Latin and Greek Roots Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards derived from Latin and Greek roots including SPEC/SPECT, VID/VIS, PHOT/PHOS, and LUC.

SPEC, SPECT

Latin root meaning "to look at," from specere, spectum.

CIRCUMSPECT

Adjective meaning careful; mindful of rules and consequences. Derived from Latin circum ("around") + spectum.

PROSPECT

Noun meaning that which is expected. Derived from Latin pro ("forward") + spectum.

SPECTER

Noun meaning a ghost or phantom.

VID, VIS

Latin root meaning "to see, to look," from videre, visum.

INVIDIOUS

Adjective meaning hateful or spiteful. Derived from Latin in ("against") + videre.

PROVIDENTIAL

Adjective meaning happening by good fortune. Derived from Latin pro ("forward") + videre.

IMPROVISE

Verb meaning to create without any forethought or preparation. Derived from Latin in ("not") + pro ("forward") + visum.

PHOT, PHOS

Greek root meaning "light," from phos, photos.

PHOTOTROPIC

Adjective meaning tending to grow or move toward light. Derived from Greek photos + tropein ("to turn").

PHOSPHORESCENT

Adjective meaning giving off light without heat. Derived from Greek phosphorein ("to bear").

PHOTOGENIC

Adjective meaning attractive in pictures or photographs. Derived from Greek photos + genic ("suitable for").

LUC

Latin root meaning "light," from lux, lucis.

LUCID

Adjective meaning easy to understand; clear.

ELUCIDATE

Verb meaning to make clear by explaining. Derived from Latin e ("from") + lucis.

TRANSLUCENT

Adjective meaning allowing light to pass through. Derived from Latin trans ("through") + lucis.