List of Greek morphemes used in English

Greek morphemes are parts of words originating from the Greek language. This article lists Greek morphemes used in the English language.

Common morphemes

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Morpheme Definition Example word
Andr Man Android: a machine made to look like a man
Anthrop Humankind Anthropology: the study of humankind (see logy)
Arch Rule; govern Gynarchy: Government by a woman [see gyn]
Archae Ancient; old Archaeology: The science or study of antiquities, esp. prehistoric antiquities, such as the remains of buildings or monuments of an early epoch, inscriptions, implements, and other relics, written manuscripts, etc. [see logy]
Bath Depth Bathometer: a device measuring depth (see meter)
Biblio Book Bibliophobia: the fear of books [see phobia]
Caco Bad Cacography: poor handwriting [see graph]
Centr Center Centerpiece: an ornamental object used in a central position, esp. on the center of a dining-room table
Chrom Color Polychrome: having many colors [see poly]
Chron Time Chronological: being in time order
Cycl Circle Bicycle: a vehicle with two wheels in tandem, usually propelled by pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and having handlebars for steering and a saddlelike seat. [see bi]
Dem People Democracy: Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained and directly exercised by the people
Di Two Dichromatic: having two colors [see chrom]
Dyn Power Dynasty: a sequence of rulers from the same family, stock, or group
Erg Work Ergonomics: the science of equipment design, intended to maximize productivity, especially in the workplace
Eu Good Euphony: pleasant combinations of sound [see phon]
Gen Origin; kind Genesis: the first book in the Bible
Geo Earth Geology: the study of the earth [see logy]
Gon Angle Polygon: a many sided shape [see poly]
Graph; gram Write; draw; record Telegraph: the long-distance transmission of written messages without physical transport of letters [see tele]
Gyn Woman Misogyny: The hatred of women [see miso]
Helio Sun Heliotherapy: therapeutic exposure to sunlight [see therap]
Hem; haem Blood Hemorrhage: a profuse discharge of blood
Hemi Half Hemisphere: one of the halves into which the earth is divided
Hetero Unlike; different Heterogeneous: Differing in kind; having unlike qualities; possessed of different characteristics; differing in origin [see gen]
Homo Same Homogenous: Having a resemblance in structure, due to descent from a common progenitor with subsequent modification [see gen]
Iso Equal Isography: Imitation of another's handwriting [see graph]
Latry Worship Idolatry: the religious worship of idols
Log Word; idea; study Dialog: A conversation between people. (dia: through) + (logos: speech, reason) = ("exchange of thoughts")
Logy; ology Discourse; learn Trilogy: a set of three works of art that are connected
Macro Long Macrocosm: any large thing; universe
Mancy Prophecy Bibliomancy: prophesying by use of books [see biblio]
Machia; Machy War; fight Theomachy: war or struggle between gods [see theo]
Mania Madness Pyromaniac: A person suffering from pyromania; A person who is obsessed with fire; one who lights things on fire
Mega Large Megalomania: a mental disorder characterized by delusions of power [see mania]
Meter Measure Diameter: the length of a straight line passing from side to side of any figure or body, through its center
Micro Small Microscopic: so small it's hard to see [see scop]
Miso Hate Misology: the dislike of arguments (see log)
Mono One Monopoly: an exclusive privilege to carry on a business, traffic, or service, granted by a government
Olig Few Oligarchy: a form of government all the power resides with few people [see arch]
Ortho Correct; straight Orthodontics: the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth
Pan All Pandemic: prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world [see dem]
Para Beside; beyond; abnormal Paralysis: loss of muscle function for one or more muscles
Path Feeling; disease Sociopath: a person, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.
Phil Friend Philanthropy: the desire to help others [see anthrop]
Phobia Fear of Arachnaphobia: The fear of spiders
Phon Sound Euphonic: Pleasing to the ear [see eu]
Poly Many Polymath: a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas
Rhe Flood; flow; gush; burst Logorrhea: a flood of words spoken quickly (see log)
Scop; scept Look at; examine Kaleidoscope: A toy in which reflections from mirrors make patterns
Sphere Ball Atmosphere: the layer of air and gas around the Earth and other planets
Stat; stas Stop Static: showing little or no change
Tel; tele Far; distant Telephone: Apparatus designed to convert sound waves into electrical waves which are sent to and reproduced data distant point [see phon]
Theo God Atheist: one who believes in no gods
Therap Cure Therapy: Treatment of illness or disability

See also

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References

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  • Greek Morphemes, Khoff, Mountainside Middle School
  • English vocabulary elements, Keith M. Denning, Brett Kessler, William R. Leben, William Ronald Leben, Oxford University Press US, 2007, 320pp, p. 127, ISBN 978-0-19-516802-0 at Google Books