Latin · root
legere
gather, choose; read
Forms
- leg-
- lect- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘gathered’ or ‘chosen.’
- -lig- — Used in some Latin compounds.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *leg-, ‘gather; collect.’
Note
The sense ‘read’ grew from older senses of gathering and selecting.
Words sharing this root
coilA length wound into loops or spirals, or winding it into that shape.collectTo gather things together into one's possession.collectA short formal prayer in a church service.collectionThe gathering of separate things together.collectiveOrganized or considered as a unified group.collectorA person or device that gathers specified items.diligenceCareful and persistent effort in a task.diligentShowing steady effort and care in one's work.eligibleQualified or considered suitable for an opportunity or relationship.eliteA group at the highest level of skill, power, or status, or belonging to that level.intellectThe capacity for abstract thought and understanding.intellectualDevoted to reasoning and the study of ideas.intelligenceInformation collected and analyzed for strategic purposes.intelligenceThe ability to learn, understand, and reason.intelligentAble to learn, reason, and respond appropriately.legibleClear enough to read.neglectFailure to give something the care or attention it needs.negligenceFailure to take proper care or give needed attention.negligentFailing to take proper care or give enough attentionpredilectionA strong liking or preference for something.sacrilegeDisrespectful treatment of something sacred or deeply revered.sacrilegiousShowing disrespect toward something sacred or deeply revered.selectTo choose deliberately from alternatives.selectionThe deliberate choosing of available options.