Having a good knowledge of these word
elements is very helpful when you want to work out the meanings of unfamiliar
words. This page focuses on word roots. Many roots in English
words come from Latin or Greek words. Knowing word roots will help you to learn
or guess the meanings of new words.
Latin
Greek
Root
Meaning
Examples
Root
Meaning
Examples
aud
hear
audience,
audition
auto
self
autonomy,
automatic
cede
move,
go
concede,
recede, precede
bio
life
biology,
biodegradable
duc/duct
lead
education,
conduct, reduce
chron
time
chronological, chronic
port
carry
transport,
report, portable
path
feeling
apathetic,
sympathy
spect
look
spectator,
spectacle
phobia
fear
claustrophobia
vert
turn
convert,
revert
phon
sound
symphony,
telephone
vis
see
vision,
visible, visual
soph
wisdom
philosophy,
sophisticated
Replace the underlined words in each
sentence with a similar word containing the root.
The company sells its products to a number
of countries in Southeast Asia. (port)
Tim always goes over his notes several
times before important tests. (vis)
The government sent an expert to look closely at
the cracks in the building. (spect)
Janice was very pleased because Andy Lau signed
the photograph for her. (auto)
Professor King is planning to write a life story
of Bill Clinton. (bio)
This year’s fireworks display in Victoria Harbour was
truly amazing. (spect)
The actor’s voice was so soft that it was impossible
to hear. (aud)
Dr Yuen’s students all look up to him because he
is so knowledgeable. (spect)
hits since 20 September 2004.
If you have any suggestions or questions, please e-mail us at
.
