Greek root words

If a historical account is presented in chronological order, what does the Greek root chrono tell you about the sequence?

• It is organized by importance.

• It is organized by location.

• It is organized by time.

• It is organized by subject.

Answer explanation

The Greek root 'chrono' means 'time'. Therefore, chronological order means arranging events in the order they occurred.

Match each Greek root to its correct meaning.

• life

• bio

• earth

• hydro

• water

• geo

Answer explanation

Each root is matched to its direct meaning: 'hydro' means water, 'bio' means life, and 'geo' means earth.

A scientist specializing in biochemistry would be most concerned with which of the following topics?

• The chemical processes within living organisms

• The composition and properties of rocks and minerals

• The physical properties of distant stars and galaxies

• The patterns of weather and climate over time

Answer explanation

The Greek root 'bio' means 'life'. Therefore, biochemistry is the study of the chemistry related to life. The other options describe geology, astronomy, and meteorology, respectively.

If the dancers in a group want to synchronize their movements, what are they trying to do?

• Perform their movements at the exact same time.

• Create brand new dance moves on the spot.

• Make their movements look more complex.

• Speed up the tempo of the music.

Answer explanation

The root 'syn' means 'together' and 'chrono' means 'time'. To synchronize is to make things happen together at the same time.

The words telephone, television, and teleport all share the Greek root tele. Based on these examples, what does the root tele most likely mean?

• sound

• to see

• far, distant

• to carry

Answer explanation

The Greek root 'tele' means 'far' or 'distant'. A telephone carries sound over a distance, a television allows sight over a distance, and to teleport is to travel across a distance instantly. The other options are related to only one of the example words.

Sort these words based on the meaning of their Greek root: 'Study of Something' or 'Device for Writing/Sending'.

Groups:

(a) Study of Something (-logy)

,

(b) Device for Writing/Sending (-graph)

• geology

• psychology

• photograph

• telegraph

Answer explanation

Words ending in '-logy' refer to a field of study. Words ending in '-graph' often refer to something written or a device for writing/recording.

My friend and I are so in sync, it's like we have telepathy. What does telepathy most likely mean?

• A feeling of strong dislike.

• A way of communicating using only your mind.

• A shared interest in watching television.

• A long journey to a faraway place.

Answer explanation

The root 'tele' means 'distant' and 'pathy' relates to feeling or suffering. Telepathy is the supposed communication of thoughts over a distance without using known senses.

The Greek root therm, as in thermometer and thermal, relates to what concept?

• pressure

• light

• measurement

• heat

Answer explanation

The root 'therm' means 'heat'. A thermometer measures heat, and thermal clothing is designed to keep you warm.

The words autograph, automobile, and autobiography all contain the Greek root auto. What common concept does this root refer to?

• the self

• movement

• writing

• life

Answer explanation

The Greek root 'auto' means 'self'. An autograph is a person's own signature, an automobile is a self-moving vehicle, and an autobiography is the story of one's own life. The other options relate to only one of the example words.

Sort these words based on whether their root for 'water' or 'life' is from Greek or Latin.

Groups:

(a) Greek Origin

,

(b) Latin Origin

• vitality

• biology

• aquatic

• hydrate

Answer explanation

'Bio' (life) and 'hydro' (water) are Greek roots. 'Vita' (life) and 'aqua' (water) are their Latin counterparts.