4 great reasons to know Greek and Latin roots

Greek and Latin roots aren't always the most fun to memorize, but doing so pays off in a very big
way. When you know the roots behind the vocabulary that we use in everyday language right now, you
have a step up on vocabulary comprehension that other people may not have. Not only will this help
you in school across the board (Science uses Greek and Latin terminology All. The. Time.), but
knowing Greek and Latin roots will help you on those major standardized tests like the PSAT, ACT,
SAT and even the LSAT and GRE.  Why spend time learning the origins of a word? Well, read below and
you’ll see. Trust me on this one!

01 Know One Root, Know Many Words

Knowing one Greek and Latin root means that you know many words associated with that root. Score
one for efficiency.      Example:      Root: theo-      Definition: god.

If you understand that any time you see the root, theo-, you're going to be dealing with "god" in
some form, you'd know that words like theocracy, theology, atheist, polytheistic, and others all
have something to do with a deity even if you've never seen or heard those words before.  Knowing
one root can multiply your vocabulary in an instant.

02 Know A Suffix, Know the Part of Speech

Knowing one suffix, or the word ending can often give you the part of speech of a word, which can
help you know how to use it in a sentence.

Example:     Suffix: -ist      Definition: a person who…

A word that ends in "ist" will usually be a noun and will refer to a person's job, ability, or
tendencies. For instance, a cyclist is a person who cycles. A guitarist is a person who plays the
guitar. A typist is a person who types. A somnambulist is a person who sleepwalks (som = sleep,
ambul = walk, ist = a person who).

03 Know a Prefix, Know Part of the Definition

Knowing the prefix, or the word beginning can help you understand part of the word, which is really
helpful on a multiple choice vocabulary test.

Example:      Root: a-, an-      Definition: without, not

Atypical means not typical or unusual. Amoral means without morals. Anaerobic means without air or
oxygen. If you understand a prefix, you’ll have a better time guessing the definition of a word you
may not have seen before.

04 Know Your Roots Because You Will Be Tested.  Standardized tests require you to understand more
difficult vocabulary than you've seen or used before.