Greek & Latin Roots
Many English words are based on Greek and Latin roots, which are often included in their definitions in a dictionary. Your understanding of Greek and Latin roots may help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words. When you see an unknown word, you can use what you know about Greek and Latin roots to help you figure out the word’s meaning.
• The Latin word ante means “before,” as in the word antechamber.
• The word scholarly comes from the Latin word scholaris, meaning “of a school.”
• The word celebrity comes from the Latin word celebrare, which means “to honor.”
• The Latin word terra, meaning “earth, land,” is in the words terrain and territory.
• The Latin word gloria means “praise,” as in the word glorify.
A root word is a word that other words are made from. Sometimes root words are also called base words.
• The root word for shielding is shield.
• The root word for numerous is number.
• The root word for generations is generate (to begin). A generation includes all people born in the same period of time.
• The root word for avoided is avoid (to stay away from).
• The Latin word ante means “before,” as in the word antechamber.
• The word scholarly comes from the Latin word scholaris, meaning “of a school.”
• The word celebrity comes from the Latin word celebrare, which means “to honor.”
• The Latin word terra, meaning “earth, land,” is in the words terrain and territory.
• The Latin word gloria means “praise,” as in the word glorify.
A root word is a word that other words are made from. Sometimes root words are also called base words.
• The root word for shielding is shield.
• The root word for numerous is number.
• The root word for generations is generate (to begin). A generation includes all people born in the same period of time.
• The root word for avoided is avoid (to stay away from).