Membean Rootcasts

The English stem *plic* comes from a Latin root word meaning 'fold.' Some common English words that come from this word root include ap[*plic*]ation, multi[*plic*]ation, and re[*plic*]ate. Perhaps the easiest way to remember *plic* is through the word du[*plic*]ate, or to 'fold' twice, thus making two things.

The Latin root word *fic* means to 'make.' A good number of common English vocabulary words come from this root, including magni[*fic*]ent, dif[*fic*]ult, and arti[*fic*]ial. One easy word that is helpful in remembering *fic* is ef[*fic*]ient, for ef[*fic*]ient people are able to 'make' things happen.

It's time to consider the re[*lat*]ive importance of the Latin word root *lat* which means to 'carry.' Two common English words that come from this root include re[*lat*]ionship and legis[*lat*]e. Perhaps you can most re[*lat*]e to this root word, or 'carry' yourself back to it, with the word re[*lat*]e itself.

The Latin root words *duc* and *duct* mean to 'lead.' Some common English vocabulary words that come from this root word include e[*duc*]ate, re[*duc*]e, pro[*duc*]e, and pro[*duct*]. Perhaps the best way to remember this root word is to think of someone who is e[*duc*]ated, or has been 'led' forth into knowledge.

Just like a ferry carries people across the water, so too does the Latin word root *fer* mean to 'carry.' Many dif[*fer*]ent words come from *fer*, including pre[*fer*], re[*fer*], and con[*fer*]ence. Perhaps the easiest way to help remember this root word is when you trans[*fer*] money, or 'carry' across funds from one bank account to another.

The Latin word root *ject* means 'throw.' Many common words are 'thrown' about each day which use this root, including e[*ject*], re[*ject*], ob[*ject*], and pro[*ject*]or. Perhaps a pointed way to help remember this word is when you receive an in[*ject*]ion, which is a shot 'thrown' into your body.

You've seen the [*graph*] root, which means 'to write,' written everywhere. From geo[*graph*]y classes to math *graph* paper to English para[*graph*]s, this root presents itself in many, many forms. Take a look at the [*graph*]ic of the *graph* tree, and read on with the writing below!

The day-to-day cycle of time is something we become aware of before we even go to school. Every student should know that *chron* is the Greek root for 'time.' From the [*chron*]ometer to [*chron*]icling our lives, humankind is fascinated by 'time.' Let's take a few minutes and get 'in sync' with this root word.

The root word *morph* comes from a Greek word meaning 'shape.' Ever heard of the 'Mighty [*Morp*]hin Power Rangers'? When they are '[*morph*]in' they are changing 'shape.' Let's stay in good academic 'shape' and take a look at the intellectual words that derive from this root.

A Latin word meaning 'to learn' gives rise to the English word root *cogn*. Primarily because of French, the root *conn* also comes from this root. A readily re[*cogn*]izable word that comes to mind which uses this root, is, well, re[*cogn*]ize! What else can we acquaint you with to help you 'learn' this root?