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

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Introduction

Many English words are built upon Greek and Latin roots. Understanding these roots can significantly expand your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension. Instead of memorizing endless lists, you can use the words themselves as clues! This document will guide you on how to use context clues to unlock the meanings of common Greek and Latin roots.

What are Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes?

Before diving into context clues, let’s define our terms:

• Root: The core of a word, carrying its primary meaning.
• Prefix: A word part added to the beginning of a word, modifying its meaning.
• Suffix: A word part added to the end of a word, often indicating its grammatical function (e.g., noun, verb, adjective).

For example, in the word “incredible”:

• is the root (meaning “to believe”)
• is the prefix (meaning “not”)
• is the suffix (meaning “able to be”)

Therefore, “incredible” means “not able to be believed.”

Using Context Clues

Context clues are hints within a sentence or surrounding text that help you understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word. To decipher roots, look for:

• Definitions: The word is directly defined in the text.
• Examples: Examples are given to illustrate the word’s meaning.
• Synonyms: A similar word is used nearby.
• Antonyms: A contrasting word is used nearby.
• General Sense of the Sentence: The overall meaning of the sentence provides a clue.

Examples: Root – ‘Bio’ (Life)

In each of these words, the context provides a clue that relates to ‘life’. Think about how the definition of each word relies on this understanding.

Examples: Root – ‘Spect’ (Look/See)

Root: (look/see)

• Inspect: To look at something carefully.
• Spectator: A person who watches an event.
• Respect: To look up to someone; to hold them in high esteem.
• Spectacle: Something displayed for the public to see.

Consider how “spect” as ‘look/see’ fits into each word. The act of seeing or looking is central to their meanings. How does the meaning change when prefixes such as ‘in’ and suffixes such as ‘ator’ are added?

Examples: Root – ‘Port’ (Carry)

Root: (carry)

• Transport: To carry something from one place to another.
• Portable: Able to be easily carried.
• Import: To bring goods into a country.
• Export: To carry goods out of a country.

See how the root ‘port’ signifies the idea of ‘carrying’ or ‘bringing’. Understanding this root helps make sense of the word, especially when combined with prefixes like ‘trans-‘, ‘im-‘, and ‘ex-‘.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master this skill is through practice. When you encounter an unfamiliar word, try these steps:

• Identify potential roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
• Look for context clues in the surrounding sentences.
• Make an educated guess about the word’s meaning based on the root and context.
• Confirm your guess with a dictionary or online resource.

Keep a vocabulary journal to record new words, their roots, and their meanings. Over time, you’ll develop a strong sense of how Greek and Latin roots shape the English language.

Conclusion

By understanding Greek and Latin roots and using context clues effectively, you can unlock the meanings of countless words. This approach is far more efficient than rote memorization and empowers you to become a more confident and skilled reader and writer. Keep practicing, and watch your vocabulary grow!

Let’s practice!