Roots of English (Part II): Best way to learn new vocabulary each day!

Continuing with our series on “learning vocabulary via root words” we are here with another enriching post. The fear of “Anglophobia” is sure to take a backseat once you understand the concept of “root words”. It will not only help you in learning new words in English but will be stored in a more systematic way in our memory.

What is a "root" word?

It is the most basic form of a word which will help you break down large words into smaller units. This will get us to root words and by learning just one of them we can understand several words in English.

Root words in the English language have been derived primarily from the following four languages;

• Greek
• German
• French
• Latin

NOTE: Any word is comprised of three parts. For example- subtracted

                            Sub (prefix) ——–tract (root) ———- ed (suffix)

Words are made from root words with prefixes and suffixes. PREFIX is a word, letter or number placed before another. SUFFIX is a letter, or a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.

Let us explore some of these root words which are most frequently used in English.

• Consider AUG, AUC as a ROOT word.
• Greek > Latin; It means to increase, to grow; growth

Now with this one root we can come out with several other English words.

1. BEAUCOUP: many or much
2. CAUCUS: a group of people with shared concerns within a political party or larger organization
3. WAUGHT: a large draught of liquid
4. AUGER: a tool resembling a large corkscrew, for boring holes in wood.
5. AUGMENT: make (something) greater by adding to it; increase
6. AUCTION: a public sale in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder.

• Consider DOX as a ROOT word
• Greek; means believe, belief; that which is thought to be true by someone who has the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and to enforce his or her opinions, doctrines, praise

Words that can be formed with the same roots are:

1. UNORTHODOX: contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted, not orthodox
2. PARADOX: a person or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities
3. ORTHODOX: following or conforming to the traditional or generally accepted rules or beliefs of a religion, philosophy, or practice
4. HETERODOX: not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs 
5. DOXOLOGY: a liturgical formula of praise to God.

• Consider Gest as a ROOT word
• Latin; it means to carry, produce; to bear

Words that can be formed with the same roots are:

1. DIGEST: To think over so as to understand; absorb or assimilate:
2. CONGEST: crowd (a road or place) to hinder or prevent freedom of movement.
3. GESTATION: the development of something over a period.
4. GESTURING: A motion of the limbs or body made to express or help express thought or to emphasize speech.
5. GESTAPO: Of, relating to, or characteristic of the German security police organized under the Nazi regime.

We wind up our article here and will be back soon with another list of new words with their roots. Hope the article served its purpose well.

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