Definition & Meaning: Arch Word Root
The root word “Arch” signifies a ruler or chief, originating from the Greek word “archos.” While traditionally associated with leadership and authority, in modern English, it has evolved to denote the most important or highest-ranking person. For example, the word “architect” derives from “Arch” (chief) and “tekton” (builder), meaning “chief builder.” The root “arch” also appears in negative contexts, such as “arch-enemy,” indicating the worst possible enemy, or “archfiend,” referring to Satan.
Words Based on the Arch Word Root
Commonly Used Words
- Archbishop: Bishop of highest rank.
- Archrival: Chief rival of a person.
- Architect: Chief builder.
- Monarch: Sole ruler, king.
- Patriarch: Male head of a family; male leader or ruler.
- Arch-enemy: A person who is extremely hostile to someone or something.
- Oligarchy: Government in the hands of the few.
- Hierarch: A leader in the church.
Archaic Words
- Arch-fiend: Chief fiend/Satan.
- Chiliarch: Chief over a thousand troops.
- Biarchy: Government by two people.
- Exilarch: Ruler over the Jews in Babylon.
Technical Words/Jargon
- Archaeoastronomy: The study of ancient cultures regarding celestial objects.
- Endarchy: Government from an inner center of control.
- Genarch: The head of a family.
- Pentarchy: Government by five rulers or five powers.
- Myriarch: A leader of 10,000 troops.
- Endarchy: Government from an inner center of control.
Related Word Roots
1. Crat/Cracy
Meaning: Rule or government.
- Democracy: Government by the people.
- Aristocracy: Government by the noble class.
- Bureaucracy: Government by many officials and administrators.
2. Domin
Meaning: Master or control.
- Dominant: Having power and influence over others.
- Dominate: To have control over.
- Domain: An area of territory owned or controlled by a ruler or government.
3. Reg
Meaning: Rule or guide.
- Regent: A person appointed to administer a country because the monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated.
- Regal: Of, resembling, or fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified.
- Regulate: To control or maintain the rate or speed of a machine or process so that it operates properly.
We hope this article on the commonly used Arch Root Word has been helpful in expanding your vocabulary and understanding of words based on this root.
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