Determine the meanings of Greek and Latin roots

Key Notes :

Introduction to Roots:

Many English words come from Greek and Latin. Understanding Greek and Latin roots can help you figure out the meanings of new and challenging words!

Think of roots like the base of a tree. The roots support the tree, and the root of a word supports its meaning.

What are Roots?

A root is the basic part of a word that carries the main meaning. It usually can’t stand alone as a word by itself. Prefixes and suffixes are often added to roots to create new words.

Latin Roots:Often used in everyday language.Examples: aqua (water), port (carry).

Greek Roots:Often used in science and math words.Examples: geo (earth), photo (light).

How to Determine Meaning

Here’s how to use roots to understand words:

1. Identify the root: Look for a familiar root within the word.
2. Think about the root’s meaning: What does that root usually mean?
3. Look at prefixes and suffixes: Do they change the root’s meaning?
4. Read the sentence: Use context clues to confirm your understanding.

Common Roots and Examples

Let’s look at some common roots:

aqua	Meaning: Water Wateraquarium: A tank for keeping fish and other water creatures. aquatic: Living or growing in water. aqueduct: A channel for transporting water.

dict	Meaning: To say or speak dictate: To speak aloud so someone can write it down. dictionary: A book of words and their definitions (what they say). predict: To say what will happen in the future.

port	Meaning: To carry transport: To carry something from one place to another. portable: Able to be easily carried. export: To carry goods out of a country to sell.

scrib/script

Meaning: To write scribble: To write carelessly or quickly. script: The written text of a play or movie. describe: To write or tell about something.

Practice Time!

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

1. aquatic: living in the water.
2. portable: Able to be easily carried.
3. inscription: Something written on a surface.
4. contradict: to speak against something.

Now, try to define the following words:

• Aquarium
• Dictator
• Export
• Scribe

Next Steps

Keep an eye out for Greek and Latin roots in your reading. The more roots you learn, the better you’ll become at understanding new words! Try making a root word list, and adding to it whenever you encounter a new root.

Let’s practice!