Word Roots Puzzle

Not an etymology dictionary or flashcards. A word-root puzzle with hints in 12 languages. Try 20 puzzles free. No ads or login. Word origins from trusted references.

What if learning vocabulary felt more like solving a puzzle—and less like memorizing a list?

Word Roots Puzzle is a no-flashcard vocabulary game built around roots, prefixes, and suffixes. You don't need to know the word before you play.

Break it apart. Follow the clues. Have an aha moment.

Many English words are built from smaller parts. Prefixes, roots, and suffixes often carry core meanings, and the same parts appear again and again. Once you recognize those patterns, unfamiliar words start to feel less unfamiliar.

HOW TO PLAY

You're given the meaning. Build the word from its parts, in the right order.

Need a clue? Tap "Show Meanings" to reveal what each part means.

Get it right and the word breaks open: each part, its meaning, and how they add up to the word you built.

In purchased volumes, answer every word correctly twice to graduate. In the Free Sampler, once. After graduating, reset a volume and play again anytime.

WHEN THE PARTS DON'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY

Not every word can be understood by combining its parts literally. Languages change, meanings shift, and some words move far from their origins.

That's why each puzzle includes a short bridge explaining how the parts connect to the word's meaning today. Etymology isn't a perfect formula, but it can still give you an image or pattern that makes a word easier to approach.

WORD-PART HINTS IN 12 LANGUAGES

Display word-part meanings in French, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, or Vietnamese.

Translations stay close to dictionary meanings, with learner-friendly wording when it makes the core image clearer.

CHOOSE YOUR TRACK

560 words across 14 volumes, plus a free 20-word sampler.

ESL ESSENTIALS — 40 words × 3 volumes Build intermediate and upper-intermediate vocabulary with B1–B2 words.

SAT & TOEFL PREP — 40 words × 3 volumes Challenge yourself with C1–C2 academic vocabulary for standardized tests and higher-level English study.

MEDICAL TERMS — 40 words × 5 volumes Explore terminology built from Greek and Latin parts used in anatomy, symptoms, conditions, procedures, and other areas of healthcare vocabulary.

In these three tracks, difficulty is mixed rather than progressive, with familiar and challenging words side by side.

TOEIC — 40 words × 3 volumes Practice A2–C1 vocabulary used in business and workplace situations. Unlike the other tracks, this one is progressive: the words get harder as the volume number goes up. Designed mainly for learners aiming for TOEIC scores from around 600 to 900. Some words also appear in other tracks because business English overlaps with general and academic English.

BUILT TO BE DEPENDABLE

I want the puzzles to be fun, but I also want the information behind them to be dependable.

Word Roots Puzzle follows American English in spelling, definitions, usage, and word-part analysis. Word parts, meanings, translations, and explanations are checked using multiple reliable dictionaries and specialist references.

A DIFFERENT WAY TO STUDY

Flashcards don't work for everyone. If word lists and repeated memorization leave you frustrated, this is another way in.

You don't have to memorize every word. The goal is to help you notice recurring patterns and feel more confident with unfamiliar vocabulary.

NO SUBSCRIPTION

Every pack is a one-time purchase. No recurring fees. No ads. No account or login required. Your progress stays on your device.

START FREE

Not sure it's for you? Try the Free Sampler with 20 words before buying a pack.

I'D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK

Word Roots Puzzle is independently made, and learner feedback helps me decide what to improve.

If you enjoy the app, I'd really appreciate a review.

Word Roots Puzzle by Verbal Structure