MTA Latin Root Words

I’m the reason mountains touch the clouds and birds seem tiny above. Whenever something rises sky-high, I’m the root you’ll think of. What root word am I?

• alt

• ped / pod

• manu

• bene /bon

Answer explanation

The root 'alt' means high or elevated, which relates to mountains touching the clouds. It signifies height, making it the correct choice for something that rises sky-high.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

I breathe life into stories and spark feelings deep inside. Where there’s spirit, soul, or courage, that’s where I like to hide. What root word am I?

• anim

• bene / bon

• cardio

• pop

Answer explanation

The root word 'anim' relates to spirit and life, as seen in words like 'animate' and 'animal'. The clues in the riddle point to concepts of spirit and courage, making 'anim' the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

You need me when you listen, when music reaches your ear. You’ll find me in applause and sound—where voices become clear. What root word am I?

• audio

• vis / vid

• tele

• scope

Answer explanation

The riddle refers to sound-related concepts. 'Audio' relates to listening and music, while 'vis/vid' pertains to sight, 'tele' means distance, and 'scope' relates to viewing. Thus, 'audio' is the correct root word.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

 I bring you praise, a smile, a gift — I lean toward what’s kind.
You’ll find me in a wish that’s warm, or in a deed that’s kind. What root word am I?

• bene/bon

• mal

• hydro

• terra

Answer explanation

The root word 'bene/bon' means good or kind, aligning with the clues of praise, smiles, and warm wishes. In contrast, 'mal' means bad, 'hydro' relates to water, and 'terra' refers to earth, making 'bene/bon' the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

I visit whenever things don’t last long—quick as a flash, then gone. Short moments, short sounds, short words—my stay is never long. What root word am I?

• brev

• anim

• phobia

• luc / lux

Answer explanation

The root word 'brev' means short or brief, aligning with the clues of short moments, sounds, and words. The other options do not relate to the concept of brevity, making 'brev' the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

I step back, move aside, or let others go ahead. I’m found in words where people yield or progress instead. What root word am I?

• ced/cede/cess

• spect/spec

• dict/dic

• scrib/script

Answer explanation

The root 'ced/cede/cess' relates to yielding or going, as seen in words like 'precede' and 'access'. This aligns with the idea of stepping back or letting others go ahead, making it the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

I speak without a mouth and command without a crown. In words of saying, telling, or declaring, I’m the root that holds it down. What root word am I?

• dic/dict

• morph

• aud

• vid/vis

Answer explanation

The riddle describes the root 'dic/dict', which relates to speaking or declaring (as in 'dictate' or 'dictionary'). It emphasizes communication without physical form, aligning perfectly with the concept of words.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

I lead the way, I guide you through, I lead the way through pipes or plans, guiding things along. Follow me, and you’ll discover I’ve been directing all along. What root word am I?

• duc/duct

• qui

• terr / terra

• vis / vid

Answer explanation

The root word 'duc/duct' means to lead or guide, which aligns with the clues in the question about leading the way and guiding through pipes or plans. Other options do not convey this meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

I make, I do, I create with care, In factories or crafts, I’m always there. What word means "to make or do"? I’m the maker in many words—building, doing, shaping life. Whenever something forms or becomes, you’ll find me in the strife. What root word am I?

• fac / fact / fic

• man / manu

• gram / graph

• scrib / script

Answer explanation

The root word "fac / fact / fic" means "to make or do," as seen in words like "factory," "manufacture," and "fiction." This aligns with the clues about creating and shaping life, making it the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

I bend but don’t break, I’m quite strong, In mirrors, I show where you belong. What root-based word means "to bend or curve"? I bend but never break—at least in the stories I hide inside. Stretching, curving, folding—these are the places where I reside. What root word am I?

• flex / flect

• fort

• rupt

• struct

Answer explanation

The root words 'flex' and 'flect' mean to bend or curve, aligning with the clues about bending and showing in mirrors. Other options like 'fort' (strong), 'rupt' (break), and 'struct' (build) do not fit the bending theme.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B