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
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

References
    • 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
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