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Words with the root gram/graph

gram/graph means “write, record”, from Greekgraphein.

15 examples of the root “gram/graph”

  1. photographphoto-light-written image
  2. autographauto-self-written signature
  3. paragraphpara-written beside, distinct section
  4. diagramdia-written through, explanatory figure
  5. telegramtele-written message sent far
  6. biographybio- + -ywritten account of a life
  7. graphic-icof or relating to writing
  8. grammar-arrules of written language
  9. geographygeo- + -ywritten description of the earth
  10. monogrammono-single written letter design
  11. seismographseismo-instrument recording earth tremors
  12. cryptogramcrypto-secretly written coded message
  13. holographholo-entirely written by one's hand
  14. stenographysteno- + -ynarrow, swift shorthand writing
  15. lexicographylexico- + -ypractice of writing dictionaries

How gram/graph works

The root appears as 'graph' in Greek-derived words (autograph, graphic) and as 'gram' in noun forms denoting something written or recorded (telegram, diagram). It typically forms nouns and adjectives, and the suffix '-graphy' creates nouns for fields or processes of writing or recording.

Watch out: The word 'glamour' looks unrelated but is actually a historical corruption of 'grammar,' while 'ogram' (as in kilogram) comes from Greek 'gramma' meaning a small weight, not the writing root, so metric unit words like 'kilogram' do not carry the write/record meaning.

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 “gram/graph” mean?

gram/graph means “write, record”. It comes from Greek (graphein). The root appears as 'graph' in Greek-derived words (autograph, graphic) and as 'gram' in noun forms denoting something written or recorded (telegram, diagram). It typically forms nouns and adjectives, and the suffix '-graphy' creates nouns for fields or processes of writing or recording.

What are some examples of words with the root “gram/graph”?

photograph, autograph, paragraph, diagram, telegram, biography, graphic, grammar. The full list of 15 examples, with what each one literally means, is above.

Which words look like they have the root “gram/graph” but don’t?

The word 'glamour' looks unrelated but is actually a historical corruption of 'grammar,' while 'ogram' (as in kilogram) comes from Greek 'gramma' meaning a small weight, not the writing root, so metric unit words like 'kilogram' do not carry the write/record meaning.

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.