Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to the meanings of words

Key Notes :

Greek Roots

Root: photo Meaning: light Examples: photograph: a picture made using light photosynthesis: the process of plants making food using light photocopy: a copy made using light

Root: tele Meaning: far, distant Examples: telephone: a device to hear sounds from far away television: a device to see images from a distance telescope: an instrument to see distant objects

Root: graph Meaning: write Examples: autograph: to write your own signature paragraph: a section of writing graphic: relating to visual writing or drawing

Root: therm Meaning: heat Examples: thermometer: a tool to measure heat thermal: relating to heat thermos: a container that keeps things heated or cooled

Latin Roots

Root: port Meaning: carry Examples: transport: to carry something from one place to another portable: able to be easily carried export: to carry goods out of a country

Root: aqua Meaning: water Examples: aquarium: a tank for keeping water animals aquatic: living in water aqueduct: a structure that carries water

Root: struct Meaning: build Examples: construct: to build something structure: something that is built instruct: to build knowledge in someone

Root: ject Meaning: throw Examples: eject: to throw something out project: to throw something forward (like a plan) inject: to throw medicine into the body

Now you’re ready to be a super sleuth! When you come across a new word, try to see if you recognize any of these roots. Knowing just a few roots can unlock the meaning of hundreds of words! Keep practicing, and you’ll become a word expert in no time! 🥳

• Root Word Hunt: Find more words with the roots we learned today. Write them down and explain what they mean!
• Create a Root Word Dictionary: Start your own dictionary of Greek and Latin roots. Add new roots as you learn them!
• Word Detective Game: Play a game with your friends where you try to guess the meaning of words based on their roots.

Let’s practice!