ign

About This Root

From Latin ignōrāre (not to know), from in- (not) + gnōscere (to know), and separately from malignus (evil-natured). Produces ignorance (lack of knowledge) from the 'not knowing' branch, and malignant/malignancy from the 'evil nature' branch via malignus. The two senses are etymologically distinct despite sharing the ign- spelling.

Associated Words