Root

Original Meaning/

Usage Notes

English Derivatives

Vocabulary

scrib-/script- [from Latin]

(verb)

to write

to circumscribe [literally, ‘to write around;’ to draw a line around; to limit closely or to restrict.]

conscription

to describe [literally, ‘to write down;’ to give a picture-like account; to draw the outline of a geometrical figure.]

postscript [literally, ‘written after;’ a message added as an afterthought to a letter or a book.]

to prescribe [literally, ‘to write before;’ to posit regulations; to direct the use of something, such as medicine.]

scribble

conscription (noun) [literally, ‘writing together;’ compelling into service, especially military service; drafting into service.]

scribble (noun) [literally, ‘little writing;’ hasty writing that borders on illegibility or meaninglessness.]

graph-/gram- [from Greek]

(verb)

to write

autobiography

diagram [literally, ‘a thing written through;’ ’ an illustrative or explanatory sketch or drawing.]

epigram [literally, ‘writing upon;’ a brief, frequently witty, statement of a sentiment, either in prose or in poetry.]

grammar [literally, ‘writing skill;’ the system of rules that governs the use of a language.]

photograph

telegram [literally, ‘writing from afar;’ a message sent by means of electric impulses through wires.]

autobiography (noun) [literally, ‘writing one’s lifetime oneself;’ a person’s written account of his or her own life story.]

photograph (noun) [literally, ‘writing with light;’ an image produced by light on a chemically sensitive surface.]