Letters and spelling

Words that start with the con prefix

This list features words that begin with the con- prefix, a Latin root meaning 'with' or 'together.' It's useful for students building prefix knowledge, test-prep learners studying for vocabulary sections, and anyone who wants a clearer everyday sense of how con- shapes word meaning.

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Words that start with the con prefix

Word	Meaning	In a sentence
concurverb	To agree with an opinion, decision, or statement expressed by someone else.	The other judges concurred with the ruling after a brief discussion.
condenseverb	To make something more concise or compact, reducing it without losing its essential content.	The editor asked her to condense the fifty-page report into a two-page summary.
confideverb	Tell someone a secret or private matter while trusting them not to reveal it.	She confided in her best friend about her plans to change careers.
configureverb	To arrange or set up the parts or settings of a system so that it works in a particular way.	The technician configured the router to block certain websites automatically.
confirmverb	To establish that something is true, accurate, or definite, often by providing evidence or agreement.	The lab results confirmed the doctor's initial diagnosis within just a few hours.
conformverb	To behave or think according to generally accepted standards, rules, or expectations.	New employees are expected to conform to the company's dress code.
confrontverb	To face someone or something directly, especially in a challenging or difficult situation.	She finally decided to confront her coworker about the missed deadlines.
congregateverb	To gather together in a group, typically for a shared purpose.	Students often congregate near the fountain between classes to chat.
congratulateverb	To express praise or good wishes to someone for an achievement or happy occasion.	Friends and family gathered to congratulate the graduates on their achievement.
connectverb	To join or link two or more things, places, or people together.	A new bridge will connect the island to the mainland by next year.
conquerverb	To defeat and take control of a place, people, or opponent, especially by military force; or to overcome a difficulty.	The empire conquered several neighboring kingdoms over the course of a century.
conserveverb	To protect something from harm, loss, or waste, especially by using it carefully.	The community worked together to conserve water during the long summer drought.
considerverb	To think carefully about something before making a decision or forming an opinion.	Please consider all the options before you sign the contract.
consistverb	To be made up of or composed of particular parts or elements.	The committee consists of five elected members and one appointed chairperson.
consoleverb	To comfort someone who is upset, disappointed, or grieving.	Her friends gathered to console her after she lost the championship match.
conspireverb	To secretly plan with others to do something harmful or illegal.	The two employees conspired to steal money from the company's accounts.
constructverb	To build or put together something, such as a building, system, or argument, from its parts.	The company plans to construct a new office tower downtown by next year.
consultverb	To seek information or advice from a person, book, or other source before making a decision.	You should consult a doctor before starting any new exercise program.
consumeverb	To eat, drink, or use up something, such as food, resources, or time.	The old factory consumes enormous amounts of electricity every single day.
contactnoun	Communication or physical touch between people or things, or a person one knows who can provide help or information.	Please stay in contact with us while you are traveling abroad.
containverb	To have something inside; to hold or include as a part.	The box contained old photographs and letters from her grandmother.
contemplateverb	To think about something deeply and for a long time, often while considering a decision.	He sat by the lake, contemplating whether to accept the job offer.
contendverb	To argue firmly that something is true, or to compete or struggle against a difficulty.	The lawyer contended that her client had acted purely in self-defense.
continueverb	To keep happening, existing, or doing something without stopping.	The meeting will continue after a short coffee break for everyone in the room.
contractnoun	A written or spoken agreement, especially one that is legally enforceable.	Both companies signed the contract after months of careful negotiation.
contrastverb	To examine or describe differences between things.	Contrast the two endings and explain how each changes the story.
contributeverb	To give something, such as money, time, or ideas, as part of a shared effort or cause.	Each team member contributed a section to the final report.
controlnoun	The power to influence, direct, or restrain the behavior of someone or something.	The pilot regained control of the aircraft after a brief moment of turbulence.
conveneverb	To come together or call people together for a formal meeting.	The board will convene next Tuesday to vote on the merger.
convergeverb	To come together from different directions and meet at a single point.	Several major highways converge just outside the city center.

How con- shapes meaning

Many con- words describe things happening jointly or in combination, such as connect (join with), congregate (gather together), and consult (seek advice with someone). Over time some con- words have drifted from the literal sense of 'together,' but tracing the root still offers a useful clue when meeting an unfamiliar word.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix con- mean?

It usually means 'with' or 'together,' as in connect or congregate.