Greek and Latin Roots

Greek and Latin Roots

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Why do you need to know about other languages like Greek and Latin when you are learning English?

 It's because Greek and Latin roots (the origin of a word) are more common than you realize. You likely see them every day without even realizing it. When you know what the meanings of different roots are, they can help you find out the meaning of a word.

Prefixes and Suffixes

Usually these Greek and Latin roots can't be proper words unless you add a prefix or a suffix to complete them

Prefixes and Suffixes

• Pre- means before, which means a prefix goes before, or at the start of, a word. 

• A suffix goes at the end of a word.

Just like knowing the meaning of a Greek or Latin root can help you figure out the meaning of a word, so can knowing the meaning of different Greek or Latin prefixes and suffixes. Take a look!

Greek and Latin Prefixes

• anti- = against

• pre- = before

• super- = above

• trans- = across

• tele- = far off

• inter- = between

• semi- = half, partly

Greek and Latin Suffixes

• -able = is, can be

• -ment = state of being

• -ology = the study of

• -phon = sound

• -graph = writing

• -less = without

• -port = carry

See how this Latin root changes when different prefixes and suffixes are added. 

multi (many) 

multimedia - many means of communication multiply - to increase in number multitude - many beyond count (too many to count)  multicultural - many cultures

Multiple Choice

Which word means the study of life?

• geology

• radiology

• biology

• pathology

Multiple Choice

Which word means sound from far off?

• telephone

• teleport

• phonograph

• autograph

Multiple Choice

Which word means light writing or writing with light?

• telephone

• photology

• teleport

• photograph

Multiple Choice

Which word means to carry across?

• teleport

• transcontinental

• transport

• photograph

Multiple Choice

Which word means to carry far off?

• transport

• teleport

• telephone

• biport

Multiple Choice

Which word means able to be carried?

• teleport

• portside

• portable

• transport

Multiple Choice

I signed my autograph. What does the underlined word mean?

• my own written name

• picture taken with a camera

• note for my teacher

• lunch choice

Multiple Select

Check the meaning of the root aqua.

• light

• far off

• the study of

• water

Multiple Select

Check the meaning of the root photo.

• light

• far off

• the study of

• water

Multiple Select

Check the meaning of the root tele.

• light

• far off

• the study of

• water

Multiple Select

Check the meaning of the root ology.

• light

• far off

• the study of

• water

Multiple Choice

Which word has a prefix?

• countless

• riskier

• semicircle

• washable

Multiple Choice

Which word has a suffix?

• goblin

• countless

• midsentence

• predefine