Membean Word Root Of the Day

Prefixes often undergo spelling changes depending upon the stem, or main part of the word, to which they are affixed. The prefix *con-*, for example, can exist in the following forms: *co-*, *col-*, *com-*, and *cor-*. Examples of words containing such forms include [*co*]operate, [*col*]laborate, [*com*]panion, and [*cor*]rect.

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix *con-*, which means "with" or "thoroughly," appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: [*con*]nect, [*con*]sensus, and [*con*]clude. An easy way to remember that the prefix *con* means "with" is through the word [*con*]nect, or join "with." A way to remember that it means "thoroughly" is through [*con*]clude, or "thoroughly" close a matter.

Words from which eponyms derive play a smaller role than Latin and Greek root words in forming English vocabulary, but nevertheless are important for learning the word origins of English vocabulary. An eponym is an English word that is derived from a name, such as that of a person or place. Today we will explore three eponyms from literature: *malapropism*, *stentorian*, and *Machiavellian*.

When studying root words, there are often numerous variants to a primary root word. The primary root word *cept*: "taken," for instance, present in the words con[*cept*] and in[*cept*]ion, has variant spellings of *cap*, *cip*, and *ceiv*. Examples containing these variant spellings, all of which mean "take" as well, are [*cap*]able, re[*cip*]ient, and re[*ceiv*]e.

The Latin root word *cept* means "taken." This root word gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including de[*cept*]ion, con[*cept*], and ex[*cept*]. Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the word ac[*cept*], for when you have ac[*cept*]ed something, you have "taken" it towards yourself.

Prefixes often undergo spelling changes depending upon the stem to which they are affixed. The prefix *in*, for example, can exist in the following forms: *il*, *im*, *in*, *ir*, and *ig*. Examples of words containing such forms include [*il*]legal, [*im*]bibe, [*in*]nate, [*ir*]regular, and [*ig*]noble.

The Latin root word *tract* means "drag" or "pull." This root word gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including at[*tract*]ion, sub[*tract*], and con[*tract*]. Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the English word [*tract*]or, for a [*tract*]or's main function is to "drag" or "pull" heavy equipment.

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary. The prefix *in*, which means "in, on, or not," appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: [*in*]ject, [*in*]flux, and [*in*]sane. Prefixes do tend to have different meanings, which can be divined by context, common sense, and the process of elimination.

The Latin root word *vers* means "turned." This root gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including re[*vers*]e, [*vers*]ion, and con[*vers*]ation. Perhaps the easiest way to remember this root word is through the English word anni[*vers*]ary, a calendrical marker that yet another year has "turned."

Words from which eponyms derive play a smaller role than Latin and Greek root words in forming English vocabulary, but nevertheless are important for learning the word origins of English vocabulary. An eponym is an English word that is derived from a name, such as that of a person or place. Today we will explore the eponyms *quixotic*, *gargantuan*, and *leviathan*.

The im[*port*]ant Latin root word *port* means 'carry.' Some common English words that use this root include im[*port*], ex[*port*], de[*port*], and re[*port*]. An easy way to remember this word root is through the word [*port*]able, which is something that is easily 'carried' from one place to another.

The Latin root *sent* and its variant form *sens* mean to 'feel.' Some common English words that come from these two roots include [*sens*]ation, [*sens*]ible, re[*sent*], and con[*sent*]. Remember that when you [*sens*]e something you 'feel' it, and when you are being [*sent*]imental, your 'feelings' take precedence over anything else.

The Latin root word *fin* means an 'end,' as in a 'boundary' or 'limit.' Some common English vocabulary words that come from this Latin root word include [*fin*]al, [*fin*]ish, and de[*fin*]ition. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that this root word means 'end' is through the word in[*fin*]ite, since something in[*fin*]ite has no 'end!'

Common prefixes like *in-* and *con-* sometimes change their form in English words. The prefix roots in _combine_ , _collate_ and _corrupt_ are all *con-*. Likewise the prefix roots in _illegal_ and _irregular_ are *in-*. This disguising of prefix roots is called *prefix assimilation*.

The Latin root word *vert* means 'turn.' This root gives rise to many English vocabulary words, including [*vert*]ical, re[*vert*], and con[*vert*]. This root word can keep your word sense right-side up instead of in[*vert*]ing it by 'turning' you upside-down.