Root Words

Auto

Definition: selfWord examples:1.autonomous: self-governing;

independent2.autograph: person’s individual

signature3.automobile: self-propelled vehicle4.automatic: having self-acting

mechanism5.autobiography: the story of one’s life

written by oneself

Bene

Definition: good; well1.benefactor: a person who helps people or

institutions 2.beneficial: promoting or enhancing well-

being3.benevolent: kind, well-meaning4.benediction: a prayer inviting good things

and blessings5.benefit: something that is helpful or an

advantage; a perk

Bio

Definition: lifeWord examples:1.biography: story of someone’s life2.biosphere: zone of the Earth where

there’s life3.biology: study of living things4.biopsy: removal of living tissue from the

body for study5.antibiotic: germ-killing medicine

Chron

Definition: time1.chronological: record of events in the

order or time in which they occurred2.synchronize: cause to happen at the

same time3.chronic: continuing for a long time4.chronometer: instrument to measure

time5.chronicler: a historian

Dict

Definition: to sayWord examples:1.dictionary: a reference book in which

spoken or written words are defined2.contradict: to speak against or say the

opposite3.predict: to say what will happen before it

occurs4.dictator: a leader who speaks and rules by

force and with total power5.dictation: what is written down as someone

says it

Geo

Definition: earthWord examples:1.geography: study of the earth’s surface,

climate, continents, people, etc.2.geology: study of Earth’s history through

rocks3.geothermal: related to the internal heat of

the earth4.geosphere: the solid portion of the earth5.geocaching: the outdoor game involving a

hunt for hidden objects using a GPS

Graph

Definition: write

1.calligraphy: elegant handwriting2.graphic: written words and symbols3.topography: the art of map writing4.graphomania: a compulsive urge to

write5.homograph:two words written the

same, but with different meanings

Jud

Definition: judgeWord examples:1.judgement: the ability to judge or make a

decision2.judicial: judging fairly or carefully 3.prejudice: to judge before knowing4.misjudge: to judge incorrectly5.adjudicate: to settle a disagreement; to

judge a competition

Micro

Definition: extremely smallWord examples:1.microscope: an instrument that makes

small objects look larger2.microwave: a small wave used to cook food 3.microphone: a device used to make small

voices sound larger4.microfilm: film with small images of

records, etc. 5.microcosm: a miniature world or universe

Migr

Definition: wander or move1.emigrant: someone who leaves a place2.immigrant: someone who moves to a

new country3.migrate: to move from one place to

another4.migratory: a large population of

animals that move from one place to another

5.transmigrate: to be born into another body after death.

Mort

Definition: deathWord examples:1.mortal: subject to death2.immortal: not subject to death3.mortician: a person who manages

funerals4.mortuary: a building where bodies are

kept before burial or cremation5.rigor mortis: the stiffening of the body

after death

Phon

Definition: sound or voiceWord examples:1.phonics: the use of letter sounds to teach

reading2.telephone: an electronic device that carries

sound over distance3.symphony: a large, classical orchestra4.homophone: a word that sounds the same

as another word with a different meaning/spelling

5.euphony: pleasing and harmonious sounds

Photo

Definition: light1.photograph: a picture made by

reflecting light off a plate2.photon: a unit of light intensity3.photology: the science of lights4.photokinesis: movement induced

by light5.photobiotic: requiring light to live

Scrib

definition: write1.describe: to write down how something or

someone looks2. scribble: sloppy handwriting that is hard

to read3.prescribe: write down a rule or action to

be followed4.scribe: a person who writes things down5. transcribe: to write down or translate

Tele

Definition: distanceWord examples:1.television: a device that displays electronic

signals received from a distance2.teleport: to transport instantly over a

distance3.telescope: an instrument used to view

distant objects4.telepathy: communication using minds5.telegram: a message sent over a wire

Test

Definition: to witnessWord examples:1.testify: to bear witness or give evidence2.testimony: the statement of a witness in

court 3.attest: to confirm that something is true,

genuine, or correct4.testate: to make a will5.testimonial: a letter or statement of

recommendation