Lesson #4 Directional Prefixes Our focus this week is on the directional prefixes ambi- and amphi-

Ambi- is a Latin prefix Amphi- is a Greek prefix they both mean “around, on both sides”

An amphibian (like a frog) is an organism that lives on land and in water. It lives “on both sides.” Ambidextrous people use their right and left hands equally well. They can write with “both” hands.

An ambitious salesperson With your partner, explain how each of these amphi- or ambi- words means “around” or “on both sides.” The context will give you a clue. An amphibious reptile An amphibian airplane An amphitheater An ambitious salesperson An ambiguous remark An unambiguous remark

Find the amphi- or ambi- word that makes sense in the context. amphibian amphitheater ambivalent Many people feel ___________ about paying taxes. Can you explain why? The ancient Romans watched plays in an outdoor __________ called the Colosseum. Is a monkey an ___________? Explain why or why not?

1. amphibian amphi + bi(o) = amphibian An animal that lives on both land and water On both sides Live, life + = A crocodile is one of the largest and oldest amphibians on Earth.

2. ambidextrous On both sides Able to use both hands Right hand ambi + dextr = ambidextrous On both sides Able to use both hands Right hand + = My cousin Jake is ambidextrous. He writes with his left hand, but bats with his right.

3. ambition ambi + (i)t = ambition To go around and work hard go Students need to have ambition if they want to graduate with honors.

4. ambivalent ambi + val = ambivalent To feel strongly about both sides of an issue. On both sides Be strong + = Many people are ambivalent on the issue of paying taxes; they know they have to pay them no matter what.

amphi + theater = amphitheater To be able to watch a performance from both sides On both sides Theater, watch + = We went to a concert at the amphitheater in Birmingham.

6. ambiguous ambi + (i)gu = ambiguous To “drive” around and not get to the point. around drive + = The student gave an ambiguous answer to the question because he did not know the real answer.

7. amphibious amphi + bi(o) = amphibious Relating to or adapted for both land and water On both sides Live, life + = I like to watch amphibious planes land on the water.

ambi + dextr = ambidexterity The quality of being able to use both hands On both sides Right hand + = I wish I had the gift of ambidexterity when I broke my right hand.

ambi + (i)t = ambience 9. ambience The feeling of what is going on around you around go + = I did not like the ambience of the restaurant, so we left and went to eat somewhere else.

10. ambiguity ambi + (i)gu = ambiguity The act of not getting to the point around drive + = It is important to avoid ambiguity when explaining a concept that can easily be confused with another.