Week 1 Greek and Latin Root Words

Example Words:  Aerosol – to put out air or gas, which forces another substance out of container  Anaerobic – living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen.  Aerate – to put air or gas into something, such as soil or liquid MeaningOrigin air, atmosphereGreek -aer-

Example Words:  Ambidextrous – describing a person who is able to use the right and left hands.  Amphitheater– an oval building. Tiers of seats for spectators surround the central space so events can be seen from both side.  Ambiguous – capable of having two meanings. MeaningOrigin bothGreek -ambi-, -amphi-

Example Words:  Animated – full of life or excitement; lively  Inanimate – not alive; especially in the manner of animals and human.  Magnanimous – Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone else powerful than oneself. MeaningOrigin spirit, soul, lifeLatin -anim-

Example Words:  Aquatic – living or found in or near water; of or relating to the animals and plants that live in or near water.  Hydraulic – operated by the pressure of a fluid; occurring or used in a hydraulic system  Hydrant – pipe at which water may be drawn from a water main MeaningOrigin waterLatin (aqua) Greek (hydr) -aqua-, -hydra-

Example Words:  Monarchy – supreme power or sovereignty held by a single person  Hierarchy – any system of persons or things ranked one above another  Archetype – the original pattern or model from which all things of she same kind are copied. MeaningOrigin to rule, rulerLatin -arch-

Example Words:  Armadillo – small animal whose body is protected by hard bony armor.  Armada – large fleet of warships; a large force or group of usually moving things.  Disarm – to take weapons from; to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces. MeaningOrigin army, weaponLatin -arm-

Example Words:  Asterisk – * A note used in printed text that indicates additional information below.  Disaster – “ill-stared event”  Astronomical – enormously or inconceivably large or great MeaningOrigin starGreek -astr-

Example Words:  Audition – a short performance to show talents  Audience – group of people who gather together to listen to something. MeaningOrigin to hearLatin -audi-

Example Words:  Benefactor – one who helps another, especially by giving money  Bonus – something extra given, usually for good work  Malfunction – to fail to operate properly -bene/bon-, -mal- MeaningOriginMeaning good, wellLatinbad, wretched

Example Words:  Biohazard – dangerous to human beings  Biodegradable – capable of being slowly destroyed and broken down by natural processes, bacteria, etc. MeaningOrigin LifeGreek -bio-