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What Are Word Families?

Word families are groups of words that share a common root or origin. When you understand the root, you can decipher the meaning of many related words, even if you've never seen them before. This is one of the most powerful vocabulary-building techniques.

Simple Example: The FORM Family

Root: form (Latin: forma = shape)

form
noun/verb: shape, structure
formal
adjective: official, structured
reform
verb: change shape/form
deform
verb: distort, change negatively
formation
noun: process of forming
uniform
adjective: same form throughout
Key Insight
Once you know one word in a family, you can recognize and understand others. This multiplies your effective vocabulary!

Latin Roots: The Foundation of English

Over 60% of English vocabulary comes from Latin

The DICT Family

Root: DICT (Latin: dicere = to say, speak)
Origin Story
"Dicere" is a Latin verb meaning "to say" or "to speak." In English, this root appears in words related to speaking, saying, writing, and giving orders. When you see "dict" in a word, think about communication and expression.
dict-ate
Verb
To say something for someone else to write down; to give orders
"The boss dictated the email to her assistant."
dictate
Verb
To control or determine
"Your budget dictates your choices."
dict-tion
Noun
The choice and use of words; manner of speaking
"Her diction was clear and precise."
dict-ionary
Noun
A book containing words and their meanings
"Look up the word in the dictionary."
dict-ator
Noun
A person who rules with absolute power and control
"The dictator made all decisions alone."
pre-dict
Verb
To say what will happen before it occurs
"Can you predict the weather?"
con-dict
Verb
To speak against; to deny
"His actions contradict his words."
Spotting DICT Words

When you see "dict" in a word, think: saying, speaking, or giving orders

edict
An official order
indict
To accuse formally
addict
Devoted to something
verdict
A decision or judgment

The PORT Family

Root: PORT (Latin: portare = to carry)
Origin Story
"Portare" means "to carry" in Latin. This root appears in words related to movement, carrying, transportation, and even behavior (which you "carry" or display). Think "port" like a port where ships carry cargo.
port
Noun
A harbor or place where ships load/unload cargo
"The port was busy with trading ships."
port-able
Adjective
Able to be carried or moved easily
"A portable charger is convenient for travel."
trans-port
Verb/Noun
To carry across; system of moving goods/people
"Public transport connects the city."
im-port
Verb/Noun
To bring goods into a country; also means importance
"We import coffee from Brazil."
ex-port
Verb/Noun
To send goods to another country
"Japan exports cars worldwide."
de-port
Verb
To send someone out of a country
"They were deported back to their home country."
be-port (com-port)
Verb
To carry oneself; to behave
"She comports herself with dignity."
port-folio
Noun
A collection of works or investments (originally a case carried by artists)
"Show me your art portfolio."
Spotting PORT Words

When you see "port" in a word, think: carrying, movement, or transportation

report
Information carried back
support
To hold up/carry
airport
Place where aircraft transport
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