SORT WORDS BY SHARED GREEK OR LATIN ROOTS

Key Notes :

Introduction to Greek and Latin Roots

Word roots are like the building blocks of words. Many English words come from Greek and Latin. Understanding these roots helps us figure out what words mean!

Greek Roots

Let’s explore some common Greek roots and words that use them:

Root: photo (light) Photograph: A picture made using light. Photosynthesis: The process plants use to make food using light. Photocopy: A copy made using light.

Root: tele (far) Telephone: A device to talk to someone faraway. Television: A device that shows pictures from far away. Telescope: A device to see things that are far away.

Root: graph (write) Autograph: A signature; writing your own name. Graph: A diagram that shows information in a visual way (written). Paragraph: A section of writing.

Root: therm (heat) Thermometer: A tool to measure heat (temperature). Thermos: A container that keeps things hot. Thermal: Related to heat.

Latin Roots

Now, let’s look at some Latin roots:

Root: spect (to see) Spectacles: Eyeglasses (to help you see). Inspect: To look at something carefully. Spectator: Someone who watches something.

Root: port (to carry) Transport: To carry something from one place to another. Portable: Able to be carried easily. Export: To carry goods out of a country.

Root: struct (to build) Construct: To build something. Structure: The way something is built or organized. Destruct: To destroy or take apart.

Root: dict (to say) Dictate: To say something aloud to be written down. Dictionary: A book that tells you what words say (mean). Predict: To say what will happen in the future.

Why Learn Roots?

Knowing Greek and Latin roots helps you:

• Understand new words more easily.
• Improve your vocabulary.
• Become a better reader and writer!

Next Steps

Keep an eye out for these roots in your reading. When you see a new word, try to break it down into its root and see if you can guess its meaning! Have fun exploring the world of words!

let’s practice!