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, indicates reversal or intensification.
Latin origin, meaning 'again, back'. Prefixes typically form separate syllables.
Latin *dis-*, negation/reversal
Latin origin, meaning 'in, into'. Changes verb meaning.
Latin origin, meaning 'against'.
Latin origin, meaning 'across, through'. Prefixes are typically bound morphemes.
Latin origin, meaning 'under', 'below', adverbial prefix.
Latin origin, meaning 'with, together'.
Latin *super-* meaning 'over', indicates position or action above/beyond
Latin origin, indicates a state or action.
Latin origin, meaning 'between, among', reciprocal action.
Showing 12 of 50 patterns
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, related to 'sensus' (feeling).
Latin origin, core meaning of permeability.
Latin *alimentum* meaning 'nourishment'. Core meaning related to food.
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'.
Showing 12 of 50 patterns
Suffixes
Word parts added after the root
Verbal suffix indicating first-person plural present subjunctive.
Conditional mood, 3rd person plural
French, imperfect subjunctive, 2nd person plural. Composed of -a-, -ss-, -iez.
French inflectional suffix indicating 3rd person plural imperfect subjunctive.
Conditional present, first-person plural ending.
French origin, conditional ending
Conditional present, first-person plural verb ending. Indicates tense, mood, and person.
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