-gram
suffix
UK/ɡræm/US/ɡræm/
Used to form nouns referring to something written, drawn, or recorded (from Greek ‘gramma,’ meaning ‘something written’ or ‘a letter’). Examples include ‘telegram’ (a written message sent over a distance), ‘diagram’ (a drawing that explains or shows the parts of something), and ‘epigram’ (a short, clever poem or saying).
Example Sentences
A telegram was once a primary method for sending urgent messages over long distances.
His monogram consists of his initials intertwined in a stylish design on his luggage.
The lecturer used a diagram to illustrate the complex structure of the brain during her presentation.
In literature, an epigram is often a short, witty statement that captures a profound idea in few words.
Electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity, helping doctors diagnose cardiac conditions.
She added a hologram to her company’s latest security badges to prevent counterfeiting.
Creating a pictogram can simplify how data is visualized, making it more accessible to a general audience.
A carefully labeled histogram can reveal statistical patterns by showing how often different values appear in a dataset, thereby helping researchers analyze trends, detect outliers, and draw conclusions from large samples.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'something written,' 'recorded,' or 'measured.'The suffix '-gram' is used to form nouns referring to something written, recorded, or measured. Examples include 'telegram' (a written message sent via telegraph), 'diagram' (a symbolic representation or drawing), and 'program' (a written schedule or plan). In scientific contexts, it can also refer to measurements, such as 'kilogram' (a unit of mass). It adds specificity to terms describing documentation, communication, or measurement.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-gram' depend on the term. For instance, 'written message' could replace 'telegram,' and 'drawing' could replace 'diagram.'
Writing
In writing, '-gram' terms are useful for precision in describing written records, representations, or measurements. For example, 'cardiogram' effectively describes a heart activity record.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-gram' is common in familiar terms like 'Instagram' or 'telegram.' Its meaning as 'something written' or 'message' is widely understood.