Root words serve as foundational core elements of countless words, providing insights into their definitions. They decipher languages, revealing the intricate tapestry of words and their origins. Delving into root words allows you to grasp the evolution of language and appreciate its historical depth. In this article, we will analyse “leg-,” meaning “to choose” or “to read,” which appears in numerous words that are often related to reading, law, or choosing.
Definition: Leg
The prefix “leg-” originates from the Latin word “legere,” which means “to read” or “to choose,” and also the Latin word “legis,” meaning “law.” This root is used in various English words, often related to the concept of reading, law, or choosing. Words derived from this root frequently carry implications of lawfulness, formal processes, and the ability to discern through reading.
Origin
The root word “leg” originates from two different Latin roots:
- Legere, meaning “to read” or “to choose.”
This root has led to many English words related to reading, selecting, or gathering information.
- Lex (genitive: legis), meaning “law.”
This root has given rise to numerous English words connected to legal concepts and legislation.
Both origins of “leg” as a root word typically modify not only nouns and adverbs, but also various adjectives.
Example
“Leg” as in …:
- Legality (noun)
- Legible (adjective)
- Legitimately (adverb)
The noun “legality” for example, refers to the state or condition of being in accordance with the law. The adjective “legible” describes something clear enough to be read easily. Then there’s “legitimately,” which refers to a manner that conforms to the law or rules. Even though these words have relatively divergent meanings, they all include the root word “leg” and its two different Latin origins are represented in their definitions.
Using “leg” in nouns
The meaning of “leg” in nouns can refer to concepts related to laws or rules or the act of reading or choosing. More examples of nouns composed with the prefix “leg” are outlined below.
Legacy…
… refers to something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation or time.
Examples
- Her philanthropic efforts left a lasting legacy in the community.
- The artist’s legacy includes a vast collection of inspiring paintings.
Legislation…
… describes the act or process of making or enacting laws.
Examples
- The new environmental legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions.
- The senator introduced legislation to improve healthcare access.
Legislator…
… refers to a person who has the authority to make laws; a member of a legislative body.
Examples
- As a seasoned legislator, she helped draught the new education policy.
- The young legislator quickly gained a reputation for innovation.
Legitimacy…
… refers to the state or quality of being legitimate or in accordance with the law.
Examples
- The legitimacy of the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court after a lengthy review.
- There was widespread doubt about the legitimacy of the claims made by the company.
Further nouns with “leg”
| Example | Explanation |
| Legibility | The quality of being clear enough to read. |
| Legality | The quality or state of being in accordance with the law. |
| Legislature | A body of individuals with the authority to make or change laws. |
| Legate | An official emissary, especially a representative of the Pope. |
| Legend | A traditional story or myth that was originally read or recited. |
| Allegation | A formal accusation against somebody; often in the context of law. |
Using “leg” in adjectives
The prefix “leg-” forms the basis of several adjectives that relate to law, rules, reading, or choosing. Here are some adjectives that use the root word “leg.”
Legitimate…
… means something that conforms to the law or rules; something that is lawful.
Examples
- The company has a legitimate claim to the property under the new regulations.
- Concerns about the safety of the building were deemed legitimate by the inspectors.
Legible…
… is used in the context of something being clear enough to be read easily.
Examples
- The student’s writing was so legible that the teacher had no trouble reading his essay.
- Please make sure your address is legible on the envelope to avoid delivery issues.
Legislative…
… describes something having the function of making laws.
Examples
- The legislative body passed the environmental protection bill with a majority vote.
- She has been actively involved in the legislative process to reform healthcare policies.
Illegitimate…
… describes something that is not authorized by the law or not in accordance with accepted standards.
Examples
- The court ruled that the evidence was illegitimate and could not be used in the trial.
- They uncovered an illegitimate scheme to bypass the tax laws and avoid paying taxes.
Further adjectives with “leg”
| Example | Explanation |
| Legal | Something that is permitted by law. |
| Illegal | Something that is forbidden by law. |
| Legendary | Something that originates from legends or an admired person, event, or object. |
| Alleged | Something that is claimed or asserted to be the case, typically without proof. |
| Legit | Something that is conforming to the law or rules; informal for legitimate. |
| Illegible | Something that is not clear enough to be read. |
Using “leg” in adverbs
The prefix “leg-” is used in several adverbs that, similarly to adjectives, relate to law, rules, reading, or choosing. Here are some adverbs that use the root word “leg.”
Legitimately…
… refers to the manner of conforming to the law or rules; lawfully.
Examples
- The company was able to legitimately reduce its tax burden through legal deductions.
- She was legitimately concerned about the safety of the old building.
Legibly…
… is used in the context of something being written in a clear enough way to be read easily.
Examples
- Please write your answers legibly on the exam paper, so the teacher can read them.
- The instructions were printed legibly, making them easy to follow.
Allegedly…
… is used to convey that something is claimed to be the case, although there is no proof.
Examples
- He allegedly stole the car, but there is no concrete evidence to support the claim.
- The company allegedly violated environmental laws, and an investigation is underway.
Illegitimately…
… describes something in a manner that is not authorized by the law.
Examples
- The funds were acquired illegitimately, leading to an investigation by the authorities.
- The politician was accused of using illegitimately obtained data to sway the election.
FAQs
The root word “leg” comes from Latin origins and primarily has two meanings:
- Legere, meaning “to read” or “to choose”
- Lex or legis, meaning “law”
Five nouns with the root word “leg” are:
- Legislation
- Legislator
- Legitimacy
- Legacy
- Legality
Five nouns with the root word “leg” are:
- Legitimate
- Legible
- Legislative
- Illegible
- Illegitimate
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