Word Roots
Many of the words we use are made up of parts. These parts are called roots. The roots themselves
have meaning, and when you put them in larger words, they can help to define the word. Vocabulary and
spelling become easier and more meaningful by studying word roots.
Homework
Your assignment is to prepare a flashcard for each root assigned. You must use card stock or index cards
– no paper flashcards. On one side of the card, write the root. On the other side of the card, write the
definition, two words that relate back to the root’s meaning, and definitions for those words. For example:
Side 1
Side 2
­­ both ways
1.
amphitheater –
theater in which you can
see both sides of the
stage
amphi
2.
amphibious – able
to live both on land and
water
1­1
Latin Roots
Group #3
Root
26. amo, ami
27. aud, audit
28. bene
29. cap
30. cede, ceed
31. cent
32. cide, cise
33. clam, claim
34. clud, clos, clus
35. cogn
Group #4
Meaning
love
hear
good
head
go
hundred
cut; kill
shout
shut
know
Root
36. cred
37. dict
38. fer
39. fict
40. fract, frag
41. ject
42. lib
43. manu
44. med, mid
45. miss, mit
Meaning
believe
speak
carry
pretend
break
throw
book; free
hand
middle
send
Guidelines for Successful Root Cards
1. The definition must show a relationship to the root’s meaning.
2. Show how the words YOU choose, relate to the root definition.
3. For the word examples, you must use different words (No same word, different ending!)
4. Do NOT choose bizarre, obscure words for the examples. Choose words that have a chance to be part
of your everyday vocabulary.
5. The root can be anywhere in the word. It doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the word.
6. Spelling counts! If you misspell the words you choose (or the root), it will be marked wrong.
Writing Activity
Using 15 of the words from your flashcards, write a 3 paragraph short story about a snow day. Make sure to
also use at least two examples of figurative language.
●
30 points for using words that have root words
○
2 points each for the different root words
○
Must underline each word that uses a root. You will not earn credit if you do not underline the
words.
●
10 points for figurative language.
○
●
2 points for using it and 3 points for correctly labelling each
30 points for length.
○
10 points per 5 sentence paragraph up to 30 points.