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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.