con-

con-

(word root) with, together, in association

Examples of words with the root con-: convene

con-

pref.

Variant of com-.

con-

prefix

a variant of com-

con¹

(kɒn)

adv.

1. against a proposition, opinion, etc.: arguments pro and con.

n.

2. the argument, position, arguer, or voter against something. Compare pro ¹.

[1575–85; short for Latin contrā in opposition]

con²

(kɒn)

v.t. conned, con•ning.

1. to peruse or examine carefully; study.

2. to commit to memory; learn.

[before 1000; Middle English cunnen, Old English cunnan, variant of can¹ in sense “become acquainted with”]

con³

or conn

(kɒn)

v. conned, con•ning,
n. v.t.

1. to direct the steering of (a ship).

n.

2. the station of the person who cons a ship.

[1350–1400; earlier cond, apocopated variant of Middle English condie, condue < Middle French cond(u)ire < Latin condūcere to conduct]

con⁴

(kɒn)

adj., v. conned, con•ning,
n. adj.

1. involving abuse of confidence; deceitfully manipulative: a con trick.

v.t.

2. to swindle; trick.

3. to persuade by deception, cajolery, etc.

n.

4. a confidence game or swindle.

5. a lie, exaggeration, or glib self-serving talk.

[1895–1900, Amer.; by shortening of confidence]

con⁵

(kɒn)

n.

Informal. a convict.

[1715–25; by shortening]

con-

var. of com- before a consonant (except b, h, l, p, r): convene; condone; connection.

[< Latin]

Con.

Consul.

con.

1. concerto.

2. conclusion.

3. connection.

4. consolidated.

5. consul.

6. continued.

7. against.

[< Latin contrā]