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

Root: Hydr Meaning: Water

Examples: Hydrate – to add water to Hydraulic – powered by water pressure Dehydration – lack of water in the body

Root: Auto Meaning: self

Examples: Automobile – a vehicle that moves by itself Autograph – a person’s own signature Autopilot – a system that controls itself without human help

Common Latin Roots

Root: Cred Meaning: Belive

Examples: Credit: to believe someone has done something good Credible – something you can believe or trust Incredible – something so amazing it’s hard to believe

Root: Loc Meaning: Place

Examples: Location – a place where something is Locate – to find the place of something Local – related to a nearby place

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!