Root: ad/ac/af

19 GRE vocabulary words

About this Root

Core idea: Latin ad- means to, toward, or addition. Before c, f, g, l, n, p, r, s, t it often becomes ac-, af-, ag-, etc.—same meaning, easier to pronounce.

How it shows up on the GRE

Do not confuse pure “toward” uses (accede, accrue) with intensifying uses that feel like “thoroughly.” Context and the root word matter more than memorizing every spelling variant.

Quick hooks from this list

accede

agree

accelerate

move faster

accentuate

make more noticeable or prominent.

accessible

easy to approach

accessory

additional object

acclaim

applaud

acclimate

adjust to climate

acclivity

sharp up slope of a hill

accolade

award of merit

accommodate

oblige

accomplice

partner in crime

accord

agreement

accost

approach and speak to

accrue

come about by addition

acerbic

bitter or sour in temper

acknowledge

recognize

acme

peak

acquiesce

assent

acrid

sharp or bitter

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