Examples of Root Words Many of the words we use come from a root word. Here are more examples of roots, their meanings, and other words that are formed by adding prefixes and/or suffixes to these language building blocks: 1. Write. Words Based on the Form Root Word. The common meaning of root words is as the literal root base of words, from which the word is derived. The root of the word "vocabulary," for example, is voc, a Latin root meaning "word" or "name." vocabulary, vocabulary games - a free resource used in over 40,000 schools to enhance vocabulary mastery & written/verbal skills with Latin & Greek roots.