Root

Original Meaning/

Usage Notes

English Derivatives

Vocabulary

in- [from Latin]

(preposition)

in, on, into, unto

to incline [literally, ‘to lean unto or into;’ to lean against; to be predisposed (to).]

inflammable [literally, ‘able to burst into flame;’ susceptible to catching, or being set on, fire.]

to inject [literally, ‘to throw into;’ to propel something (such as a fluid or a remark) into something else (such as a body or a conversation).]

to inscribe [literally, ‘to write on or into;’ to engrave on or in a surface.]

to insinuate

to inspire

to insinuate (verb) [literally, ‘to fold (oneself) into;’ to insert oneself or a thought subtly or surreptitiously into a situation or discourse.]

to inspire (verb) [literally, ‘to breathe into;’ to draw in air; to draw air into oneself; to stimulate a person or group of persons into purposeful action or thought.]

in-/il-/im- [from Latin]

(prefix)

not

illegible

illiterate [literally, ‘not lettered;’ uneducated.]

immortal [literally, ‘undeathy;’ not susceptible to death.]

inedible [literally, ‘not eatable.’]

inevitable [literally, ‘not avoidable.’]

inexorable

illegible (adjective) [literally, ‘not readable.’]

inexorable (adjective) [literally, ‘not prayable-out;’ not able to be reached or influenced by speech or action; relentless and not persuadable.]