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

auto

self, same

Yes
Yes
.

Examples

Definition

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auto (1)

(noun) - the basic word. = The abbreviation of automobile.

autobiography (2)

(noun) - self + life + write. = A self written story about a person's life.

autocatalysis (5)

(noun) - self + dissolve. = Catalysis in a reaction caused by one of its products. Autocatalytic is the adjective form and autocatalytically is the adverb form.

autocrat (4)

(noun) - self + ruler or power. = A government of one person with complete power.

autodidact (5)

(noun) - self + taught. = A person who is self-taught.

autoerotic (3)

(adj.) - self + (sexual) love. = Referring to masturbation or related behavior. Autoeroticism is the noun form and autoerotically is the adverb form.

autograph (2)

(noun, verb) - self + write. = A person's signature for a fan or collector. The act of signing your name.

autoimmune (3)

(noun) - self + exempt. = A response by a person's body fighting its own cells or tissue.

automate (2)

(verb) - self + willing. = To operate by or convert to an automated operation.

automated teller machine (2)

(noun) - self + willing + t.m. = A banking machine requiring no human teller. Sometimes called an ATM or cash card machine.

automatic (1)

(adj.) - self + willing. = An involuntary response by a person. A type of machine made to work with little outside control.

automatic pilot (4)

(noun) - self + willing + pilot. = A device on an airplane that flies the plane on a pre-set course and speed. Often called autopilot.

automaton (4)

(noun) - self + willing. = A robot or a human who acts like a robot.

autopsy (3)

(noun) - self + seeing or sensing. = A procedure performed on a dead body to determine cause of death.

autosuggestion (4)

(noun) - self + suggest. = The psychological process where a person hypnotizes himself to accept or do something.