or native to a certain

region, locality, or people: "The disease was endemic to the region." Don't confuse this word with epidemic.

enervate v. to weaken or destroy the strength or vitality of: "The heatenervated everyone." (adj: enervating)

engender v. to give rise to, to propagate, to cause: "His slip of the toungue engendered much laughter."

enigma n. puzzle; mystery: "Math is an enigma to me." (adj: enigmatic)

ephemeral adj. lasting for only a brief time, fleeting (n: ephemera)

equivocal adj. ambiguous; unclear; subject to more than one interpretation -- often intentionally so: "Republicans complained that Bill Clinton's answers were equivocal." (v. equivocate)

erudite adj. scholarly; displaying deep intensive learning. (n: erudition)

esoteric adj. intended for or understood by only a few: "The esoteric discussion confused some people." (n: esoterica)

eulogy n. a spoken or written tribute to the deceased (v. eulogize)

exacerbate v. to increase the bitterness or violence of; to aggravate: "The decision to fortify the border exacerbated tensions."

exculpate v. to demonstrate or prove to be blameless: "The evidence tended to exculpate the defendant."(adj: exculpatory)

exorbitant adj. exceeding customary or normal limits, esp. in quantity or price: "The cab fare was exorbitant."

explicit adj. fully and clearly expressedextant adj. in existence, still existing: The

only extant representative of that species."

fathom n., v. a measure of length (six feet) used in nautical settings. to penetrate to the depths of something in order to understand it: "I couldn't fathom her reasoning on that issue."

fawn v. to seek favor or attention; to act subserviantly (n, adj: fawning)

feign v. to give false appearance or impression: "He feigned illness to avoid going to school." (adj: feigned)

fervid, fervent adj. highly emotional; hot: "The partisans displayed a fervent patriotism." (n: fervor)

fledgling n., adj. a baby bird; an inexperienced person; inexperienced.

florid adj. flushed with a rosy color, as in complexion; very ornate and flowery: "florid prose."

floundering adj. struggling: "We tried to save the floundering business."

garrulous adj. verbose; talkative; rambling: "We tried to avoid our garrulous neighbor."

gossamer n., adj. fine cobweb on foliage; fine gauzy fabric; very fine: "She wore a gossamer robe."

guile n. skillful deceit: "He was well known for his guile." (v. bequile; adj: beguiling. Note, however, that these two words have an additional meaning: to charm (v.) or charming (adj:), while the word guile does not generally have any such positive connotations)

guileless adj. honest; straightforward (n: guilelessness)

hapless adj. unfortunateheadlong adj., adv. headfirst; impulsive; hasty.

impulsively; hastily; without forethought: "They rushed headlong into marriage."

homogenous adj. similar in nature or kind; uniform: "a homogeneous society."

iconoclast n. one who attacks traditional ideas or institutions or one who destroys sacred images (adj: iconoclastic)

impecunious adj. penniless; poorimperious adj. commandingimplication n. insinuation or connotation (v.

implicate)imply v. to suggest indirectly; to

entail:  "She implied she didn't believe his story." (n: implication)

improvidence n. an absence of foresight; a failure to provide for future needs or events: "Their improvidence resulted in the loss of their home."

inchoate adj. in an initial or early stage; incomplete; disorganized: "The act of writing forces one to clarify incohate thoughts."

incorrigible adj. not capable of being corrected: "The school board finally decided the James was incorrigible and expelled him from school."

indelible adj. permanent; unerasable; strong: "The Queen made an indelible impression on her subjects."

ineffable adj. undescribable; inexpressible in words; unspeakable

infer v. to deduce: "New genetic evidence led some zoologists to infer that the red wolf is actually a hybrid of the coyote and the gray wolf."

ingenious adj. clever: "She developed an ingenious method for testing her hypothesis."(n: ingenuity)

ingenuous adj. unsophisticated; artless; straightforward; candid: "Wilson's ingenuous response to the

controversial calmed the suspicious listeners."

inhibit v. to hold back, prohibit, forbid, or restrain (n: inhibition, adj: inhibited)

innocuous adj. harmless; having no adverse affect; not likely to provoke strong emotion

insensible adj. numb; unconscious: "Wayne was rendered insensible by a blow to the head." unfeeling; insensitive: "They were insensibile to the suffering of others.:

insipid adj. lacking zest or excitement; dullinsular adj. of or pertaining to an island, thus,

excessively exclusive: "Newcomers found it difficult to make friends in the insular community."

intransigent adj. stubborn; immovable; unwilling to change: "She was so intransigent we finally gave up trying to convince her." (n: intransigence)

irascible adj. prone to outbursts of temper, easily angered

laconic adj. using few words; terse: "a laconic reply."

latent adj. present or potential but not evident or active (n: latency)

laudable adj. praiseworthy; commendable (v. laud)

leviathan n. giant whale, therefore, something very large

loquacious adj. talkativelucid adj. clear; translucent: "He made a

lucid argument to support his theory."

lugubrious adj. weighty, mournful, or gloomy, especially to an excessive degree: "Jake's lugubrious monologues depressed his friends."

magnanimity n. generosity and nobility. (adj: magnanimous)

malevolent adj. malicious; evil; having or showing ill will: "Some early American colonists saw the wilderness as malevolent and sought to control

it."misanthrope n. one who hates people: "He was a

true misanthrope and hated even himself."

misnomer n. incorrect name or word for something

misogynist n. one who hates womenmitigate v. to make less forceful; to become

more moderate; to make less harsh or undesirable: "He was trying to mitigate the damage he had done." (n: mitigation)

nefarious adj. wicked, evil: "a nefarious plot."noisome adj. harmful, offensive, destructive:

"The noisome odor of the dump carried for miles."

obdurate adj. hardened against influence or feeling; intractable.

obviate v. to prevent by anticipatory measures; to make unnecessary:

occlude v. to close or shut off; to obstruct (n: occlusion)

opaque adj. not transparent or transluscent; dense; difficult to comprehend, as inopaque reasoning

ossified adj. turned to bone; hardened like bone; Inflexible: "The ossified culture failed to adapt to new economic conditions and died out."

panegyric n. a writing or speech in praise of a person or thing

peccadillo n. a small sin or faultpedantic adj. showing a narrow concern for

rules or formal book learning; making an excessive display of one's own learning: "We quickly tired of his pedantic conversation." (n: pedant, pedantry).

perfidious adj. deliberately treacherous; dishonest (n: perfidy)

petulant adj. easily or frequently annoyed, especially over trivial matters; childishly irritable

philanthropy n. tendency or action for the benefit of others, as in donating money or

property to a charitible organization

phlegmatic adj. not easily excited; cool; sluggishplacate v. to calm or reduce anger by

making concessions: "The professor tried to placate his students by postponing the exam."

plastic adj. related to being shaped or molded; capable of being molded. (n: plasticity n: plastic)

plethora n. excessively large quantity; overabundance: "We received a p lethora of applications for the position."

ponderous adj. heavy; massive; awkward; dull: "A ponderous book is better than a sleeping pill."

pragmatic adj. concerned with facts; practical, as opposed to highly principled or traditional: "His pragmatic approach often offended idealists." (n: pragmatism)

precipice n. cliff with a vertical or nearly vertical face; a dangerous place from which one is likely to fall; metaphorically, a very risky circumstance

precipitate v., n. to fall; to fall downward suddenly and dramatically; to bring about or hasten the occurrence of something: "Old World diseases precipitated a massive decline in the American Indian population."

precursor n. something (or someone) that precedes another: "The assasination of the Archduke was a precursor to the war."

prevaricate v. to stray away from or evade the truth: "When we asked him what his intentions were, he prevaricated."(n: prevarication; prevaricator)

prodigal adj. rashly wasteful: "Americans' prodigal devotion to the automobile is unique."

propitiate v. to conciliate; to appease: "They made sacrifices to propitiate

angry gods."Pulchritudinous adj. beautiful (n: pulchritude)pusillanimous adj. cowardly, timid, or irreselute;

petty: "The pusillanimous leader soon lost the respect of his people."

quiescence n. inactivity; stillness; dormancy (adj: quiescent)

rarefy v. to make or become thin; to purify or refine (n: rarefaction, adj: rarefied)

reproof n. the act of censuring, scolding, or rebuking. (v. reprove).

rescind v. to repeal or annulsagacious adj. having a sharp or powerful

intellect or discernment. (n: sagacity).

sanguine adj. cheerful; confident: "Her sanguine attitude put everyone at ease."(Sangfroid (noun) is a related French word meaning unflappibility. Literally, it means cold blood)

sate v. to satisfy fully or to excesssaturnine adj. having a gloomy or morose

temperamentsavant n. a very knowledgable person; a

genioussedulous adj. diligent; persevering; persistent:

"Her sedulous devotion to overcoming her background impressed many." (n: sedulity; sedulousness; adv. sedulously)

specious adj. seemingly true but really false; deceptively convincing or attractive: "Her argument, though specious, was readily accepted by many."

superficial adj. only covering the surface: "A superficial treatment of the topic was all they wanted."

tacit adj. unspoken: "Katie and carmella had a tacit agreement that they would not mention the dented fender to their parents."

taciturn adj. habitually untalkative or silent (n: taciturnity)

temperate adj. exercising moderation and self-denial; calm or mild (n: temperance)

tirade (diatribe) n. an angry speech: "His tirade had gone on long enough."

tortuous adj. twisted; excessively complicated: "Despite public complaints, tax laws and forms have become increasingly tortuous." Note: Don't confuse this with torturous.

tractable adj. ability to be easily managed or controlled: "Her mother wished she were more tractable." (n: tractibility)

turpitude n. depravity; baseness: "Mr. Castor was fired for moral turpitude."

tyro n. beginner; person lacking experience in a specific endeavor: "They easily took advantage of the tyro."

vacuous adj. empty; without contents; without ideas or intelligence:: "She flashed a vacuous smile."

venerate v. great respect or reverence: "The Chinese traditionally venerated their ancestors; ancestor worship is merely a popular misnomer for this tradition." (n: veneration, adj: venerable)

verbose adj. wordy: "The instructor asked her verbose student make her paper more concise." (n: verbosity)

vex v. to annoy; to bother; to perplex; to puzzle; to debate at length: "Franklin vexed his brother with his controversial writings."

viscous adj. slow moving; highly resistant to flow: "Heintz commercials imply that their catsup is more viscous than others'." (n: viscosity)

volatile adj. explosive; fickle (n: volatility).voracious adj. craving or devouring large

quantities of food, drink, or other things. She is a voracious reader.

waver v. to hesitate or to tremblewretched adj. extremely pitiful or unfortunate

(n: wretch)