Word Origin
This word part is the main part of a word that carries the primary meaning and is often derived from Latin or Greek. What is it?
Root
A prefix is added to the ___ of a base word to change its meaning. Fill the blank.
Beginning
A suffix is added to the ___ of a base word. Fill the blank.
end
The root "scrib/script" means this. What is it?
write
Combine the prefix "mis-" (meaning "wrong" or "bad") with the root "spell" to make a common word. What is the word?
misspell
The word "telegraph" comes from Greek roots. What does the root "graph" mean?
The prefix "un-" means this. Give an example word and short meaning.
The suffix "-er" can change a verb into someone who does the action. Give an example and explain.
Example: "teacher" = one who teaches
The root "bio" means this. Give one word that uses "bio."
life — example: "biology"
Build a word from the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under") and the root "marine" or "merge." Give the word and a short definition.
"submarine" (under the sea) or "submerge" (to put under)
Many English words come from Latin. Give one example of an English word that uses a Latin root meaning "write."
Example: "scrib" or "script" → "describe," "manuscript"
The prefix "re-" often means "again." Create a sentence using a word that begins with "re-" and underline the meaning of the prefix in your sentence.
The suffix "-able" or "-ible" changes a verb into an adjective meaning "able to be." Change the verb "read" into an adjective using a correct suffix and use it in a short phrase.
"readable" — "a readable book"
The root "spect" means "to look" or "see." Provide two English words that include this root and explain their meanings briefly.
"inspect" (to look into), "spectator" (one who watches)
Make a new word by adding a suffix to the root "help" so that the new word means "the quality of being helpful." What is the word?
helpful → "helpfulness" or "helpfulness" is quality of being helpful (or "helpfulness")
Explain why knowing the origin of a root helps you figure out the meaning of new words. (Answer in 1–2 sentences.)
The prefixes "pre-" and "post-" are opposites. Explain their meanings and give one example word for each.
"pre-" = before (example: "preview"), "post-" = after (example: "postpone")
The suffix "-ness" changes an adjective into a noun. Turn "happy" into a noun and use it in a sentence.
"happiness" — "Her happiness was clear."
The root "ject" means "throw." Identify the meaning of the word "project" using the root and context clues.
"project" = to throw forward; also a planned piece of work — root suggests sending/throwing forward
Using the root "tele" (meaning "far") and a suffix that makes the word a noun, create a word and define it.
"telecommunication" or "telegraph" — "telecommunication" = communication over distance
The root "port" comes from Latin. List three different English words that use "port" and briefly say how each word’s meaning connects to the root.
The prefix "anti-" and "auto-" have different meanings. Define both prefixes and create one new word for each (the words can be real or logically formed) and explain the meaning.
"anti-" = against (example: "antibiotic" — against life/ bacteria), "auto-" = self (example: "autograph" — one's own signature). (Accept logically formed words with correct explanations.)
Explain how the suffix "-tion" changes verbs into nouns and turn the verb "collect" into its noun form. Use the noun in a sentence.
"collection" — "He has a stamp collection."
Choose a root (like "therm," "chron," or "geo"), define it, and list two complex words that use this root with short definitions for each.
Example: "chron" = time → "chronology" (study of time/order of events), "synchronize" (to make happen at the same time)
Create a two‑part word using a prefix and a suffix around the root "act" (for example: prefix + act + suffix). Explain the meaning of your new word and why each part contributes to that meaning.
Example: "interactive" = "inter-" (between) + "act" + "-ive" (adjective form) → meaning tending to act between participants (allowing two‑way action).