Root

Original Meaning/

Usage Notes

English Derivatives

Vocabulary

nov- [from Latin]

(adjective)

new

innovation [literally, ‘making something new;’ the devising of something previously unconceived.]

nova

novelty [literally, ‘a new thing;’ an unusual (and/or new) thing.]

novice [literally, ‘a new person;’ a beginner in an activity.]

novitiate [literally, ‘new-personness;’ the period of time during which one is a beginner or initiate.]

renovate

nova (noun) [literally, ‘new (star);’ a star that suddenly becomes much brighter, then gradually returns to its original brightness.]

to renovate (verb) [literally, ‘to make new again;’ to restore something to its pristine condition, the condition in which it was when it was new.]

ne(o)- [from Greek]

(adjective)

new

neoclassic [literally, ‘new-classic;’ pertaining to a revival of classical forms in art.]

Neolithic [literally, ‘new stone-like;’ pertaining to the period characterized by the development of agriculture and polished stone tools.]

neologism

neon [literally, ‘new;’ one of the inert gases.]

neonatal

neophyte [literally, ‘new-grown;’ a beginner at a job or activity; a newbie.]

neologism (noun) [literally, ‘new speech;’ a newly created word or phrase.]

neonatal (adjective) [literally, ‘newborn;’ pertaining to a just born infant.]