Greek and Latin Roots Vocabulary Review
Greek Root: geo (earth, ground)
Root Meaning: The Greek root geo signifies the earth or the ground.
geographic (adjective): This term describes things that are of or relating to the natural features, population, industries, and other characteristics of a specific region. - Example: "We studied the geographic information of each continent."
geography (noun): This refers to the natural features, population, industries, and related aspects of a region as a field of study or a physical description. - Example: "Mr. Benson is teaching us about the geography of Europe."
geologist (noun): This describes a professional who studies rocks and soil to understand and learn about the internal and external history of the earth. - Example: "After the eruption, a geologist came to study the volcano."
geology (noun): This is the science that deals with the history of the earth as it is recorded in rocks and layers of soil. It also involves studying the rocks, land, and the specific processes of land formation within a particular area. - Example: "Joseph was very interested in learning about the geology of Hawaii before he visited."
geoponics (noun): This refers to the art or science of agriculture and farming. - Example: "The student searched for a college that offered courses in geoponics."
Greek Root: therm (heat)
Root Meaning: The Greek root therm signifies heat.
geothermal (adjective): Relating to, of, or utilizing the natural heat that is produced inside the Earth's crust. - Example: "Engineers will consider the use of geothermal power."
hypothermia (noun): A medical condition characterized by an abnormally and dangerously low body temperature. - Example: "The girl pulled from the icy water suffered from hypothermia."
thermal (adjective): Relating to, of, or caused by heat. This can also refer to clothing designed to retain body heat by preventing it from escaping. - Example: "Wear thermal clothing when skiing, or you\'ll be too cold to enjoy the sport."
thermos (noun): A specialized container used to keep liquids hot or cold for extended durations. - Example: "Mom packs my milk in a thermos so that it\'s still cold by lunchtime."
thermostat (noun): A device used to automatically adjust and maintain the temperature in a room or building to a specific desired level. - Example: "Mr. Todd sets the thermostat in the classroom to , so it\'s always freezing in his room."
Latin Root: duce/duct (lead)
Root Meaning: The Latin root duce or duct signifies the act of leading.
abduct (verb): To take a person or being away from a place using force. - Example: "She left her dog in the fenced backyard, sure no one would abduct him."
deduct (verb): To take something away from a total, specifically used in the context of subtracting an amount of money. - Example: "The shirt only costs when you deduct the sale discount."
induce (verb): To cause someone or something to take a specific action or to cause a certain event to happen. - Example: "Use of the wrong pot may induce a grease fire."
introduce (verb): To make one person known to someone else by stating their name. - Example: "I will introduce you to my parents tonight at the party."
produce (verb): To manufacture or make something, particularly through the use of mechanical equipment. - Example: "The factory can produce boxes of cookies daily."
Latin Root: circ/circum (around)
Root Meaning: The Latin root circ or circum signifies the concept of being around.
circuit (noun): A circular journey or a series of public events/performances held at many different locations in a sequence. - Example: "The pianist was relieved to complete her touring circuit."
circulate (verb): To move or pass from one place to another or from person to person. - Example: "That book has been circulated among the entire group of friends."
circumference (noun): The total length of the line that moves around a circle or any other round shape. - Example: "The circumference of my waist is definitely bigger after Thanksgiving dinner!"
circumspect (adjective): To think carefully about potential risks or outcomes before acting or speaking. - Example: "It\'s wise to circumspect, weighing the pros and cons."
circumvent (verb): To avoid being hindered or stopped by something, such as a law or rule, often by using clever or slightly dishonest methods to get around it. - Example: "Lawyers often know how to circumvent the judicial system when possible."
Latin Root: voc/vok (voice, call)
Root Meaning: The Latin root voc or vok signifies voice or the act of calling.
evoke (verb): To bring a specific feeling, memory, or image into the mind. - Example: "The winter season can sometimes evoke sadness."
provoke (verb): To cause the occurrence of an action or feeling; to trigger something to happen. - Example: "If you provoke a fight, you are as guilty as those who are fighting."
vocalize (verb): To express thoughts, feelings, or ideas by speaking words aloud. - Example: "Mom spoke with the manager to vocalize her discontent with the service."
vocation (noun): A specific profession or occupation; also indicates a strong personal desire or "calling" to spend one\'s life in a particular line of work. - Example: "It\'s best to know what vocation you\'d like to pursue before finishing high school."
vociferous (adjective): Characterized by crying out noisily or being clamorous. - Example: "The toddler was quite vociferous when she didn\'t get her way."
Latin Root: man/manu (by hand)
Root Meaning: The Latin root man or manu refers to something done by hand.
emancipate (verb): To release someone from the power or control of another person. - Example: "The teenager petitioned to become emancipated from his parents."
manual (adjective): Describing work or tasks that involve hard physical labor using the hands. - Example: "We don\'t have an automatic can opener, so you\'ll need to use the manual one."
manuscript (noun): The original hand-written or typed copy of a book, play, or piece of music prior to its official printing. - Example: "The writer stewed over his manuscript for hours."
maneuver (noun): A movement or action performed with skill or cleverness. - Example: "Dad made a scary maneuver but managed to avoid the wreck."
manipulate (verb): To control or move something using the hands or by operating a machine. - Example: "We manipulated the candy pieces to look like buttons on the snowman\'s coat."
Greek Root: tech (skill, art)
Root Meaning: The Greek root tech signifies skill or art.
pyrotechnics (noun): A brilliant or bright display of fireworks. - Example: "We enjoyed watching the pyrotechnics on our last night of vacation."
technical (adjective): Relating to the practical applications of science or machines in fields such as medicine or industry. - Example: "When Dad talks about work, the vocabulary he uses is too technical for me."
technicality (noun): A minor detail or point within a law or rule, especially one that leads to an unexpected or unwanted outcome. - Example: "Tenia was disqualified from the spelling bee due to a technicality."
technician (noun): A professional whose primary work relates to the practical use of machines and science in industry or medicine. - Example: "The computer technician finally arrived to fix the laptop."
technique (noun): A specific method of performing a task by utilizing specialized skill or knowledge. - Example: "I wish I could match my grandmother\'s technique for making the perfect pie crust."
Latin Root: spec (look, see)
Root Meaning: The Latin root spec signifies looking or seeing.
inspect (verb): To examine something meticulously to find flaws or learn more detail; also means to officially visit an institution (like a hospital or school) to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. - Example: "Tomorrow, the principal will inspect students\' lockers."
perspective (noun): A particular way of understanding or thinking about something, such as a major issue or life in general. - Example: "Molly asked for Jim\'s perspective on the reasons for going to war."
prospect (noun): The possibility or opportunity that a specific event will occur in the future. - Example: "They are disturbed by the prospect of losing electrical power for several days following the hurricane."
spectator (noun): A person who observes a show, game, activity, or event, usually as part of an audience. - Example: "Hundreds of spectators waited for the parade to begin."
speculate (verb): To form theories or ideas about a subject when many facts are unknown; to guess or consider possibilities. - Example: "It\'s difficult to speculate about what the criminal was thinking."
Prefixes: im-, in-, il- (not)
Prefix Meaning: The prefixes im-, in-, and il- serve as negation markers meaning "not."
incapable (adjective): Lacking the necessary ability or skill to perform a specific function or act; not able to do something. - Example: "The injured bird is now incapable of flight."
ineligible (adjective): Legally disqualified or not permitted to be or do something. - Example: "McDonalds employees are ineligible to play their Monopoly game."
imbalance (noun): A condition where different elements do not exist in proper or equal amounts. - Example: "There is a definite imbalance of power in countries ruled by dictators."
illiterate (adjective): Lacking the knowledge of how to read or write; also used to describe a lack of fundamental knowledge about a specific subject. - Example: "When it comes to politics, I\'m completely illiterate."
illogical (adjective): Refers to thinking that is not sensible or reasonable; unreasoning behavior or ideas. - Example: "The idea that I\'d have time to do of homework on a day when I have a football game is completely illogical."