Etymology Finale Flashcards
(241 cards)
1
Q
a-, an-
A
not, without (Greek)
2
Q
agnostic
A
one who doesn’t know whether there is a God
3
Q
amoral
A
without moral standards; neither moral nor immoral; unable to distinguish between right and wrong
4
Q
anarchy
A
without a ruler; political disorder and confusion
5
Q
anecdote
A
originally, not published (some stories were made public by publishing them, and others were kept private); now, merely a short account of some interesting or humorous incident
6
Q
anemia
A
without blood; a deficiency of red corpuscles in the blood
7
Q
anesthetic
A
without feeling; a drug causing one to be insensitive to pain
8
Q
anomaly
A
not the same (as others); a rare exception; something that is not normal
9
Q
anonymous
A
without a name; having an unknown or unacknowledged name
10
Q
asymmetrical
A
not measured together; not having both sides exactly alike; not symmetrical
11
Q
atheist
A
one who is without a God; one who denies the existence of God
12
Q
atypical
A
not typical
13
Q
ambi-
A
around (Latin)
14
Q
ambience
A
the surrounding atmosphere
15
Q
ambiguous
A
to drive around (in an uncertain manner because there were few roads in early days); uncertain; having two possible meanings
16
Q
ambitious
A
originally; going around for votes; today, having a desire to succeed
17
Q
amphitheater
A
an oval or round structure with tiers of seats around an open space
18
Q
ambidextrous
A
both right hands; able to use both hands with equal ease
19
Q
ambiguity
A
the quality of having two possible meanings
20
Q
ambivalence
A
conflicting (both kinds of) feelings toward a person or thing
21
Q
ambivalent
A
having conflicting (both kinds of) feelings toward someone or something
22
Q
amphibian
A
an animal that lives both in the water and on land
23
Q
amphibious
A
able to live or to travel both on land and in water
24
Q
ann, enn
A
year (Latin)
25
annuls
a written account of events year by year; bistorical records
26
anniversary
the yearly return of the date of some memorable event
27
annual
yearly
28
annuity
an investment that provides fixed payments yearly or at other regular intervals
29
biannual
occurring every two years
30
centennial
a hundredth anniversary
31
millennium
a period of a thousand years; specifically, the thousand years when, according to the New Testament, Christ is to reign on earth; thus, a period of happiness and prosperity
32
per annum
by the year; annually
33
perennial
having a life cycle lasting through more than two years, as a perennial plant
Also, lasting many years, as perennial youth
34
semiannual
half-yearly; occurring two times a year
35
superannuated
beyond the year of retirement; retired because of age
36
ante, anti-
before, in front of (Latin)
37
ante
the amount each poker player must put into the pot before receiving his/her/their cards
38
antebellum
before the war, especially before the Civil War
39
antecedent
anything that logically goes before something else
Also, the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers
40
antedate
to occur before something else
41
antediluvian
before the Flood described in the Bible; old-fashioned or primitive
42
ante meridiem
before noon
43
anterior
located before or in front (as opposed to posterior, located behind)
44
anteroom
a room before the main room; a waiting room
45
anticipate
to take before; to realize beforehand
46
antiquarian
one who collects or studies objects of former times
47
antiquated
so old as to be no longer useful
48
antique
belonging to an earlier (before) period
49
anthrop-
human (Greek)
50
anthropoid
resembling humans
51
anthropologist
one who studies the physical, oscial, and cultural development and behavior of human beings
52
anthropology
a study of the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of human beings
53
anthropomorphic
thought of as having human form or characteristics
54
anthromorphism
the attributing of human form or characteristics to a god, animal, or inanimate thing
55
misanthrope
one who hates people
56
misanthropic
characcterized by hatred or scorn for pope
57
philanthropic
charitable
58
philanthropist
one who loves people, particularly one who gives money to benefit humanity
59
philanthropy
the effort to increase the well-being of humanity by charitable donations
60
anti-
against, opposite (Greek)
61
antagonist
a person who struggles against in a contest
62
antibiotic
a substance produced by a microorganism that destroys other harmful (living) microorganisms
63
antidote
a medicine that counteracts (works against) poison or disease
Also, something that gives relief something else
64
antiseptic
against infection; capable of destroying microorganisms that cause disease
65
antarctica
the continent opposite the arctic
66
antithesis
one idea placed opposite another; the exact opposite
67
auto-
self (Greek)
68
autocracy
government by a single person
69
autocrat
an absolute ruler; a domineering, self-willed person
70
autocratic
ruling by oneself; domineering
71
automatic
operating by itself
72
automation
a system using self-operating machines
73
automaton
an apparatus that functions by itself; a robot
Also, a person who has lost all human qualities and acts mechanically
74
automobile
a self-moving vehicle
75
autonomic
pertaining to the autonomic nervous system, which acts according to its own (self) laws rather than through voluntary control. It regulates the heart, digestive system, and so forth
76
autonomous
self-governing
77
autonomy
the right of self-government
78
autopsy
a seeing for oneself; an examination of a dead body to discover the cause of death
79
bene-
well, good (Latin)
80
benediction
a speaking of good wishes; a blessing
81
benefactor
one who does something good; one who gives help or financial assistance
82
beneficence
the doing of good; kindness; charity
83
beneficial
producing benefits; advantageous
84
beneficiary
a person who receives benefits, as from a will or an insurance policy
85
benefit
anything that promotes well-being; a payment to one in need
86
benevolence
an inclination to do good; a kindly or charitable act
87
benevolent
wishing someone well; inclined to do good
88
benign
having a kindly (good) attitude or disposition
Also, in medicine, mild, and and not malignant
89
Benevolent vs benign
both: having a kindly attitude
benevolent: often includes the idea of doing something charitable
benign: often has a medical meaning opposite to malignant (malevolent)
90
bi-
two (Latin)
91
bicameral
composed of two legislative chambers or branches
92
bicentennial
a 200th anniversary
93
biceps
any muscle having two heads or points of origin, as the large muscle at the front of the upper arm
94
bicuspid
a tooth having two points
95
bicycle
two circles; a two-wheeled vehicle
96
bigamy
marrying one person while legally married to another
97
bilateral
having or involving two sides; binding on both parties (in contrast to unilateral, in which only one party has an obligation)
98
bilingual
able to use two languages
99
binoculars
field glasses for use with two eyes (in contrast to the telescope, which is for use with one eye only)
100
bipartisan
consisting of or supported by two parties, especially two major political parties
101
biped
a two-footed animal
102
biscuit
twice-cooked or baked; today a quick bread baked in small pieces
103
bisect
to cut in two, as a diameter bisects a circle
104
bivalve
a mollusk having two valves or shells hinged together, as a mussel or clam
105
bio-
life (Greek)
106
autobiography
an account of a person's life written by that person
107
biodegradable
capable of being broken down by living microorganisms and absorbed by the environment
108
biofeedback
a technique for consciously regulating a bodily (life) function thought to be involuntary, as heartbeat or blood pressure, by using an instrument to monitor the functions and to signal changes in it
109
biography
a written account of someone's life
110
biology
the study of plant and animal life
111
biopsy
a seeing of live tissues; the examination of tissues removed from the living body
112
biosphere
the part of the Earth, extending from its crust out into the surrounding atmosphere, in which living things exist
113
symbiosis
the living together in close union of two dissimilar organisms, often to their mutual benefit
114
symbiotic
living together in a close relationship, often to the benefit of both
115
chron-
time (Greek)
116
chron-
time (Greek)
117
anachronism
anything out of its proper historical time
118
chronic
continuing for a long time, as a chronic disease
119
chronicle
an account of events arranged in order of time
120
chronological
arranged in order of time of occurrence
121
chronology
a list of events arranged according to time of occurrence
122
chronometer
an instrument for measuring time precisely, especially in navigation
123
synchronize
to cause to operate (keep time) in unison, as to synchronize watches or to synchronize the sound with the fim in a motion picture
124
circum-
around (Latin)
125
circuit
the regular journey around a territory be a person performing duties
Also, an arrangement of electrically or electromagnetically connected components
126
circuitous
roundabout; winding
127
circumference
a line carried around; the outer boundary line around a circular area
128
circumlocution
a roundabout way of saying something
129
circumnavigate
to sail around
130
circumscribe
to write a line around the bounds; to confine
131
circumspect
cautious; careful to consider possible consequences
132
circumstance
something standing around; a fact or event accompanying another fact or event
133
circumvent
to come around; to get around or to overcome by artful maneuvering; to prevent
134
com, con, col, cor
together with (Latin)
135
coherent
sticking together; having an orderly relation of parts
136
collaborate
to labor together
137
collusion
playing together; a secret agreement between two or more persons for a deceitful purpose
138
commensurate
measured together; equal in measure and size; proportionate
139
commiserate
to sympathize
140
committee
a group of people sent to meet together to consider some matter
141
commodious
with plenty of room; spacious
142
commotion
people moving together; social disorder
143
companion
a person one shares one's bread with; a comrade
144
complicate
to fold together; to make intricate or involved
145
composition
a putting together of parts to form a whole
146
compress
to press or squeeze together
147
compunction
a prick of conscience; an uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt; a slight regret
148
computer
an electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical and logical calculations when given coded information
149
condominium
a building in which the living units are owned individually and the grounds are owned together
150
condone
to forgive or overlook (an offense)
151
congenital
born together; existing at birth
152
consensus
a feeling together; general agreeement
153
consummate
summed up together; complete or perfect in every respect
154
contemporary
together in time; belonging to the same age
155
convene
to come together formally
156
convention
the coming together of the members of a group
157
convivial
fond of eating, drinking, and being sociable together
158
correlate
to relate together; to show relationship
159
cred-
to believe (Latin)
160
credence
belief; acceptance as true
161
credentials
documents that cause others to believe in one.
162
credibility
trustworthiness
163
credible
believable
164
credit
trust, as financial credit; a source of honor, as a credit to one's family
165
credulity
tendency to believe readily on too little evidence; gullibility
166
credulous
believing too readily on too little evidence; gullible
167
creed
a formal statement of religious or other belief, as the creed of a church
168
discredit
not to believe; to distrust; to destroy belief in
169
incredible
unbelievable
170
incredulity
tendence not to believe readily; skepticism
171
incredulous
not believing readily; disbelieving
172
miscreant
originally, an unbeliever in religion; now, an evildoer or criminal
173
cur-
to run (Latin)
174
concourse
a run together; a large open space where crowds gather
175
concur
to run together; to agree
176
concurrent
running together; occurring at the same time
177
courier
one who carries (runs with) messages
178
course
a running onward from one point to the next, as the course of a stream; in education, a series of studies leading (running) toward a degree
179
currency
money that passes (runs) from person to person in a country
180
current
the flow (running) of water or air or electricty; prevalent at the moment (running along), as current fashions
181
curriculum
originally, a race course; today, all the courses offered by an educational institution
182
cursive
running long; handwriting with the letters joined together
183
currency
money that passes (runs) from person to person in a country
184
current
the flow (running) of water or air or electricity; prevalent at the moment (running along), as current fashions
185
curriculum
originally, a race course; today, all the courses offered by an educational institution
186
cursive
running along; andwriting with the letters joined together
187
cursory
running over rapidly without attention to detail; hasty and superficial
188
discourse
to run about; to speak at length; a formal and lengthy discussion of a subject
189
excursion
a running out somewhere; a short journey
190
occur
to run toward; to take place; to happen
191
precursor
a person or thing that runs before; a forerunner
192
recourse
a running back (for help); a turning to someone or something for help
193
recur
to run again; to happen again
194
recurrent
running back; returning repeatedly
195
dem-
people (Greek)
196
demagogue
originally, a leader of the common people; now, a leader who stirs up the people by appealing to their emotions and prejudices to win them over quickly and thus gain power
197
demagoguery
the methods or practices of a demagogue
198
democracy
people rule; government by representative elected by the people
199
demographic
writing about people; pertaining to the study of human populations, especially their density, distribution, and vital statistics
200
endemic
native to a particular people or country, as an endemic disase, which occurs only among certain people, or an endemic plant or animl, which is found only in a certain loction
201
endemic
native to a particular people or country, as an endemic disease, which occurs only among certain people, or an endemic plant or animal, which is found only in a certain location
202
epidemic
upon the people; a disease or other abnormal condition spreading rapidly among many people
203
pandemic
among all the people; widespread
204
dict-
to speak (Latin)
205
abdicate
to proclaim away; to renounce formally a throne or high office
206
addict
to speak to or to sentence oneself; to give oneself habitually or compulsively to something
207
contradict
to speak against; to assert the opposite of what someone has said
208
dictate
to speak or read something aloud to be recorded by another; to give (speak) orders or commands
209
dictator
one whose speech is to be taken as the final word; one who orders others around; a tyrannical ruler
210
dictatorial
speaking and acting in a domineering or oppressive way
211
diction
choice of words in speaking or writing
Also, enunciation in speaking or singing
212
dictionary
a book containing the world of a (spoken) language
213
dictum
a formal and authoritative statement (speech).
214
edict
a speaking out; an official degree
215
jurisdiction
the right to interpret (speak) and apply the law; legal power to hear and decide cases; the extent of such judicial or other authority
216
predict
to speak beforehand; to foretell
217
predict
to speak beforehand; to foretellvaledictorian
218
valedictorian
a student, usually of the highest scholastic standing, who gives the farewell speech at commencement
219
dis, di, dif-
not, away, apart (Latin)
220
disarray
not arrayed or arranged properly; a state of disorder or confusion; disorderly dress
221
disaster
the stars not in a favorable position; a misfortune
222
disburse
to take away from a purse; to pay out as from a fund
223
discomfit
to undo; to thwart the plans of; to make uneasy
224
disconcert
to upset; to frustrate
225
disconsolate
not able to be consoled; hopelessly sad
226
discordant
hearts apart; not in accord; disagreeable t the ear
227
disease
not at ease; illness
228
dismantle
originally, to take aman's cloak off his back; to strip a house of furnishings; to take apart
229
disparate
not equal; unlike
230
disparity
difference; unlikeness
231
display
to fold apart or unfold; to show
232
disproportionate
not proportionate; out of proportion in size, shape, or amount
233
dissect
to cut apart, especially for anatomical study
234
disseminate
to spread abroad as if sowing seed
235
dissent
to differ in opinion or feeling; to withhold approval
236
dissident
sitting apart; one who disagrees; a dissenter
237
dissuade
to turn a person away (from a course) by persuasion
238
distract
to draw away the attention
239
diverse
turned away from each other; unlike, as diverse opinions
240
diversion
something that turns the mind away and relaxes or entertains
241
divorce
a turning away (in different directions); a dissolution of a marriage
