-graphy
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From the French -graphie inherited from the Latin -graphia, from Ancient Greek γράφω (graphō), “‘I write’”), via Latin graphia. It often functions literally as a reference to writing (e.g. calligraphy, cartography, biography). However, it also has evolved to denote a field of study, particularly studies that involve some degree of collecting, cataloging and/or surveying (e.g. geography, demography, oceanography).
Of special note, -ography and -igraphy are not formal suffixes bearing separate connotations. The -o- (the thematic vowel) and -i- are distinct Greek suffixes.
The ultimate origin was γράφειν (aorist γράψαι; Doric also γρόφω) which means "incise, write" (compare to the γλύφειν "carve", whence glyph) is from a PIE root *gerbh-, cognate to OE ceorfan (“‘incise, cut’”), MHG kerben and OCS žrěbii "lot" (which originally probably denoted a stick with carved markings). γράφειν has many derivations within Greek, such as γραφή "incision, inscription", adjective γραφικός (graphic), γράμματα "letters" (grammar), γράφημα (grapheme), γραμμός "the act of writing", γραφεύς (γροφεύς) and γραπτήρ "scribe".
[edit] Suffix
-graphy
- something written or represented in the specified manner, or about a specified subject
