Root

Original Meaning/

Usage Notes

English Derivatives

Vocabulary

sub-/sus-/suc-/sup-/suf- [from Latin]

(preposition)

under; up-from-under

submarine [literally, ‘pertaining to what is under the sea.’]

subterranean

succor

to suffer [literally, ‘to bear up-from-under;’ to endure.]

to support [literally, ‘to carry up-from-under;’ to bear the weight of something, especially from underneath it.]

to sustain [literally, ‘to hold up-from-under;’ to support and/or maintain.]

subterranean (adjective) [literally, ‘pertaining to what is under the earth;’ located below the earth’s surface or underground; hypogeal.]

succor (noun) [literally, ‘running up-from-under;’ help; assistance.]

hypo- [from Greek]

(preposition)

under

hypoallergenic [literally, ‘under-allergenic;’ unlikely to cause allergic reactions.]

hypocrite

hypodermic

hypoglycemia [literally, ‘under-sweetness;’ an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.]

hypotenuse [literally, ‘stretched-under;’ the side of a right triangle opposite the right angle.]

hypothermia [literally, ‘under-hotness;’ abnormally low body temperature.]

hypocrite (noun) [literally, ‘judge from under;’ the ancient Greek word for actor; a person who professes beliefs that he or she does not actually believe.]

hypodermic(adjective) [literally, ‘relating to what is under the skin;’ subcutaneous.]