Academic Greek Latin Roots

More than half of English words come from Latin, and another 5% come from Greek. These words are formed by taking a Greek or Latin root and adding prefixes, suffixes or both. A root is a word from which other words are formed. Some roots can stand as words all by themselves. Others always need prefixes or suffixes added to them. When you know the meaning of Greek and Latin roots, you can use them to figure out the meanings of words.

For example, aqua is a root word that means “water.” -Tic is a suffix that means “relating to or characterized by.” So, aquatic means “living or found in or near water” or “of or relating to things that live in or near water.” A fish is an aquatic animal.

According to the text, what is true about roots?

• They cannot be linked to prefixes and suffixes.

• They are all Greek.

• They can help you figure out the meanings of words.

• They can never stand on their own.

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The root dict (from Latin) means “speak” or “say.”

Dictation is the act of speaking words that someone else writes down or a machine records.

A dictionary is a book that lists the words of one language in alphabetical order and gives information about their meanings.

If the prefix contra- means “against” or “opposite,” what does the word “contradict” mean?

• to look the opposite way than someone else

• against yourself

• to say the opposite of what someone else said

• against writing

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The root aut (from Greek) means “self.”

If you're writing a book about yourself, you're writing an autobiography.

If this book becomes a bestseller, you might be asked for your autograph.

When someone signs their “autograph,” they write their own name. The word “autograph” is made up of two roots. Using your knowledge of the meaning of the root “aut,” infer the meaning of the root “graph.”

• “Graph” means “to become famous.”

• “Graph” means “to write.”

• “Graph” means “a pen.”

• “Graph” means “to refuse.”

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The roots ped and pod (from Greek) mean “foot.”

Pedaling for hours on your bike might make your feet hurt.

A podiatrist is a doctor who'll make your feet feel better.

“Quad” is a root that means “four or fourth.” Which word means “an animal that has four feet”?

• quadratice

• quatraine

• quadrangle

• quadruped

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The root word port (from Latin) means “carry.”

These days, almost everyone has a portable phone.

Transportation can take the form of plane, train or car travel.

“Ex-” is a prefix that means “out” or “from.” Which word means “to send out goods to be sold in another country”?

• exist

• exclude

• extend

• export

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The root tele (from Greek) means “far.”

Use a telescope if you want to look at the moon or stars.

Use a telephone if you want to talk to a relative who lives in another state (or even next door).

If “vision” is the ability to see, what is the meaning of the word “television”?

• a system of sending images and sounds far distances through space

• a process of writing about things that are very far away

• the process of measuring things that you can see

• a machine that stops you from seeing any images

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The root word spec (from Latin) means “look.”

The officials inspected the field before the game began.

Spectators are the people sitting in the stands at the game.

A “spectacle” is a kind of performance that

• is very interesting to look at.

• is hard to hear

• includes only one performer

• includes music with a slow beat

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The root word form (from Latin) means "shape" and can stand by itself.

What is the formula for success?

In order to be accepted by others, some people conform to society.

The suffix “-less” means “without.” What does “formless” mean?

• able to see shapes

• having no shape

• the measure of a shape

• drawing a shape

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The root word tempo (from Latin) means “time.”

As a standalone root word, tempo refers specifically to the speed of music. As a root word in a larger word, it refers to things having to do with time.

The tempo changed from fast to slow in the middle of the song.

A temporary solution only works for the time being; it doesn't last.

“Up-” is a prefix that means “higher” or “increased.” If DJ Vanessa only plays “uptempo” music, this means she

• plays music with a fast tempo.

• plays music with a slow tempo.

• plays music that has no tempo.

• plays music with many different tempos.

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The root word graph (from Greek) means “to write” or “to draw.”

When you take a photograph, you're “writing down,” or recording, an image.

A piece of writing might be accompanied by an illustration, or a graphic.

The root word “choreo” means “to dance.” What does “choreograph” mean?

• to create, or compose, a dance

• to end a dance

• to dance quickly on your feet

• to play music for a dance

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