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

Key Notes :

Introduction to Roots:

• Definition: A root is the basic part of a word that carries its core meaning.
• Origin: Many English words are derived from Greek and Latin roots.

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Common Greek Roots:

• Phon (sound): Examples include “telephone” (distant sound) and “phonics” (study of sounds).
• Graph (write): Examples include “autograph” (self-writing) and “graphic” (related to visual art or writing).
• Bio (life): Examples include “biology” (study of life) and “biography” (a written account of someone’s life).

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Common Latin Roots:

• Dict (say, speak): Examples include “dictate” (to speak aloud) and “dictionary” (a book of words).
• Port (carry): Examples include “transport” (to carry across) and “import” (to carry into).
• Scrib/Scrip (write): Examples include “scribble” (to write hastily) and “script” (a written text).

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How to Identify Roots:

• Look for familiar parts in unfamiliar words.
• Break down complex words into smaller, recognizable parts.
• Use a dictionary to verify and learn new roots.

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Using Roots to Determine Meaning:

• Example: “Autobiography”
  • Auto (self) + bio (life) + graph (write) = A written account of one’s own life.
• Example: “Portable”
  • Port (carry) + -able (able to) = Able to be carried.

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Prefixes and Suffixes:

• Prefixes: Added to the beginning of a root to change its meaning.
  • Example: “Unhappy” (un- means not; unhappy means not happy).
• Suffixes: Added to the end of a root to change its form.
  • Example: “Joyful” (-ful means full of; joyful means full of joy).

Let’s practice!