Determine the meanings of words with Greek and Latin roots
Key Notes :
| Understanding Roots |
Many words in the English language come from Greek and Latin. Understanding the roots of these words can help you figure out their meanings. A root is the basic part of a word that carries its main meaning.
| Greek Roots |
Greek roots are commonly found in words related to science, math, and philosophy. Here are some common Greek roots:
- Astro – Write
- Hydro – Water
- Micro – Small
- Geo – Earth
- Scope – see
| Latin Roots |
Latin roots are often found in words related to law, government, and everyday life. Here are some common Latin roots:
- spect – look
- Aqua – Water
- dict – say
- scrib/script – write
- tract – pull
| Examples |
| Latin Root Examples: | Greek Root Examples: |
| inspect – to look carefully. Aquatic – living or growing in water dictate – to say something. for someone to write down description – a written account. attract – to pull to wards. | Astronaut – a person who travels to space Hydropower – power from water Microbe – a tiny living thing Geography – study of Earth’s features Telescope – tool to see far things |
| Practice Exercises |
Use your knowledge of Greek and Latin roots to determine the meaning of the following words:
- Spectator
- Portable
- Telegram
- Traction
- Photosynthesis
Answer Key:
- Someone who watches an event.
- Able to be easily carried.
- A message sent over a long distance.
- The act of pulling something.
- The process by which plants use light to create energy.
| Summary |
Understanding Greek and Latin roots can help you decipher the meanings of many English words. By recognizing common roots like photo, tele, port, and spect, you can unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words and improve your vocabulary!
Let’s practice
