Membean Rootcasts

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix *multi-* means "many." Examples using this prefix include [*multi*]vitamin and [*multi*]plication. An easy way to remember that the prefix *multi-* means "many" is to think about being super rich, for if you were a [*multi*]millionaire, you would have "many" millions of dollars!

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix *post-* means "after." Examples using this prefix include [*post*]game and [*post*]season. An easy way to remember that the prefix *post-* means "after" is through the word [*post*]pone, for when you [*post*]pone something, you put it on your agenda to do "after" the current time.

The Latin root word *mot* means "move." This Latin root is the word origin of a large number of English vocabulary words, including [*mot*]ivation, re[*mot*]e, and e[*mot*]ion. The root word *mot* is easily recalled through the word [*mot*]ion, for [*mot*]ion is nothing but "moving" of some kind.

The Latin root words *solv* and its variant *solut* both mean "loosen." These Latin roots are the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including dis[*solv*]e, [*solv*]ent, ab[*solut*]e, and re[*solut*]ion. The Latin root *solv* is easily recalled through the word [*solv*]e, or the "loosening" or untying of a complex problem, whereas the word [*solut*]ion is that which has "loosened" or untied the knot of the problem.

The Greek root word *cycl* means "circle." This Greek root is the word origin of a number of English vocabulary words, including uni[*cycl*]e, re[*cycl*]e, and [*Cycl*]ops. Perhaps the easiest way to remember that the Greek root word *cycl* means "circle" is through the word bi[*cycl*]e, which possesses two "circles" in the form of wheels.

The Latin root word *capit* means "head." This Latin root is the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including [*capt*]ain and de[*capit*]ate. The root word *capit* is easily recalled through the word [*capit*]al, the "head" city of a state, such as Madison being the [*capit*]al of Wisconsin.

The Latin root words *vis* and its variant *vid* both mean "see." These Latin roots are the word origin of a good number of English vocabulary words, including [*vis*]ual, in[*vis*]ible, pro[*vid*]e, and e[*vid*]ence. The Latin root *vis* is easily recalled through the word [*vis*]ion, someone's ability to "see," whereas *vid* can be remembered through [*vid*]eo, or moving images which you "see" on a screen.

The Greek root word *onym* means "name." This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including syn[*onym*] and ant[*onym*]. The root *onym* is easily recalled through the word an[*onym*]ous, which refers to someone going around without a "name."

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The English prefix *ad-* means "to, towards." Examples using this prefix include [*ad*]mit and [*ad*]just. An easy way to remember that the prefix *ad-* means "towards" is through the word [*ad*]vertise, for when you [*ad*]vertise you try to turn potential buyers "towards" the product you are selling.

The Latin root word *nom* means "name." This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including [*nom*]inee and de[*nom*]inator. The root *nom* is easily recalled through the word [*nom*]inate, which refers to someone being "named" to run for office.