scrib
(SKRIB)to write
Latin for writing — used in words about texts, scripts, and signatures.
The story behind this root
Latin scribere meant to write with a sharp tool — a stylus on wax or a quill on parchment. A scribe was a professional writer; subscribing meant adding your name at the bottom.
Example words
describe
to write or speak in detail about something
scribble
to write quickly or carelessly
manuscript
a handwritten document
transcribe
to write something down from speech or another source
subscribe
to sign up for something, originally by writing your name underneath
Words in our dictionary that use this root
Every dataset word containing scrib, with the parts it shares with other roots in our set.
describe
to write or speak in detail about something
scribble
to write quickly or carelessly
manuscript
a handwritten document
transcribe
to write something down from speech or another source
subscribe
to sign up for something, originally by writing your name underneath
postscript
a note added after the main letter
Common Core alignment
Grades served: 4, 5, 6
- L.4.4bUse common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., telegraph, photograph, autograph).
- L.5.4bUse common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., photograph, photosynthesis).
- L.6.4bUse common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., audience, auditory, audible).
Related roots
Communication. Roots about writing, speaking, and the words we use.
Browse all communication roots →