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 examples
Example 1
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.
Example 2
'Contradict' is 'contra' (against) + 'dict' (speak) — to speak against. The same 'dict' gives dictator, dictionary and verdict.
Example 3
A root explains the origin, not always the meaning today. 'Nice' came from a word meaning ignorant, and no amount of etymology predicts that.
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 1: 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.
Ejemplo 2: 'Contradecir' es 'contra' + 'decir' — hablar en contra. El mismo 'dic' da dictador, diccionario y veredicto.
Ejemplo 3: Una raíz explica el origen, no siempre el significado de hoy. 'Simpático' viene de una palabra que significaba 'sufrir con', y ninguna etimología predice eso.
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