17 September 2024

5 minutes read

56 Popular GRE Root Words You Should Know About In 2024

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

17 September 2024

5 minutes read

GRE

Key Takeaways

Learning GRE root words gives you a real advantage, making it easier to break down tough vocab and feel more confident on test day.
Root words help you study smarter, not harder, by cutting down the need to memorize endless word lists.
While roots are a game-changer, pairing them with practice tests will help you feel fully prepared for anything the GRE throws at you.

Did you know that mastering just 56 GRE root words can unlock the meaning of thousands of vocabulary words you’ll encounter on test day? It’s like having a secret key to the most challenging parts of the GRE verbal section—cutting through unfamiliar words with ease. This strategy isn’t just smart; it’s essential if you want to ace GRE exam and perform efficiently.

The frustration builds when flashcards and memorization don’t seem to stick, leaving you feeling unprepared when unfamiliar terms appear in practice questions. Instead of struggling to memorize every word, focusing on core root words can simplify your GRE action plan and help you grasp the meaning of hundreds of words at once, making your test prep smarter and more manageable.

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What Are GRE Root Words?

GRE root words are the building blocks of many GRE vocabulary words. A “root” is the core part of a word that holds its basic meaning. When you learn the root, you can start to figure out what a word means, even if it seems unfamiliar at first. For example, the root “bene” typically means “good” or “well,” so words like “beneficial” or “benevolent” both share a positive meaning. Knowing word roots can help you recognize the basic meaning of many Graduate Record Examination vocab words without needing to memorize every single one.

Roots will help you recognize certain parts of words that use common prefixes and suffixes. For instance, the prefix “un-” typically means “not,” while the suffix “-able” often means “capable of.” So, when you encounter a word like “unreadable,” you can easily deduce that it means “not capable of being read.” This is a good GRE preparation strategy to expand your vocabulary and make sense of unfamiliar words on test day.

No doubt memorizing long lists of vocab words can be challenging, but understanding roots can help you decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words more quickly, giving you an edge on GRE practice tests, full-length exams, and even GRE reading comprehension sections.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of GRE Root Words?

Learning GRE root words can be a powerful strategy when preparing for the GRE verbal section. They help you break down unfamiliar words into their basic components, making it easier to deduce their meanings. However, relying solely on root words may not cover everything you need to know.

Understanding the pros and cons will help you make the best use of this approach as part of your GRE prep.

Pros	Cons
Boost your GRE verbal score: Root words can help you recognize the basic meaning of many GRE vocabulary words, allowing you to answer questions faster.	Doesn’t cover everything: Some GRE vocab words don’t follow common roots or are exceptions, so knowing root words alone doesn’t actually mean you’re ready for every word.
Recognize unfamiliar words: By learning certain roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you can deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words on test day.	Not always accurate: Sometimes, words that use the same root can have different meanings, which may lead to confusion if you rely only on roots.
Expand your vocabulary: Roots will help you recognize new words and understand words that sound complex, boosting your overall English vocabulary.	Need to know full definitions: Knowing the basic meaning of a root doesn’t also mean you understand the full nuance or usage of the word in context.
Good for practice tests: Understanding roots can help you perform better on GRE practice tests and official full-length exams.	Time-consuming: Memorizing roots, prefixes, and suffixes can still take time, and there are other important areas in GRE prep to focus on, like reading comprehension.
Useful for multiple words: Learning one root can help you decipher multiple words like “benevolent,” “beneficial,” or “benefactor,” making your study more efficient.	Limited application: While roots can help with basic words, the GRE often includes complex or obscure words that won’t be as easy to deduce just by knowing the roots.

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56 Popular GRE Root Words To Know In 2024

By familiarizing yourself with common roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you can quickly deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words, saving time and improving accuracy during the exam.

Here are 56 typical GRE root words to know in 2024, along with their meanings and examples.

Root, Prefix, or Suffix	Meaning	Examples
bene	Good, well	Benevolent, Beneficial, Benefactor
mal	Bad, evil	Malfunction, Malicious, Malady
anthro	Human	Anthropology, Philanthropy, Misanthrope
auto	Self	Autonomy, Autograph, Automatic
bio	Life	Biology, Biography, Antibiotic
chrono	Time	Chronology, Chronometer, Synchronize
dict	Speak, say	Dictate, Dictionary, Predict
duc/duct	Lead	Conduct, Educate, Induce
gen	Birth, race	Generation, Genesis, Genetic
graph	Write	Autograph, Graph, Biography
jur/jus	Law, justice	Jurisdiction, Justice, Jury
log/logy	Word, study	Logic, Biology, Apology
luc/lum	Light	Illuminate, Translucent, Luminary
man	Hand	Manual, Manipulate, Manufacture
path	Feeling, suffering	Empathy, Pathology, Sympathy
phon	Sound	Telephone, Phonetic, Symphony
port	Carry	Transport, Portable, Export
scrib/script	Write	Scribble, Manuscript, Describe
sens/sent	Feel, perceive	Sensitive, Sentiment, Resentment
spec	Look, see	Spectator, Inspect, Perspective
struct	Build	Construct, Structure, Destruction
terr	Earth	Territory, Terrain, Terrestrial
therm	Heat	Thermal, Thermometer, Hypothermia
vid/vis	See	Visual, Video, Invisible
voc/vok	Call, voice	Vocal, Invoke, Advocate
ambi	Both, on both sides	Ambidextrous, Ambiguous, Ambivalent
aqua	Water	Aquatic, Aquarium, Aqueduct
ced/cess	Yield, go	Recede, Process, Accessible
cide	Kill	Homicide, Pesticide, Suicide
circum	Around	Circumference, Circumspect, Circumvent
contra/counter	Against, opposite	Contradict, Encounter, Counteract
cred	Believe	Credible, Credulous, Credential
de	Down, away	Detract, Decrease, Deflate
dict	Say, declare	Dictate, Contradict, Prediction
equi	Equal	Equitable, Equilibrium, Equator
ex	Out of, away from	Exceed, Exclude, Exit
fort	Strength	Fortify, Fortress, Effort
fract/frag	Break	Fracture, Fragment, Fragile
inter	Between, among	International, Interact, Intercept
intra	Within, inside	Intramural, Intravenous, Intranet
ject	Throw	Eject, Inject, Reject
macro	Large, long	Macrocosm, Macroeconomics, Macroscopic
micro	Small	Microbiology, Microscope, Microcosm
multi	Many	Multicultural, Multitask, Multiply
neo	New	Neophyte, Neoclassical, Neonatal
omni	All	Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnivore
peri	Around, surrounding	Perimeter, Peripheral, Periscope
poly	Many	Polygon, Polyglot, Polyester
pre	Before	Precede, Predict, Prejudice
re	Again	Rebuild, Refine, Rediscover
sub	Under, below	Submarine, Subtract, Submerge
super	Above, beyond	Supervise, Superior, Supernatural
tele	Distant	Telescope, Telepathy, Telephone
trans	Across	Transport, Transmit, Transform
uni	One	Uniform, Unilateral, Universe
ver	Truth	Verify, Veracity, Verdict

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Conclusion

By understanding the building blocks of words, you give yourself the tools to confidently tackle unfamiliar vocabulary on test day. This method is not only time-saving but also transforms the way you approach language, making your GRE prep feel less like cramming and more like strategic learning.

The key takeaway here? Root words offer a flexible, foundational approach that can simplify your GRE study routine. But like any good strategy, it’s not a silver bullet. Pairing your knowledge of roots with consistent practice, exposure to GRE vocab in context, and mock tests will round out your preparation and make a real difference in your performance. In short, roots help build a stronger verbal foundation, but true success comes from combining this with other study tools.

Elevate your GRE prep with Ambitio’s expert guidance. Our platform provides a tailored study experience, combining adaptive learning technologies with expert insights to improve your performance in analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

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FAQs

How do I register for the GRE?

You can register for the GRE through the ETS website. It’s advisable to book early, especially if you prefer specific times, such as avoiding early morning slots

How much does the GRE cost?

The standard fee for taking the GRE is $205. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or changing test centers

Can I change the date or location of my test?

Yes, you can change your test date or location, but this may incur a fee. It’s best to do this as soon as possible through your ETS account

Can I retake the GRE? How many times can I take the test?

You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period. This applies even if you cancel your scores from a previous test

What materials are tested on the GRE?

The GRE assesses three main areas: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section evaluates different skills, such as critical thinking, vocabulary, and math problem-solving abilities

How is the GRE scored?

The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6. Scores are typically available within 8-10 days after the test