It's Greek To Me!

Greek and Latin Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes used in English
This page © 1999 by Nicholas E. Miller


Basic term

Meaning

Greek
Latin
Prefix
Suffix

ant, anti

against, opposite, opposing

Yes
.
Yes
.

Examples

Definition

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antiabortion

against - murder of a fetus or unborn child = opposed to the murder of unborn children (Note: abort- is a Latin prefix meaning to miscarry.)

antibiotic

against - living organisms = a substance which kills microorganisms, such as penicillin, and is used in fighting disease

antidote

against - to give = something given to counteract a poison or other negative condition

antifreeze

against - freezing = a chemical used to reduce the freezing point of a liquid

antipyretic

against - fire = a drug which reduces fever