plic
LatinVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Latin plicāre (to fold, bend). One of the most prolific roots: explicit (unfolded, clear), implicit (folded in, implied), complicated (folded together), apply/application (fold toward), multiply (many folds), exploit (unfold for use), and perplex (thoroughly tangled). The idea of folding extends to layered complexity.
Associated Words
accomplice
A person who helps another commit a crime
applicable
Relevant or suitable to a particular situation
applicant
A person who formally applies for something
application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense
applied
Put into practical use; practical rather than theoretical
complicated
Consisting of many parts; difficult to understand or deal with
complicity
Involvement as an accomplice in a crime or wrongdoing
explicable
Able to be explained
explicate
To explain in careful detail
explicit
Clearly and directly expressed; leaving nothing implied
exploit
To use something for one's advantage; a heroic deed
exploitation
The use of something or someone, often unfairly for personal gain
implicate
To show involvement in wrongdoing; to imply as a consequence
implication
An indirect effect or consequence; something suggested without being stated
implicit
Implied but not directly stated; absolute and unquestioning
inexplicable
Impossible to explain or account for; baffling
multiplication
The arithmetic operation of multiplying; an increase in number
multiplicity
A large and varied number or variety
multiply
To perform multiplication; to increase greatly in number
perplex
To cause confusion or puzzlement; to baffle
perplexing
Causing confusion or bewilderment
plait
A braid of hair or material; to braid or weave strands together
pleat
A fold in fabric; to make such folds
pliable
Easily bent; easily influenced
pliant
Easily bent; readily yielding to influence
replica
An exact or very close copy of something
replicate
To make an exact copy of; to repeat an experiment
suppliant
One who humbly begs or pleads; humbly entreating
supplicant
A person who humbly prays or petitions; begging humbly
supplicate
To make a humble and earnest request; to beg