Word Roots

Latin Word Parts

Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes are the building blocks upon which many English words are formed.

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​Latin Word Parts

A root

is the part that gives the basic meaning of the word. Every word has a root.

the root frag means break

Multiple Choice

frag + ment= fragment

What is the definition of fragment?

• a broken piece

• lots of frogs

Multiple Choice

frag + ile = fragile

What does fragile mean?

• French for lamp.

• easily broken; delicate

​A word can be formed from more than one root.

Multiple Choice

the root manu means hand

the root script means write, written

What does manuscript mean?

• a handwritten document

• a man eating shark who can write

is a part that is added before the root. The prefix adds to or alters the meaning of the root. Not every word has a prefix.

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​A prefix

Multiple Choice

the prefix de- means away, down

the root struct means build

de + struct = ?

• tackle

• tall building

• to take down