The Suffixes -graph and -gram Lesson #23

Etymology The Greek suffix –graph and its related form –gram have to do with writing. The suffix is taken from the ancient Greek verb graphein, which means “to write.” Graph is sometimes used as a root. Graph, diagram, and autobiography are a few of the many words containing this word part.

calligraphy Noun- The art of fine handwriting; decorative handwriting

cartography Noun- The technique or art of making maps or charts

demography Noun- The study of characteristics of human populations, such as size, growth, or age Note: In demography, -graph is used to mean “writings” or “studies.”

epigram Noun- A short, clever poem or saying “Little strokes Fell great oaks.” — Benjamin Franklin Note: The Greek tradition of epigrams began as poems inscribed on dedicated offerings at sanctuaries – including statues of athletes – and on funerary monuments, for example "Go tell it to the Spartans, passersby...".

graphic Noun- A visual representation, such as a graph or picture Adjective- Described in a vivid and effective manner

holography Noun- A photographic technique that produces a three-dimensional image Note: A holograph is a document written entirely in the handwriting of the person who signs it, such as most letters. A hologram is a 3-D image produced by holography

monogram Noun- A design composed of single letters, usually initials Verb- To make a design of single letters, usually initials Note: Monogram refers to “single” initials. Monograph refers to a piece of writing on one subject. Though each word comes from “single” and “writing,” they have different meanings.

monograph Noun- A scholarly report on one subject

seismograph Noun- An instrument for measuring and recording movements of the earth’s crust

typography Noun- The style and arrangement of text, either printed on paper or displayed on a screen Note: Typography– old and new In the mid-1400’s, Johann Gutenberg invented moveable type, which consisted of small blocks with raised letters on them. When the blocks were inked and pressed onto a piece of paper, they formed printed letters. The printed images became known as type because the letters always looked the same; they had a standard form (or type). Today, printing is usually done by computer, but the way we design our documents is still known as typography.