List of Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to the meanings of words

Word	Root	Meaning
Aqua	Latin	Water
Audible	Latin	Able to be heard
Benevolent	Latin	Well-meaning or kind
Chronology	Greek	The arrangement of events in time
Bibliography	Greek	A list of books or written works
Geo	Greek	Earth
Hydraulic	Greek	Operated by or involving water
Interlude	Latin	An intervening period of time
Transcend	Latin	To rise above or go beyond the limits of
Hematology	Greek	The study of blood and blood-forming organs
Microphone	Greek	A device for amplifying or recording sounds
Microscope	Greek	A device used to see small objects clearly
Thermometer	Greek	An instrument for measuring temperature
Anthropology	Greek	The study of human societies and cultures
Geography	Greek	The study of Earth’s physical features and human societies
Philanthropy	Greek	The desire to promote the welfare of others
Spectator	Latin	A person who watches an event or activity
Scribble	Latin	To write carelessly or hastily
Auditory	Latin	Related to hearing or the sense of hearing
Inscription	Latin	Words that are written, carved, or engraved
Amphibian	Greek	An animal capable of living both on land and in water
Circumspect	Latin	Cautious or careful to consider all circumstances
Rejuvenate	Latin	To make something feel or look younger or fresher
Cryptic	Greek	Having a hidden or mysterious meaning
Visionary	Latin	A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
Audition	Latin	A trial performance to evaluate a person’s talent
Dysfunctional	Greek	Not working properly or in an abnormal way
Euphoria	Greek	A feeling of intense happiness or well-being
Polyglot	Greek	A person who knows and is able to use several languages
Cognition	Latin	The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding
Astronomy	Greek	The scientific study of celestial bodies and the universe
Revolution	Latin	A forcible overthrow of a government or social system in favor of a new one
Prologue	Greek	An introductory speech or passage in a play or literary work
Microscope	Greek	An optical instrument used for viewing very small objects
Sympathy	Greek	Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune
Helium	Greek	A chemical element that is colorless, tasteless, and non-reactive gas
Graphology	Greek	The study of handwriting and its relation to human behavior
Eccentric	Greek	Unconventional and slightly strange
Democracy	Greek	A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members
Pseudonym	Greek	A fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Circumference	Latin	The boundary line of a circle
Benevolent	Latin	Kind and generous
Deflect	Latin	To cause to turn aside or away from a path
Prehistoric	Greek	Relating to the time before written history
Postmortem	Latin	Occurring after death
Omniscient	Latin	Having complete knowledge or awareness
Submarine	Latin	A vessel that operates under water
Psychology	Greek	The scientific study of the human mind and its functions
Television	Greek	A system for transmitting visual images and sound to distant places
Biology	Greek	The study of living organisms and their interactions with their environment
Automobile	Greek	A self-propelled vehicle
Pandemic	Greek	A disease affecting a large number of people over a wide geographical area
Aquatic	Latin	Relating to water
Linguist	Latin	A person skilled in languages
Monarchy	Greek	A government ruled by a single person, usually a king or queen
Solarium	Latin	A room or space designed to let in sunlight
Incognito	Latin	In disguise or under a false identity
Cacophony	Greek	A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
Monologue	Greek	A long speech by one person, especially in a play or performance
Rebirth	Latin	The process of being born again or renewed
Bicycle	Greek	A two-wheeled vehicle that a person rides by pedaling
Territory	Latin	An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or government
Translucent	Latin	Allowing light, but not detailed images, to pass through
Astronaut	Greek	A person who is trained to travel in space
Polytheism	Greek	The belief in or worship of more than one god
Fossil	Latin	The remains of an organism preserved in a petrified form
Synthesis	Greek	The combination of ideas to form a theory or system
Metaphor	Greek	A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action
Phonograph	Greek	A machine for reproducing sounds from records
Psychopath	Greek	A person suffering from chronic mental disorder, typically involving harmful behaviors
Telepathy	Greek	The transmission of thoughts or feelings between people without using words
Hydration	Greek	The process of adding water to something
Synthesis	Greek	The combination of different parts into a whole
Patriotic	Greek	Showing love for or devotion to one’s country
Symbiotic	Greek	Living together in a mutually beneficial relationship
Altruistic	Latin	Unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others
Examine	Latin	To inspect something carefully and thoroughly
Cursive	Latin	Written with flowing strokes, typically in a script style
Perceive	Latin	To become aware of something through the senses
Anarchy	Greek	A state of disorder due to the absence or nonrecognition of authority
Aquarium	Latin	A tank or container for aquatic organisms or plants
Cognitive	Latin	Relating to mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning
Spectacular	Latin	Impressive or visually striking
Subterranean	Latin	Existing, occurring, or done under the earth’s surface
Benevolence	Latin	The quality of being well-meaning and kind
Telekinetic	Greek	The ability to move objects with one’s mind

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