Word meanings through linguistic roots
Decoding language with powerful root knowledge
Roots are the fundamental building blocks of many words. They come from other languages, usually classical ones like Latin and ancient Greek.
Roots are important because they help us decipher a word’s spelling and meaning. Spelling is not just about memorization; roots will help you to understand the words you’re spelling!
Introductory Roots in Greek
1. Graph = to write: graphic, autograph
2. Bio = life: Biology, probiotic
3. Hydr = water: hydrant, dehydrated
4. Tele = far away: telescope, television
5. Geo = earth: geode, geology
6. Thermo = heat: thermometer, thermostat
7. Acro = high: acrobat, acronym
8. Phon = sound: phonics, symphony
9. Astro = star: Astronaut, astronomy
10. Auto = self: automobile, automatic
Introductory Roots in Latin
1. Cred = to believe: credit, incredible
2. Voc = voice: advocate, vocalize
3. Struct = to build: construction, structural
4. Aud = to hear: audience, auditorium
5. Vis = to see: visual, invisible
6. Terr = land: territory, terrestrial
7. Sci = to know: science, conscious
8. Vac = empty: vacant, evacuate
9. Tract = to pull: tractor, subtract
10. Cent = one hundred: percent, century
Roots of the Week
