DETERMINE THE MEANINGS OF WORDS WITH GREEK AND LATIN ROOTS

Key Notes :

What are Greek and Latin Roots?
Many English words come from Greek and Latin. These ancient languages provide us with roots, which are basic parts of a word that carry a core meaning. Think of roots as building blocks for words! Knowing common Greek and Latin roots can help you understand the meanings of many unfamiliar words.

Why are Roots Important?

Understanding Greek and Latin roots can:

• Expand your vocabulary: You’ll be able to figure out the meanings of new words more easily.
• Improve your reading comprehension: Knowing roots helps you understand what you’re reading.
• Help with spelling: Recognizing roots can make spelling easier.

How to Determine Meaning Using Roots

Here’s how to break down words using roots:

• Identify the root: Look for a familiar root within the word.
• Think about the root’s meaning: What does the root usually mean?
• Look for prefixes and suffixes: These can modify the root’s meaning. (We’ll cover these later!)
• Combine the meanings: Put the meanings of the root and any prefixes/suffixes together to get the word’s overall meaning.
• Check the context: Make sure your interpretation makes sense in the sentence or passage where the word appears.

Common Roots and Examples

Root port spect graph phon photo

Meaning & Examples carry transport, import, export look/see inspect, spectacle, respect write autograph, photograph, biography Symphony,Harmony of sounds light photograph, photosynthesis

psych cracy cycl astro aqua

Psychology, Study of the human mind Democracy, Government by the people Cycle, A sequence that repeats in a circular pattern Astronomy,Study of stars and space water aquarium, aquatic

Tips for Success

• Make flashcards: Write the root on one side and its meaning on the other.
• Practice regularly: The more you see roots in words, the easier they’ll be to recognize.
• Use context clues: If you’re unsure of a word’s meaning, look for clues in the surrounding sentences.
• Don’t be afraid to look it up: A dictionary is your friend!

Understanding the power of Greek and Latin roots can significantly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension skills. Keep exploring and practicing, and you’ll become a word detective in no time!

Let’s practice!