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

key notes :

Understanding Roots:

Ever wonder how big words are made? Many English words come from ancient Greek and Latin. By learning about roots, which are basic parts of words, you can unlock the meanings of thousands of words!

What Are Roots?

A root is the core part of a word that carries its basic meaning. Think of it like the trunk of a tree – it’s the main part! Many words build upon these roots with prefixes (at the beginning) and suffixes (at the end).

Identifying Roots in Words

Sometimes it’s easy to spot a root. Other times, it might be slightly hidden. Look for parts of the word that seem familiar or related to other words you know. Breaking the word into smaller parts can help.

Root	Example Word
Photo	Photograph, Photosynthesis
Tele	Television, Telephone
Bio	Biology, Biography

Common Greek and Latin Roots

Here are some common roots that you’ll see often:

• Bio (Greek) – Life
• Photo (Greek) – Light
• Tele (Greek) – Far, distant
• Spect (Latin) – To see, look at
• Port (Latin) – To carry
• Script/Scrib (Latin) – To write

Let’s Practice!

Use your knowledge of roots to guess the meanings of these words:

1. Spectator: A person who ____ something.
2. Transport: To ____ something across.
3. Biology: The study of ____.
4. Telescope: An instrument for seeing things from a ____ distance.
5. Photosynthesis: The process of plants using ____ to create energy.
6. Prescription: Something ____ beforehand.

Answers:

1. sees/looks at
2. carry
3. life
4. far
5. light
6. written

Next Steps

Keep an eye out for these roots in your reading. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at understanding new words!