Determine the meanings of words with Greek and Latin roots

Key Notes :

What are Greek and Latin Roots?

Many English words are built from smaller parts, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Roots are the core of a word and carry its primary meaning. Greek and Latin roots are particularly common in English, especially in academic and technical vocabulary. Understanding these roots can dramatically improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension.

  • Roots: The basic part of a word that carries the core meaning.
  • Prefixes: Word parts added to the beginning of a root to change its meaning.
  • Suffixes: Word parts added to the end of a root to change its meaning or grammatical function.
Why are They Important?

Knowing common Greek and Latin roots:

  • Expands Your Vocabulary: You can decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words.
  • Improves Reading Comprehension: Understanding word meanings helps you grasp complex texts.
  • Aids in Standardized Tests: Many standardized tests (like the SAT and ACT) test vocabulary knowledge based on roots.
  • Enhances Writing Skills: You can use a wider range of vocabulary in your writing.
How to Identify Greek and Latin Roots

Identifying roots takes practice, but here are some tips:

  • Look for Familiar Parts: See if you recognize any common prefixes or suffixes. If you remove them, does the remaining part look familiar?
  • Consider the Context: The surrounding words and sentences can give clues about the word’s meaning, which can help you identify the root.
  • Break Down the Word: Divide the word into its component parts: prefix, root, and suffix.
  • Use a Dictionary: If you’re unsure, look up the word in a dictionary. The etymology (word origin) section often lists the root and its meaning.
Strategies for Determining Meaning
  • Identify the Root: Find the core meaning carrier.
  • Identify Prefixes and Suffixes: Determine how they modify the root’s meaning.
  • Combine the Meanings: Put together the meanings of the root, prefix, and suffix to get an approximate definition.
  • Check the Context: Ensure your definition makes sense in the context of the sentence.
  • Consult a Dictionary: If needed, verify your definition with a dictionary.
Examples of Common Roots
RootMeaning and Examples

Carry (e.g., portable, transport, export)

Write (e.g., scribble, describe, script)

Look/See (e.g., spectator, inspect, respect)

Far/Distant (e.g., telephone, television, telescope)

Life (e.g., biology, biography, biodegradable)

Earth (e.g., geography, geology, geometrics)

Heat (e.g., thermometer, thermal, thermostat)

Light (e.g., photograph, photosynthesis, photocopy)

Measure (e.g., meter, kilometer, centimeter)

Write/Draw (e.g., graph, graphic, autograph)
Tips for Students
  • Keep a Root Word List: As you encounter new words, identify their roots and add them to your personal list.
  • Practice Regularly: The more you practice identifying roots, the easier it will become.
  • Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with roots on one side and their meanings on the other.
  • Play Word Games: Games like Scrabble or Boggle can help you become more familiar with word parts.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Guess: Even if you don’t know the exact meaning, try to make an educated guess based on the roots.
Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about Greek and Latin roots, try practicing with different words. Look for root words in your textbooks and in the books you read for fun. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at unlocking the meanings of new words!

Let’s practice!