Morphology Patterns
Understand how French words are built from prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Learn the meaning of common word parts and expand your vocabulary.
Prefixes
Word parts added before the root
Latin origin, meaning 'from, away from'. Reversal or separation.
Latin origin, meaning 'again, back'. Prefixes typically form separate syllables.
Latin *dis-*, negation/reversal
Latin origin, meaning 'in, into'. Changes verb meaning.
Latin origin 'contra', meaning 'against'. Oppositional function.
Latin origin, meaning 'across, through'. Prefixes are typically bound morphemes.
Latin origin, indicates repetition or intensification.
Latin origin, meaning 'under', 'below', adverbial prefix.
Latin origin, meaning 'with, together'.
Latin origin, meaning 'over', 'above'. Creates a derivative.
Latin origin, indicates a state or action.
Latin origin, meaning 'between' or 'among', reciprocal prefix.
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Roots
Core meaning-bearing word parts
Greek origin, meaning 'to write'; core meaning related to writing or recording.
Greek origin (syn- 'together', chronos 'time').
Latin origin (*crystallus*), meaning 'ice', 'crystal'. Core meaning related to crystallization.
Latin origin, from *sensus* meaning 'feeling, perception'.
Latin origin, core meaning of permeability.
Latin origin 'alimentum', meaning 'nourishment'. Core meaning related to food.
From 'matériel', Latin 'materialis', relating to matter.
French 'bouchon' (cork), noun component.
Latin origin (*Christianus*), relating to Christ.
Latin *stituere* (to establish, set up). Core meaning.
From Latin *venire* 'to come'. Core meaning related to convention.
Greek origin (kratos), meaning 'power'.
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Suffixes
Word parts added after the root
Verb conjugation marker (1st person plural, present indicative).
Conditional mood, 3rd person plural
French inflectional suffix indicating 3rd person plural imperfect subjunctive.
French, imperfect subjunctive, 2nd person plural. Composed of -a-, -ss-, -iez.
Conditional present, first-person plural ending.
French origin, conditional ending
French conditional present, 1st person plural ending.
French conditional tense ending. Composed of -ise- and -raient.
French conditional ending, first person singular.
Latin *-ationes*. Forms a noun of action or result.
French, from Latin *-izare*, verb-forming suffix.
Showing 12 of 50 patterns