Latin · root
petere
seek, aim at; request
Forms
- pet-
- petit- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘sought’ or ‘requested.’
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *pet-, ‘fly; rush.’
Note
An older sense of rushing toward something developed into seeking it.
Words sharing this root
appetiteA desire to consume food.centripetalDirected toward a center or axis of rotation.competeTo try to succeed against others or be as good as them.competenceThe ability or knowledge needed to do something well.competencySufficient ability to carry out a particular task.competentPossessing sufficient ability or qualification to act.competitionRivalry among parties pursuing the same goal.competitorA person or thing competing against others.impetuousActing quickly without enough thought or care.impetusA force that prompts action or progress.petitionA formal request to an authority, or the act of making one.repeatAn occurrence of something that has happened or been done before.repetitionThe act or instance of doing or saying something again.