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

Key Notes :

Why Study Greek and Latin Roots?

Ever feel lost in a sea of unfamiliar words? Understanding Greek and Latin roots can be a powerful tool for deciphering their meanings. Many English words are built from these ancient building blocks. By learning common roots, you can unlock the meanings of countless new words, improving your reading comprehension and vocabulary.

How Roots Help You

Imagine encountering the word “biology” for the first time. If you know that bio means “life” and -logy means “the study of,” you can deduce that biology is the study of life. This is the power of understanding roots! Instead of memorizing countless definitions, you can learn a smaller set of roots and apply them to new words.

Common Greek and Latin Roots

Greek Roots: meter/metr-measure, micro – small, chrono – time, path– feeling/disease, micro – small, dem-people, anthrop – human, arch -chief/first.

Latin Roots: port – carry, scrib/script – write, spect – look, voc – call, ject – throw, rupt – break, cede/ceed – go, duc/duct – lead.

Examples of Root Usage

Let’s look at some examples of how roots are used in words:

• Biography: bio (life) + graph (write) = a written account of someone’s life.
• Geology: geo (earth) + -logy (study of) = the study of the earth.
• Chronological: chrono (time) + -logical (in order) = arranged in order of time.
• Thermometer: therm (heat) + meter (measure) = an instrument for measuring heat.
• Microscope: micro (small) + scope (look) = an instrument for viewing small objects.
• Telephone: tele (far) + phone (sound) = a device for transmitting sound over long distances.
• Import: in (into) + port (carry) = to carry something into a place.
• Describe: de (down) + scrib (write) = to write down details.
• Inspect: in (into) + spect (look) = to look carefully at something.
• Vocal: voc (call/voice) = relating to the voice.
• Reject: re (back) + ject (throw) = to throw something back or refuse to accept it.
• Erupt: e (out) + rupt (break) = to break out suddenly.
• Recede: re (back) + cede (go) = to go back.
• Conduct: con (together) + duct (lead) = to lead together.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master roots is to practice! When you encounter a new word, try to identify any roots you know. Break the word down into its parts and see if you can deduce the meaning. Use online dictionaries to confirm your guesses. The more you practice, the easier it will become to recognize and understand new words.

Next Steps

• Create flashcards: Write common roots on one side and their meanings on the other.
• Keep a root journal: Record new words you learn and break them down by their roots.
• Play vocabulary games: Many online games help you practice identifying and using roots.
• Read widely: The more you read, the more opportunities you’ll have to encounter new words and apply your knowledge of roots.

Let’s practice!