Latin Root “Dic”: Words For Speech And Law

Words derived from the Latin root “dic” are abundant in the English language, enriching our vocabulary with terms related to speech, communication, and legal matters. These words, including “dictate,” “diction,” “verdict,” and “predict,” share a common etymological thread that traces back to the idea of “saying or speaking.”

Words with Root Dic

The root dic means say or speak. Here are some of the most common words with this root, along with their meanings and part of speech:

  • Dictate
  • – to speak or write down something for someone else to copy

  • Dictionary
  • – a book that lists the words of a language and gives their meanings

  • Dictum
  • – a formal statement or opinion

  • Benediction
  • – a blessing or prayer

  • Contradict
  • – to say or do the opposite of something

  • Edict
  • – an official order or law

  • Indict
  • – to accuse someone of a crime

  • Interdict
  • – to forbid something

  • Malediction
  • – a curse

  • Predict
  • – to say or guess what will happen in the future

  • Redact
  • – to edit or revise a text

  • Verdict
  • – a decision made by a jury in a trial

    As you can see, words with the root dic are often related to the idea of communication or speech. They can be used to describe the act of speaking or writing, the content of speech, or the effect of speech on others.

    Here is a table summarizing the most common words with the root dic:

    Word Meaning Part of Speech
    Dictate to speak or write down something for someone else to copy verb
    Dictionary a book that lists the words of a language and gives their meanings noun
    Dictum a formal statement or opinion noun
    Benediction a blessing or prayer noun
    Contradict to say or do the opposite of something verb
    Edict an official order or law noun
    Indict to accuse someone of a crime verb
    Interdict to forbid something verb
    Malediction a curse noun
    Predict to say or guess what will happen in the future verb
    Redact to edit or revise a text verb
    Verdict a decision made by a jury in a trial noun

    Question 1:

    What characterizes words with the root “dic”?

    Answer:

    Words rooted in “dic” commonly denote a statement or the action of speaking, such as “dictation,” where an oral communication is recorded into written form.

    Question 2:

    What is the origin of words with the root “dic”?

    Answer:

    The root “dic” originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *deik-, meaning “to show” or “to point out,” reflecting the connection between words and expressions.

    Question 3:

    How are words with the root “dic” commonly used?

    Answer:

    Words with the root “dic” are frequently employed in contexts related to speech, writing, and the transmission of information, such as “diction,” which refers to the choice of words and their arrangement in speech or writing.

    Well, that’s a wrap, folks! We covered a bunch of words with the root “dic” today, so hopefully you’ve expanded your vocabulary a bit. Thanks for sticking with me through this little adventure. If you found this article helpful, be sure to check back later for more wordy goodness! In the meantime, keep an eye out for words with “dic” in them as you read and write. You might be surprised at how many you find!

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