Membean Rootcasts

The Latin root word *labor* means "work." This Latin root is the word origin of a "working" number of English vocabulary words, including col[*labor*]ate, *labor* itself, and e[*labor*]ate. The root *labor* is easily recalled via the word [*labor*]atory, for that is where scientists do their "work."

The prefix *ob-*, besides meaning "against" or "towards," can also act as an intensive prefix. An intensive prefix can effectively be translated as "thoroughly" to highlight its emphatic function. The intensive nature of the prefix *ob-* shows up in such words as [*ob*]tuse and [*ob*]durate. An example to help remember this intensive prefix is the word [*ob*]tain, for when you [*ob*]tain something you "thoroughly" hold onto it.

The Latin root word *rog* means "ask." This Latin root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including inter[*rog*]ate, ar[*rog*]ant, and pre[*rog*]ative. The root *rog* is easily recalled via the word inter[*rog*]ative, for an inter[*rog*]ative is a question word that "asks" a question, such as "who," "what," "how," "why," or "where."

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix *ob-* usually means "against, in the way" or "towards." An example of *ob-* when it means "towards" is the word [*ob*]ligation, or a tying of some duty "towards" you; in the case of *ob-* meaning "against" or "in the way," the word [*ob*]stacle" refers to that which stands "against" you, "in the way" of proceeding from point A to point B.

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix *epi-*, which means "over" or "upon," appears in a good number of English vocabulary words, such as [*epi*]dermis and [*epi*]taph. You can remember that the prefix *epi-* means "upon" from the noun [*epi*]demic, which is a widespread disease that comes "upon" people; you can also recall that *epi-* means "over" via the word [*epi*]dermis, which is the outer skin that lies "over" lower layers of skin.

The Latin root word *spir* means "breathe." This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including in[*spir*]e, re[*spir*]ation, and e[*xpir*]e. The root *spir* is easily recalled via the word per[*spir*]ation, that is, sweat in the act of "breathing" through the pores of your skin.

The Latin root word *volv* and its variants *volut* and *volt* mean "roll" or "turn round." These roots are the word origins of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including re[*volv*]e, in[*vol*]ve, e[*volut*]ion, and re[*volt*]. The roots *volv* and *volut* are easily recalled through the words in[*volv*]e, or "roll" in, and re[*volut*]ion, or a "rolling" back against a current government or other system in power.

The Latin root word *posit* means "placed." This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including op[*posit*]e, com[*posit*]ion, and *posit* itself. The Latin root word *posit* is easily recalled through the word [*posit*]ion, for a "[*posit*]ion" is the way in which you find yourself "placed."

The Latin root word *voc* and its variant *vok* both mean "call." These roots are the word origins of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including [*voc*]al, [*voc*]abulary, in[*vok*]e, and pro[*vok*]e. The roots *voc* and *vok* are easily recalled through the words [*voc*]al, of "calling," and re[*vok*]e, to "call" back.

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. A fair number of English vocabulary words contain the prefix *dia-*, which means "across." Examples using this prefix include [*dia*]logue, [*dia*]gonal, and [*dia*]betes. An easy way to remember that the prefix *dia-* means "across" is through the word [*dia*]meter, for the [*dia*]meter of a circle is the measurement "across" it.