fic

Don't make this more dif'fic'ult than it should be.

The Latin word root fic, meaning to ‘make,’ is one of the most significant roots in the English language. The word significant means something that ‘makes’ a mark.

If something undergoes purification, it is ‘made’ pure. When a teacher undergoes the process of certification, she is ‘making’ herself ready to teach.

The Pacific Ocean was so named by Ferdinand Magellan because it was ‘making’ peace, that is, there was calm weather for an extended period of time.

The root fic meaning ‘make’ is also the stem in magnificent and deficient. If someone constructs something that is magnificent, she has ‘made’ it great in some way. However, if it is deficient, it is ‘made’ in such a way that it is somewhat lacking.

Here are more words that are ‘made’ in some way. Something artificial is ‘made’ by the skill or art of humans, not by nature alone. A sacrifice is a ritual that is used to ‘make’ something holy to please the gods.

There are two simple words that will help you remember that the word fic is ‘make’: difficult and efficient. A difficult task is hard to get done, meaning it’s hard to ‘make’ it happen. If you are efficient, on the other hand, you ‘make’ things happen quickly and easily.

The root word fic meaning ‘make’ is a very productive root in English and you should make yourself comfortable with it.

1. purification: process of ‘making’ pure
2. certification: act of ‘making’ sure
3. pacification: act of ‘making’ peace
4. Pacific: ‘making’ peace
5. artificial: ‘made’ with human skill
6. magnificent: ‘made’ great
7. deficient: ‘made’ lacking or off of what it should be
8. sacrifice: ‘make’ holy
9. difficult: not ‘made’ easily
10. efficient: ‘makes’ thoroughly
11. beneficial: ‘making’ something good
12. significant: ‘making’ a mark

Usage

• munificent

  A munificent person is extremely generous, especially with money.

• edifice

  An edifice is a large or impressive building, such as a church, palace, temple, or fortress.

• edification

  If something is done for someone's edification, it is done to benefit that person by teaching them something that improves or enlightens their knowledge or character.

• prolific

  Something or someone that is prolific is highly fruitful and so produces a lot of something.

• maleficent

  Something or someone that is maleficent deliberately tries to cause harm or evil.

• pontificate

  When someone pontificates, they give their opinions in a heavy-handed way that shows they think they are always right.

• beatific

  A beatific expression, look, or smile shows great peace and happiness—it is angelic and saintly.

• soporific

  Something soporific makes you feel sleepy or drowsy.

• aficionado

  If someone is an aficionado of something, such as soccer, they like it and know a lot about it; therefore, they are a true fan of it.

• artifice

  When you employ artifice, you use clever tricks and cunning to deceive someone.

• fortification

  A fortification is a structure or building that is used in defense against an invading army.

• gratification

  When you have a feeling of gratification, you experience satisfaction or pleasure about a job well done.

• ramification

  A ramification from an action is a result or consequence of it—and is often unanticipated.

• ratification

  The ratification of a measure or agreement is its official approval or confirmation by all involved.

• deficit

  A deficit occurs when a person or government spends more money than is received.

• beneficial

  Something that is beneficial to you is helpful, advantageous, profitable, and/or favorable.

• significant

  Something that is significant is important or meaningful.

• specific

  Something specific is just one thing of many in a group.

• sufficient

  If you have a sufficient amount of something, you have enough of it or as much as needed.

• magnificent

  Something that is magnificent is grand, impressive, amazing, or really great.