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Words with the root dict

dict means “say, speak”, from Latindicere.

15 examples of the root “dict”

  1. dictate-ateto say authoritatively to another
  2. diction-ionmanner of speaking or word choice
  3. dictone who dictates; an utterance
  4. predictpre-say beforehand what will happen
  5. verdictver-true saying; formal legal decision
  6. indictin-formally charge or accuse someone
  7. dictator-atorone who dictates absolute rule
  8. dictionary-arybook of words and their meanings
  9. benedictionbene-a blessing spoken over someone
  10. maledictionmale-a curse or evil spoken word
  11. jurisdictionjuris-authority to speak the law
  12. contradictcontra-speak against what someone said
  13. edicte-official decree publicly spoken out
  14. abdicateab- + -aterenounce; formally speak away power
  15. vindicatevin- + -ateclear by speaking in defense

How dict works

The root 'dict' comes from Latin 'dicere' (to say) and typically forms nouns (diction, verdict), verbs (dictate, contradict), and adjectives (dictatorial) through suffixation. A contracted form '-dit' appears in 'indict,' and the variant 'dic-' surfaces in words like 'abdicate' and 'vindicate' where the root blends with surrounding morphemes.

Watch out: The word 'addict' contains 'dict' but its Latin origin is 'addictus' meaning 'bound to' rather than 'said,' though it shares the same Latin root 'dicere' so it is a genuine, if nuanced, member of the family; however, 'ditch' and 'dictum' lookalikes like 'digit' (from 'digitus,' finger) do not contain this root at all.

To see roots combine with other parts, try the word dissector and root builder, or test yourself in the vocabulary quiz.

Other Greek and Latin roots

Questions people ask

What does the root “dict” mean?

dict means “say, speak”. It comes from Latin (dicere). The root 'dict' comes from Latin 'dicere' (to say) and typically forms nouns (diction, verdict), verbs (dictate, contradict), and adjectives (dictatorial) through suffixation. A contracted form '-dit' appears in 'indict,' and the variant 'dic-' surfaces in words like 'abdicate' and 'vindicate' where the root blends with surrounding morphemes.

What are some examples of words with the root “dict”?

dictate, diction, dict, predict, verdict, indict, dictator, dictionary. The full list of 15 examples, with what each one literally means, is above.

Which words look like they have the root “dict” but don’t?

The word 'addict' contains 'dict' but its Latin origin is 'addictus' meaning 'bound to' rather than 'said,' though it shares the same Latin root 'dicere' so it is a genuine, if nuanced, member of the family; however, 'ditch' and 'dictum' lookalikes like 'digit' (from 'digitus,' finger) do not contain this root at all.

What is a root word?

A root is the core of a word that carries its main meaning. Many English roots come from Latin or Greek and cannot stand alone, like port (“carry”) in transport and portable.