Using Word Roots to Understand Unfamiliar Words

A Little History of the English Language Celts Angles, Saxons and Romans Norman Conquest Colonization

Using Word Roots Word roots are the basic blocks of meaning on which words are built. Example: -ject- is a root that means “to cast or to throw,” so if I read the word “eject” I know it means “to throw out,” if I read “dejected” I know it means “thrown down,” if I read “reject” I know it means “to throw back,” etc.

Using Word Roots Three very common roots are: 1. -dict-, -dictat- : to say, to command, or to speak 2. -pend-, -pens-: to hang or weigh 3. -terr-, -ter-: earth or land What are some examples of words with these roots?

How to Use Word Roots 1. Remember the root meaning by associating with a word you already know. 2. When you recognize a root, see if you can figure out the meaning of the entire word (use context clues to help). 3. Test your meaning to see if it fits the context of the sentence. 4. Don’t forget your foreign language skills!

Practice Choose the correct meanings of the words in bold. 1. They resented his dictatorial methods. a) very childish b) commanding c) extremely difficult d) obviously untrustworthy

Practice Choose the correct meanings of the words in bold. 2. The last day of summer camp caused my sister’s pensive mood. a) joyous b) indifferent c) excited d) sad

Practice Choose the correct meanings of the words in bold. 3. They discussed the novelist’s diction. a) use of character b) thematic ideas c) plot complication d) word choice

Know These 5 Roots 1. -dict-, -dictat- : to say, to command, or to speak 2. -pend-, -pens-: to hang or weigh 3. -terr-, -ter-: earth or land 4. -bio-: life 5. -Mar-: the sea, water