Greek and Latin Roots Study Guide

Root: ped (foot)

• Root Meaning: ped = foot

• biped (n)

  • Definition: A creature with two feet.

• centipede (n)

  • Definition: A creature with 100 feet.

• impediment (n)

  • Definition: Something that stands in one's way; an obstacle.

  • Annotation / Context: Often applied to speech (e.g., a speech impediment).

• millipede (n)

  • Definition: A creature with 1,000 feet.

• pedal (n)

  • Definition: A lever that is moved with one's foot.

• peddler (n)

  • Definition: A person who goes from door to door on foot trying to sell a product.

• pedestrian (n)

  • Definition: A person who walks across the street on foot.

• pedicure (n)

  • Definition: A foot treatment that could include soaking the feet and polishing the toenails.

• quadruped (n)

  • Definition: A four-footed creature.

• tripod (n)

  • Definition: A three-footed stand often used to balance a camera.

Root: man, manu (hand)

• Root Meaning: man, manu = hand

• emancipate (v)

  • Definition: To set free; to lend a hand in freeing someone; to release from someone's hands.

  • Relational Note: Linked together conceptually with manacles.

• manacles (n)

  • Definition: Handcuffs.

  • Relational Note: Linked together conceptually with emancipate.

• manager (n)

  • Definition: A person who has the upper hand; a person who is in charge of someone or something.

• mandate (n)

  • Definition: An order or command placed in one's hands.

• maneuver (v)

  • Definition: To handily or skillfully go around something.

• manicure (n)

  • Definition: A treatment for the hands and nails.

• manipulate (v)

  • Definition: To skillfully operate by hand.

• manual (n)

  • Definition: A handbook; a book of directions.

• manufacture (v)

  • Definition: To make by hand or by machine; to change raw material into a new product.

• manuscript (n)

  • Definition: A handwritten or typed piece of writing, such as a book.

Root: spec (see, look)

• Root Meaning: spec = see, look

• circumspect (adj)

  • Definition: Careful to look at all possibilities before acting; cautious; aware of consequences.

• inspect (v)

  • Definition: To look at carefully in search of flaws.

• introspection (n)

  • Definition: The act of looking into one's own thoughts and feelings.

• perspective (n)

  • Definition: One way of looking at things.

• respect (v)

  • Definition: To look up to someone; to show honor.

• retrospective (adj)

  • Definition: Looking back at past things.

• spectacle (n)

  • Definition: Something displayed for the public to see.

• spectacles (n)

  • Definition: Glasses that help someone see better.

• spectator (n)

  • Definition: A person who watches something, such as a sporting event.

• speculate (v)

  • Definition: To look at and think about something from different points of view.

Root: dict (speak)

• Root Meaning: dict = speak

• contradict (v)

  • Definition: To speak against; to say the opposite.

• dictation (n)

  • Definition: What is written down as someone says it.

• dictator (n)

  • Definition: A leader who speaks and rules with total power.

• diction (n)

  • Definition: The manner in which something is expressed in words (written or spoken).

• dictionary (n)

  • Definition: A reference book in which spoken or written words are defined.

• dictum (n)

  • Definition: A judge's ruling or statement.

• edict (n)

  • Definition: Public words issued by an official that explain a law or command.

• indictment (n)

  • Definition: Formal words spoken or written by a jury that charge a person with a crime.

• predict (v)

  • Definition: To say what will happen before it occurs.

• verdict (n)

  • Definition: The decision a jury makes in a trial; the decision said by the jury.

Root: ject (throw)

• Root Meaning: ject = throw

• dejected (adj)

  • Definition: To feel sad; to feel thrown down in spirit.

• eject (v)

  • Definition: To throw out.

• injection (n)

  • Definition: A shot; the "throwing" of medicine into the body by a needle.

• interjection (n)

  • Definition: A word thrown into a sentence or conversation.

• jettison (v)

  • Definition: To throw goods overboard to lighten the load on a boat or an airplane.

• projectile (n)

  • Definition: An object thrown into the air with great force.

• projector (n)

  • Definition: A machine that throws an image onto a wall.

• reject (v)

  • Definition: To throw something out because it's defective and can't be used again.

• subject (v)

  • Definition: To throw oneself under someone else's rule.

• trajectory (n)

  • Definition: The curved path of an object thrown into space.