Determine the meanings of Greek and Latin roots

Key Notes :

What are Roots?

Imagine roots as the foundation of a house. They are the basic parts that give a word its main meaning. Many English words are built using these root ‘foundations’ from Greek and Latin.

Let’s look at some examples!

Common Greek Roots

Examples: Photograph: A picture made using light. Photosynthesis: The process plants use to make food using light. Photocopy: A copy of a document made using light.

Root: Photo Meaning: Light

Examples: Telephone: A device to hear someone far away. Television: A device to see images from far away. Telescope: An instrument to see far-away objects.

Root: Tele Meaning: Far away

Common Latin Roots

Examples: Spectator: Someone who looks at an event. Inspect: To look at something carefully. Respect: To look up to someone.

Root: Spect Meaning: To look

Examples: Transport: To carry something from one place to another. Portable: Able to be carried. Export: To carry goods out of a country.

Root: Port Meaning: To carry

Practice Time!

Let’s see if you can spot the roots in these words! What do you think they mean?

1. Autograph
2. Predict
3. Audience
4. Thermometer
5. Project

Hint: auto – self, dict – say, aud – hear, thermo – heat, ject – throw

Answers:

1. Self writing
2. Say before
3. Those who hear
4. Measure heat
5. Throw forward

Why are Roots Important?

Knowing Greek and Latin roots is like having a secret code to unlock the meaning of thousands of words! It helps you:

• Understand new words easily.
• Improve your reading comprehension.
• Expand your vocabulary.
• Become a word whiz!

Next Steps

Keep exploring! Look for these roots in your reading. Try to guess the meaning of new words by identifying the roots you know. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at understanding the secret language of words!

Let’s practice!