Unlocking Words with Roots
Aligned to L.8.4 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
When you meet an unknown word, use context, Greek and Latin roots and affixes, or a reference tool to find its meaning. Roots often reveal a word's core idea.
Worked example
The word 'benediction' splits into 'bene' (good) and 'dict' (speak), so even without a dictionary you can guess it means a good saying, or a blessing.
Practice questions
- Use context to guess an unfamiliar word's meaning.
- Break a word into its root and affix to find its idea.
- Confirm one guess using a dictionary or glossary.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Descifrar Palabras con Raíces
Cuando encuentras una palabra desconocida, usa el contexto, las raíces y los afijos griegos y latinos, o una obra de consulta para hallar su significado. Las raíces suelen revelar la idea central de la palabra.
Ejemplo: La palabra 'bendición' contiene 'bene' (bien) y 'dic' (decir), así que aun sin diccionario puedes deducir que significa un buen decir, es decir, desear el bien a alguien.
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