Use etymologies to determine the meanings of words

Key Notes:

What is Etymology?

Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. It’s like being a word detective, tracing words back to their roots!

Why Study Etymology?

Understanding etymology can help you:

• Improve Vocabulary: By knowing where words come from, you can more easily understand and remember their meanings.
• Decode Unfamiliar Words: When you encounter a new word, recognizing its root or origin can give you clues to its meaning.
• Enhance Reading Comprehension: A deeper understanding of words allows for a more nuanced understanding of texts.
• Appreciate Language: Etymology reveals the fascinating history of language and how words have evolved over time.

Common Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Root Words: (carry): important, portable, export (write): describe, inscribe, manuscript (look): inspect, spectator, perspective (draw/pull): attract, contract, distract (call): vocal, provoke, advocate

Prefixes: (before): preview, pretest, prepare (not): unhappy, undo, unseen (again): review, return, redo (apart/not): disagree, disappear, dislike (in/not): inside, import, impossible Suffixes: (how): quickly, sadly, happily (state of): happiness, sadness, kindness (act of): creation, expansion, tension (able to): readable, visible, capable

Examples of Etymology in Action

• Astronomy: Comes from the Greek words (star) and (law/arrangement). So, astronomy is the study of the laws and arrangement of stars.
• Telephone: Comes from the Greek words (far) and (sound/voice). A telephone carries sound from far away.
• Biology: Comes from the Greek words (life) and (study of). Biology is the study of life.
• Audience: From Latin (to hear). The audience are those who hear something.

Tips for Using Etymology

• Look for Root Words: When you encounter a new word, try to identify any familiar root words within it.
• Consider Prefixes and Suffixes: Pay attention to prefixes and suffixes, as they often provide clues to a word’s meaning.
• Use a Dictionary: Etymological dictionaries (like the Online Etymology Dictionary) can be valuable resources for tracing word origins.
• Make Connections: Try to connect the original meaning of a word to its modern usage.
• Practice Regularly: The more you explore etymology, the better you’ll become at recognizing word origins and understanding their meanings.

Summary

By understanding etymology, students can unlock the hidden meanings within words and gain a deeper appreciation for the English language. Exploring word origins is a valuable tool for vocabulary building, reading comprehension, and overall language proficiency.

Let’s practice!