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

Key Notes :

Why Study Roots?

Many English words are built from smaller parts, including Greek and Latin roots. Understanding these roots can help you:

• Decode unfamiliar words: Even if you’ve never seen a word before, recognizing its root can give you a clue to its meaning.
• Expand your vocabulary: Learning a few common roots can unlock the meanings of dozens of words.
• Improve reading comprehension: A stronger vocabulary makes it easier to understand complex texts.
• Enhance your writing: You’ll be able to choose more precise and sophisticated words to express your ideas.

Common Greek Roots

Root auto bio grap hlog meter phon tele

Meaning and Examples self automobile (self-moving vehicle) autograph (self-signature) life biology (study of life) biography (story of a life) write, draw graphite (writing material) autograph (self written) word, study logic (study of reasoning) dialogue (conversation between two people) measure thermometer (measures temperature) kilometer (a thousand meters) sound telephone (distant sound) phonics (study of sound) far, distant telephone (distant sound) television (distant vision)

Common Latin Roots

Root dict duc/duct fac/fact port scrib/script spec/spect vid/vis

Meaning and Examples say dictate (to say aloud) predict (to say beforehand) lead conduct (to lead) deduct (to lead away) make, do factory (place where things are made) artifact (something made by skill) carry transport (to carry across) portable (able to be carried) write scribble (to write carelessly) manuscript (written by hand) look, see inspect (to look into) spectator (one who watches) see video (see an image) visible (able to be seen)

Putting It Together: How Roots Determine Meaning

To figure out a word’s meaning, break it down into its root and any prefixes or suffixes.

Example 1: Retrospect

• retro- (prefix meaning “backward”) + spect (root meaning “look”)
• Therefore, retrospect means “to look back on something.”
• Sentence: In retrospect, I wish I had studied harder for the test.

Example 2: Biology

• bio- (root meaning “life”) + -logy (suffix meaning “study of”)
• Therefore, biology means “the study of life.”
• Sentence: She is fascinated by biology, especially the study of marine animals.

Example 3: Audible

• aud- (root meaning “hear”) + -ible (suffix meaning “able to”)
• Therefore, audible means “able to be heard.”
• Sentence: The speaker’s voice was barely audible in the back of the room.

Practice Makes Perfect

Try to identify the roots in the following words and determine their meaning:

• Dictator
• Telescope
• Conduct
• Autobiography
• Portable

Next Steps

Continue to practice identifying Greek and Latin roots in new words you encounter. Use online resources and dictionaries to explore the meanings of different roots. The more you practice, the easier it will become to decode unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary!

Let’s practice!