Membean Rootcasts

The prefix *uni-* which means "one" is an important prefix in the English language. For instance, the prefix *uni-* gave rise to the words [*uni*]cycle, [*uni*]form, and [*uni*]son. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that *uni-* means "one" is through the word [*uni*]corn, or mythological horse that had "one" horn.

The prefix *contra-* and its variant *counter-* mean "opposite" or "against." For instance, the prefix *contra-* gave rise to the words [*contra*]dict and [*contra*]st, whereas the variant spelling *counter-* gave rise to [*counter*]act and [*counter*]feit. To [*contra*]dict someone is to speak "against" what she is saying, whereas a [*counter*]clockwise direction is "opposite" of the normal way a clock's hands usually run.

The prefix *pro-* primarily means "forward" but can also mean "for." Some words that the prefix *pro-* gave rise to are [*pro*]mise, *pro*, and [*pro*]mote. When you, for instance, make [*pro*]gress, you are stepping "forward," whereas if you give the [*pro*]s in an argument, you are speaking "for" something by stating its advantages.

Eponyms 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 derived from the history of literature: *serendipity*, *braggadocio*, and *bowdlerize*.

The prefix *circum-* which means "around" and the Latin root word *circ* which mean "ring" both are influential in making up English words. For instance, the prefix *circum-* gave rise to the words [*circum*]ference and [*circum*]stances, whereas the root *circ* gave rise to [*circ*]le and [*circ*]ulation. Clearly a [*circum*]ference is the bearing "around" a circle, whereas a [*circ*]le itself is in the form of a "ring."

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix *super-* and its variant *sur-* mean "over." Examples using this prefix include [*super*]ior, [*super*]vise, [*sur*]name, and [*sur*]face. An easy way to remember that the prefix *super-* means "over" is through the comic book hero [*Super*]man, who is the man "over" all other men in terms of physical power.

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix *sub-*, with its variants which all begin with *su-*, is a prolific part of the English language. Examples using this prefix include [*sub*]way, [*suf*]fer, [*sup*]ply, and [*sug*]gest. An easy way to remember that the prefix *sub-* means "under" is through the word [*sub*]marine, or a vehicle that travels "under" the sea.

The Latin root word *ped* and its Greek counterpart *pod* both mean "foot." These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including [*ped*]al centi[*ped*]e, [*pod*]ium, and [*pod*]iatrist. Humans, for instance, are bi[*ped*]al because they walk on two "feet," whereas a tri[*pod*] is a stand for a camera that has three "feet."

The Latin root word *pend* and its variant *pens* both mean "hang" or "weigh." These roots are the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including *pend*, [*pend*]ant, sus[*pens*]e, and ex[*pens*]ive. An easy way to remember these different meanings is that a [*pend*]ant "hangs" from your neck, whereas you have to "weigh" out a lot of money if something is ex[*pens*]ive.

*Etymology* is that part of linguistics that studies word origins. English vocabulary words are formed from many different sources, especially Latin and Greek. By determining the origins of the morphemes in English words, one is better able to remember and determine the dictionary definitions of words.