rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -ikos
Greek

-ikos

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

  • -ikos
  • -ic — The ending shortened as Greek words entered Latin, French, and English.

Origin

Greek -ikos continued an older Indo-European ending used to describe a connection or kind.

Note

English extended this borrowed ending to newly coined words.

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adjective

psychological

Relating to the mind, feelings, or behavior.

The counselor helps patients cope with the psychological effects of stress.

Etymology
psychoGreekbreath, life, soul, or mind
+logGreekdiscourse or study
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of
+alEnglishconnected with

The components belong to the study and explanation of the mind. Psychological describes the mental, emotional, or behavioral aspects examined in that field.

More examples

  • Fear of failure can create a psychological barrier to learning.
  • The novel explores the psychological reasons behind her choices.
  • Scoring first gives our team a psychological advantage.

Forms

psychological

psychology noun — The scientific study of mind and behavior.

psychologically adverb — In a way involving the mind or emotions.

Similar words

mental
Focuses on the mind, especially thought and understanding.
emotional
Focuses specifically on feelings rather than thought or behavior generally.
behavioral
Focuses on observable actions rather than internal thoughts or feelings.