syn-

with, together

Quick Summary

The English prefixes syn- along with its variant sym-, derived from Greek, mean “together.” You can remember syn- easily by thinking of synonym, which is a word that goes “together” with another word because it has a similar meaning. You can remember sym- by thinking of symphony, which is a group of instruments making sound “together.”

Symply Synsational Together!

The English prefix syn- along with its variant sym- mean “together.” Today we will synthesize what is known about these prefixes, making you sympathetic towards them!

Let’s begin today with the more common prefix syn-, which means “together.” When two people possess synergy, they work well, creating positive, flowing energy “together.” When clocks are synchronized, their times are placed “together” so that they all show the same time. A synonym is a word that can be placed “together” with another because they have similar meanings. The syntax of a sentence is the way in which words are put “together” so that they make sense.

A Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue, which etymologically means a place where people are led “together” to worship. And a synthesis? That would be a placing “together” of separate elements into a unified, intelligible whole.

For the purposes of symmetry, let’s now move on to the most common variant of syn-, or sym-, which also means “together.” A symphony is the sounding “together” of many instruments. If you were to cut a figure which possesses perfect symmetry exactly in half, both halves would measure “together” perfectly equally. A symbol is a sign that stands for or represents something, thereby throwing the two “together.”

Cold symptoms, such as a runny nose and coughing, are those results or indications that fall “together” with that particular viral disease. You might feel sympathy for someone suffering from cold symptoms, able to feel her suffering “together” with her.

Your linguistic synapses will now fire at full capacity when thrown “together” with those simply sensational syn- and sym-!

  1. synergy: energy created ‘together’ with another
  2. synchronize: to place two clocks ‘together’ in time
  3. synonym: a word that can be placed ‘together’ with another due to closeness in meaning
  4. syntax: an arranging ‘together’ of words in a sentence to make it meaningful
  5. synagogue: a place where people are led ‘together’ for worship
  6. synthesis: a placing ‘together’ of separate elements into a unified whole
  7. symphony: a sounding ‘together’ of instruments
  8. symmetry: two objects which can be measured ‘together’ perfectly
  9. symbol: a sign thrown ‘together’ with that which it represents
  10. symptom: an indication that falls ‘together’ with an ailment or disease
  11. sympathy: a feeling of suffering ‘together’ with another person
  12. synapse: that which allows two nerves to join ‘together’

Usage

  • idiosyncratic

    Idiosyncratic tendencies, behavior, or habits are unusual and strange.

  • synergy

    Synergy is the extra energy or additional effectiveness gained when two groups or organizations combine their efforts instead of working separately.

  • synoptic

    When you are presented with a synoptic view of a written work or subject, you receive a summary or general overview of the entirety of its contents.

  • synchronous

    Two acts that are synchronous occur at the same time.

  • synthesis

    A synthesis is the combination or blend of two or more things to form a new whole.

  • photosynthesis

    synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)

  • synagogue

    (Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation

  • synchronize

    make synchronous and adjust in time or manner

  • syncopation

    (phonology) the loss of sounds from within a word (as in `fo'c'sle' for `forecastle')

  • syndicate

    join together into a syndicate

  • synonym

    two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context

  • synopsis

    a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory

  • syntax

    the grammatical arrangement of words in sentences

Related Word Sums

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