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

key notes :

Understanding Roots:

• Roots are the basic part of a word that carries its meaning. Many English words come from Greek and Latin roots.
• Example: The root “photo” (Greek) means “light,” as in “photograph.”

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Common Greek and Latin Roots:

• Greek Roots: Examples include “tele” (far), “auto” (self), and “chron” (time).
  • “Telephone” (tele + phone) means “far sound.”
  • “Autograph” (auto + graph) means “self-written.”
• Latin Roots: Examples include “port” (carry), “scrib” (write), and “aqua” (water).
  • “Transport” (trans + port) means “to carry across.”
  • “Aquarium” (aqua + rium) means “a place for water.”

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Using Context Clues:

• When you come across an unfamiliar word, break it down into its roots to understand its meaning.
• Example: “Unpredictable” (un + predict + able) means “not able to be predicted.”

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Identifying Prefixes and Suffixes:

• Prefixes: Add meaning to the root (e.g., “un-” means “not”).
• Suffixes: Modify the root to change its meaning or function (e.g., “-able” means “capable of”).
• Example: “Readable” (read + able) means “capable of being read.”

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Building Vocabulary:

• Knowing roots helps in understanding and remembering new words. Recognizing common roots can help decode the meanings of many words.
• Example: “Bicycle” (bi + cycle) means “two wheels.”