20 Latin Root Words All English Learners Should Know

Learning Latin root words, the building block for a lot of English vocabulary, is an invaluable strategy for students studying English as a Foreign Language. By understanding the fundamental building blocks of the English language, students can greatly enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Latin roots form the foundation of many English words, and knowledge of these roots allows students to decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words, recognize patterns, and build connections between related terms.

When you encounter a new word, even if you do not know the exact dictionary meaning, you will be able to make an educated guess based on your knowledge of root words.

Here are 20 important Latin roots along with examples:

Aqua - Water

Examples: Aquarium, Aquatic

Aud - Hear

Examples: Audience, Audible, Auditorium

Bene - Good, Well

Examples: Beneficial, Benefit, Benevolent

Capit - Head

Examples: Decapitate, Capital, Captain

Corp - Body

Examples: Corporation, Corpse, Corporeal

Cred - Believe

Examples: Credible, Credit

Dict - Say, Speak

Examples: Dictate, Dictionary

Duc/Duct - Lead

Examples: Conduct, Educate

Form - Shape

Examples: Conform, Reform, Formation

Ject - Throw

Examples: Eject, Project, Interject

Lumen/Lumin - Light

Examples: Illuminate, Luminous

Man - Hand

Examples: Manual, Manipulate

Mater/Matri - Mother

Examples: Maternal, Matrimony

Port - Carry

Examples: Transport, Import, Portal

Scrib/Script - Write

Examples: Describe, Manuscript, Transcription

Spec/Spect - See, Look

Examples: Inspect, Spectacle

Terr - Earth

Examples: Territory, Terrain, Terrestrial

Voc/Vok - Call

Examples: Vocal, Invoke

Vita/Viv - Life

Examples: Vital, Revive

Volv/Volut - Roll, Turn

Examples: Revolve, Evolution

These roots form the basis of many English words, and understanding them can help EFL students decode unfamiliar vocabulary, making reading and comprehension easier.