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

Key Notes :

Introduction to Roots:

• Roots are the basic part of a word that carries its main meaning. Many English words come from Greek and Latin roots.

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Greek and Latin Roots:

• Greek Roots: Often related to science and technology. For example, “photo” (light), “tele” (far), “auto” (self).
• Latin Roots: Common in many English words. For example, “aqua” (water), “scrib” (write), “port” (carry).

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Using Roots to Determine Meaning:

• Break Down Words: Identify the root word and any prefixes or suffixes. For example, “telephone” (tele + phone) means “far sound.”
• Context Clues: Use the root’s meaning to help understand the overall meaning of the word in a sentence.

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Common Greek and Latin Roots:

• Greek Roots:
  • “Bio”: Life (e.g., biology, biography)
  • “Geo”: Earth (e.g., geography, geology)
  • “Micro”: Small (e.g., microscope, microorganism)
• Latin Roots:
  • “Vid/Vis”: See (e.g., video, vision)
  • “Dict”: Speak (e.g., dictionary, predict)
  • “Aud”: Hear (e.g., audience, audio)

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Examples:

• “Television”: From “tele” (far) and “vision” (sight) — “seeing from afar.”
• “Aquarium”: From “aqua” (water) and “-arium” (place) — “a place for water.”

Let’s practice!