Definition & Meaning: Agon Word Root
Agōn, which means “contest” or “struggle.” This root is the basis for many English words that convey a sense of competition, conflict, or striving. The Greek origin reflects the significance of contests in ancient Greek culture, where Agōn referred to athletic competitions, dramatic performances, and philosophical debates.this root:
For example, the word Agony is derived from
- Agon: Contest or struggle
- Agony: Intense physical or mentalsuffering, akin to a fierce struggle or contest
Thus, words containing the root Agon often relate to conflicts, challenges, and intense efforts.
Example Sentence: The athlete experienced the Agony of defeat after a long and grueling contest.
Words Based on the Agon Word Root
Commonly Used Words based on this Word Root
- Agony: Intense suffering or pain.
- Antagonist: A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.
- Protagonist: The main character in a drama, movie, novel, or other narrative.
- Agonize: To undergo great mental anguish through worrying about something.
- Antagonize: To cause someone to become hostile.
Archaic Words based on this Word Root
- Agonist: An ancient word referring to a competitor in a contest.
- Agonistic: Pertaining to athletic contests in ancient Greece.
- Agonisticism: A state of conflict or struggle.
Technical Words/Jargon based on this Word Root
- Agonist (pharmacology): A substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor.
- Antagonist (pharmacology): A substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.
- Agon (literature): A dramatic conflict between the chief characters in a literary work.
Related Word Roots
1. Strug-
Meaning: To struggle
- Struggle: Make forceful efforts to get free of restraint or constriction.
- Struggler: A person who struggles.
- Struggling: Engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or difficulties.
2. Vic-
Meaning: Conquer
- Victory: An act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition.
- Victorious: Having won a victory; triumphant.
- Victor: A person who defeats an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition.
3. Compet-
Meaning: Strive, seek
- Competition: The activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others.
- Competent: Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.
- Competitor: A person who takes part in a contest.
We hope this article on the Agon Word Root has been helpful in enhancing your vocabulary and understanding of words based on this root. Keep learning and expanding your word power!
We hope this article on the commonly used Ante Word Root has been helpful to you in remembering the words based on the Word Root Ante and enhancing your vocabulary.
Want to explore more Word Roots?
Explore Our Full Word Roots Section
