Determine the meanings of Greek and Latin roots

Key Notes :

What are Greek and Latin Roots?

Greek and Latin roots are the basic building blocks of many words in the English language. A root is a word part that carries a core meaning. Think of them as the foundation upon which words are built. Many English words are formed by combining these roots with prefixes (word parts added to the beginning) and suffixes (word parts added to the end).

Why are They Important?

Understanding Greek and Latin roots can significantly expand your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension. By recognizing common roots, you can often deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words, even without looking them up in a dictionary. This skill is invaluable for academic success and lifelong learning. Furthermore, understanding word origins provides a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of language.

Identifying Greek and Latin Roots

Roots are often found in the middle of words, but they can also appear at the beginning or end. Look for recurring patterns in words. Sometimes the root is slightly altered (e.g., scrib becomes script), but the core meaning remains the same.

• Pay Attention to Context: The surrounding words can provide clues about the word’s meaning, which can then help you identify the root.
• Look for Common Roots: Familiarize yourself with a list of common Greek and Latin roots (see examples below).
• Break Down the Word: Separate the prefix, root, and suffix (if any). This can make it easier to isolate the root.

Strategies for Determining Meanings

Here are some strategies to help you determine the meanings of words containing Greek and Latin roots:

• Identify the Root: Locate the root within the word.
• Recall the Root’s Meaning: Think about what you know about that root. Use a list of common roots if necessary.
• Consider Prefixes and Suffixes: Determine how the prefix and/or suffix modify the root’s meaning.
• Use Context Clues: Look for clues in the surrounding sentences or paragraphs that might hint at the word’s meaning.
• Form a Hypothesis: Based on your understanding of the root, prefix, suffix, and context, make an educated guess about the word’s meaning.
• Test Your Hypothesis: Substitute your hypothesized meaning into the sentence to see if it makes sense. If not, revise your hypothesis.

Examples of Common Greek and Latin Roots

Root: port Meaning: to carry Examples: transport (to carry across) portable (able to be carried) export (to carry out)

Root: scrib/script Meaning: to write Examples: scribe (a person who writes) manuscript (written by hand) prescription (written beforehand)

Root: ject Meaning: to throw Examples: eject (to throw out) reject (to throw back) project (to throw forward)

Root: vis/vid Meaning: to see Examples: visible (able to be seen) video (relating to seeing) evidence (something that provides a means of seeing)

Root: therm Meaning: heat Examples: thermometer (measures heat) thermal (related to heat) thermos (container to keep heat)

Root: phon Meaning: sound Examples: telephone (sound from afar) phonics (study of sound) symphony (sounds together)

Tips for Students

• Create flashcards with common roots, their meanings, and examples.
• Practice breaking down words into their component parts.
• Read widely and pay attention to unfamiliar words.
• Use online resources like etymology dictionaries to explore word origins.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Learning takes time and effort.

Summary

In this lesson, we explored the importance of Greek and Latin roots in understanding the English language. We learned how to identify these roots, strategies for determining their meanings, and reviewed common examples. By mastering this skill, you can unlock the meaning of countless words and enhance your overall vocabulary.

Let’s practice!