SORT WORDS BY SHARED GREEK OR LATIN ROOTS

Key Notes :

What are Roots?

A root is the basic part of a word that carries the primary meaning. Many English words are built from Greek and Latin roots. Understanding these roots can significantly expand your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension.

This lesson will explore common Greek and Latin roots, providing definitions, examples of words sharing those roots, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Common Greek Roots

Root: phon Meaning: Sound

Telephone: (tele = distant) A device for transmitting sound over a distance. Example Sentence: I used the telephone to call my friend. Symphony: (sym = together) An elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra. Example Sentence: The symphony was beautiful and moving. Phonics: A method of teaching reading based on the sounds of letters and syllables. Example Sentence: The teacher uses phonics to help students learn to read.

Root: graph Meaning: Write, draw

Autograph: (auto = self) A person’s own signature. Example Sentence: I got an autograph from my favorite author. Photograph: (photo = light) A picture made using light-sensitive film or a digital sensor. Example Sentence: She took a photograph of the sunset. Paragraph: A distinct section of a piece of writing, dealing with a single theme or idea. Example Sentence: The essay should be divided into clear paragraphs.

Root: therm Meaning: Heat

Thermometer: An instrument for measuring temperature. Example Sentence: The thermometer read 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermostat: A device that automatically regulates temperature. Example Sentence: The thermostat keeps the house at a comfortable temperature. Thermal: Relating to heat. Example Sentence: She wore a thermal shirt to stay warm.

Common Latin Roots

Root: port Meaning: Carry

Transport: To carry something from one place to another. Example Sentence: Trucks transport goods across the country. Export: To send goods to another country for sale. Example Sentence: The country exports a lot of coffee. Import: To bring goods into a country from another country. Example Sentence: They import cars from Japan.

Root: spect Meaning: Look, see

Spectator: A person who watches an event. Example Sentence: The spectators cheered for the team. Inspect: To look at something carefully. Example Sentence: The mechanic will inspect the car. Respect: To look up to someone; to admire them. Example Sentence: I respect my teachers.

Root: dict Meaning: Say, speak

Dictate: To say something aloud to be written down. Example Sentence: The boss dictated a letter to his secretary. Predict: To say what will happen in the future. Example Sentence: The weather forecast predicts rain. Contradict: To say the opposite of what someone else has said. Example Sentence: Don’t contradict me!

Practice

Try to identify the root in the following words and determine their meanings:

• Audible
• Biology
• Visible
• Traction
• Telegram
• Portable

Summary

By understanding Greek and Latin roots, you can decipher the meaning of many unfamiliar words. This knowledge is invaluable for improving your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and overall language skills. Continue to explore and identify roots in new words you encounter!

let’s practice!