Membean Rootcasts

The root *form,* which means 'shape,' gives us a number of words that are used every day, including re[*form*], in[*form*]ation, de[*form*]ed, and *form*. To 'form," for instance, is simply 'to shape,' whereas to re[*form*] is merely to 'shape again.' To keep you in verbal "shape," let's take a look at the way some other words are [*form*]ed!

The English root [*mit*] comes from a Latin word that means 'to send.' *Mit* also shows up as *miss* in many words, so be on the lookout! Some common words from this root include e[*mit*], [*miss*]ion, and dis[*miss*]. So as not to o[*mit*] any knowledge, we have sub[*mit*]ted this post to explain it all.

The root words *fall* and *fals* come from a Latin word that means to 'trick.' Some common words derived from this root word are [*fals*]e and [*faul*]t. Watch out for the 'tricks' this root can play, for the word [*fau*]cet (tap) is also derived from this root word, and you'll probably be surprised to learn why.

*Cis* and its variants *cid* and *-cide* come from a Latin root which means both 'cut' and 'kill.' Some common words derived from this root include de[*cid*]e, de[*cis*]ion, and sui[*cide*]. Perhaps the best way to remember this root is by thinking of s[*cis*]sors -- a scissor cuts

The root word *phil* comes from a Greek verb meaning _to love_. Some common words derived from *phil* are [*phil*]osopher, [*phil*]anthropist, and biblio[*phil*]e. Note that *phil* can begin the word as in [*phil*]osopher, or end it as in biblio[*phil*]e. But wherever it occurs you can be assured that *phil* has something to do with _love_.