Meaning: movement to or toward; in addition to
Root word: Latin ad “to”, “toward”
Roots with similar meanings:
- pet- meaning “strive toward”
Roots with opposite meanings:
- ab-, a-, abs-, au- meaning “away from”
- ap-, apo- meaning “away from, separate, at the farthest point”
- de- meaning “down, away from, removing”
Roots that could be confused:
- ab-, a-, abs-, au- meaning “away from”
Notes: ab- and ad- are easily confused. Both roots can be shorted to a-, adding to the confusion.
Derived English Words
Commonly encountered words are in bold.
adapt: To modify or adjust to suit a new environment or situation.
adjust: To alter or fine-tune something to make it suitable or accurate.
admit: To allow entry, accept truth, or acknowledge something.
admonish: To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
address: To direct speech or written communication to someone; to tackle a problem or issue.
adept: Highly skilled or proficient in a particular area.
adherent: A person who supports a particular idea, cause, or leader.
adhesive: A substance used for sticking objects or materials together.
addition: The process of combining or adding things together.
advertisement: A public notice or announcement promoting a product, service, or event.
adduct: To move a limb or other part of the body toward the midline.
adduction: The action or process of moving a body part toward the midline.
adsorption: The process in which atoms, ions, or molecules adhere to a surface.
Other Uses
ad absurdum – To absurdity; used in logic to denote a reductio ad absurdum argument.
ad astra – To the stars; symbolizing aspiration or ambition.
ad astra per aspera – To the stars through difficulties; a phrase signifying perseverance through challenges.
ad hoc – For this; used to describe something created for a specific purpose.
ad hominem – To the person; referring to arguments attacking an individual’s character rather than addressing the issue.
ad infinitum – To infinity; describing something that continues endlessly.
ad interim – In the meantime; indicating something temporary.
ad libitum (ad lib) – At one’s pleasure; meaning to improvise or do freely.
ad litteram – To the letter; meaning “exactly” or “literally.”
ad locum – To the place; often used in travel or geographic references.
ad mortem – To death; referring to actions or conditions leading to death.
ad nauseam – To the point of nausea; describing something repeated excessively.
ad oculos – To the eyes; meaning “visibly” or “demonstrably.”
ad populum – To the people; often used to describe appeals to popular sentiment.
ad tempus – For the time; meaning temporarily or for the moment.
ad verbum – To the word; meaning “word for word” or “exactly.”
Links
List of Greek and Latin roots in English – Wikipedia
Other Roots Used in These Words
| Root | Meaning |
|---|---|
| duc-, duct- | lead |
| here-, hes- | cling, stick |
| juxt- | nearby, close |
| mit-, miss- | send |
| mon- | warn |
| sorb-, sorpt- | suck |
| vers-, vert- | turn |
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