Latin Root: Nihil

by Amanda

What are some words that contain the Latin root word nihil?

Dear Amanda,

The Latin root nihil means nothing. It is sometimes shortened to nil.

Here is a short list of English derivatives:

nihilism: a system of belief that rejects all laws and institutions, i.e. believes in nothing.

nihilist: a person who follows the tenets of nihilism.

annihilate: to destroy, make into nothing. annihilation.

nil: sometimes, a soccer score. Nothing, zero.

Hope this helps, and thanks for asking a Latin teacher.

Sincerely,

John