Understanding Word Derivations: Useful Roots
A root is the part of a word that establishes its core meaning. Knowing what some common roots mean will help you figure out the definitions of new words. Match each root in the chart below with a word from the Word Bank. (Note that two words share a root.) Then, define the word, and write another word with the same root.
| Word Roots |
|---|
| Latin Roots |
| –bel–, “war” |
| –mal–, “ill” |
| –mit–, “send” |
| –pon–, “place” |
| –scrib–, “write” |
| –sent–, “feel” |
| –spec–, “look” |
| –spir–, “breathe” |
| –stup–, “be stunned or amazed” |
| Greek Root |
| –chron–, “time” |
