Determine the meanings of Greek and Latin roots

Key Notes :

A root is the core part of a word, carrying its fundamental meaning. It’s the base to which prefixes and suffixes are added. Greek and Latin roots are particularly prevalent in academic and technical vocabulary.

Key Concepts: Root = Core meaning Prefix = Added to the beginning Suffix = Added to the end

Consider the word “biology“: 1. The root is bio, meaning “life.” 2. The suffix is -logy, meaning “the study of.” Therefore, biology is the study of life.

Common Greek Roots

Here are some frequently encountered Greek roots:

auto – self graph – write tele – far therm – heat geo – earth hydro – water photo – light chron – time micro – small mega – large

Let’s look at examples: Automobile: auto (self) + mobile (moving) = self-moving Telegraph: tele (far) + graph (write) = writing from afar Thermometer: therm (heat) + meter (measure) = measures heat Geography: geo (earth) + graph (write) = writing about the earth (describing the earth) Microscope: micro (small) + scope (view) = viewing small things

Common Latin Roots

Here are some frequently encountered

port – carry spect – look dict – say scrib/script – write vert – turn ject – throw form – shape rupt – break cede/ceed – go vis/vid – see

Let’s look at examples: Portable: port (carry) + able (able to) = able to be carried Spectator: spect (look) + ator (one who) = one who looks Dictate: dict (say) = to say aloud for someone to write down Describe: scrib (write) = write about something Convert: vert (turn) = to turn something into something else

Common Prefixes and Suffixes

Prefixes modify the beginning of a word, whereas suffixes modify the end of a word. Both prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning of a root significantly. For example:

Prefixes:

• pre-: before (e.g., prewrite – to write before)
• un-: not (e.g., unhappy – not happy)
• re-: again (e.g., rewrite – to write again)
• dis-: not, opposite of (e.g., disagree – not agree)
• anti: against (e.g., antiwar – against war)

Suffixes:

• -able: able to be (e.g., readable – able to be read)
• -tion: act of (e.g., creation – act of creating)
• -ly: in a manner (e.g., quickly – in a quick manner)
• -ness: state of (e.g., happiness – state of being happy)
• -ology: study of (e.g., biology – study of life)

Conclusion

By learning common Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you can unlock the meaning of thousands of words. This skill will significantly improve your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and overall academic performance. Keep practicing and expanding your knowledge of word parts!

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