Learn One Latin Vocabulary
Word Every Week
Improve your English now with the following Latin vocabulary word. When you understand this Latin root word, dozens of advanced English words will become easy to learn and use.
amicus = friendly
inimicus = hostile
The Latin word amicus (friendly) gives us many advanced English derivatives. With the prefix in- attached, inimicus offers many more English words to learn. Study the following list, then take the quiz at the end of the page.
1. amicable: literally likable or lovable. Amicable also means friendly or easy to get along with, as in an amicable neighbor, an amicable divorce.
2. amiable: the same as amicable, with the added connotation of agreeable or willing to accept advice. She had an amiable disposition
3. amity: amity can mean both general harmony and a specific peaceful agreement among nations. There is amity in the small town; there is amity between the USA and Britain.
4. inimical: the prefix in- means not, and so inimical is the opposite of amicable. Think of the inimical stare of a hardened criminal, or a noisy environment inimical to effective study.
5. inimicable: see inimical above.
6. enmity: hatred or hostility; enmity is the opposite of amity. She felt enmity for her ex-boyfriend; enmity consumed the serial killer’s heart.
7. amicicide: the root word caedere, to slaughter, gives us derivatives such as patricide, suicide, and homicide. Who is killed in an act of amicicide?
8. amicus curiae: in legal Latin, this phrase means a friend of the court, i.e. one who, though not involved in a particular case, gives expert advice to the court.
Related Latin Vocabulary Roots:
amor = love
amoris = of love
9. amorous: full of love, i.e. in the mood. Although he felt amorous, his wife had a headache.
10. paramour: an illicit lover, usually of a married person.
11. amorist: one devoted to love and making love.
12. amor patriae: a Latin phrase meaning patriotism, i.e. love of country, love of fatherland.
amo = I love
amare = to love
amatus = loved
13. amateur: One who engages in an activity for the pure of love of the activity itself, rather than for money. An amateur photography, an amateur dancer.
14. amatory: of or pertaining to love, as an amatory novel or poem.
15. amative: a synonym for amorous. She made amative advances toward her boss.
16. Amanda: this name literally means having to be loved or about to be loved. It’s the gerund of the verb amare.
17. Amy: Another name from the same root, meaning beloved.
Join our
Latin Word of the Week!
Practice these Latin vocabulary words at quia.com!
Return to Home School Lesson Plans
Return from Latin Vocabulary to Vocabulary Lesson Plans