Greek and Latin Word Parts
Set #3 – Greek Roots
English I – 2010-2011
Wait a sec’… What ARE word stems, exactly?!
Root: the part of the word that contains the basic or anchor meaning of the word
Prefix: a word element that comes before the root. It changes the meaning of the word or creates a new word.
Suffix: a word element that comes after the root. It changes the meaning of the word and often the way it is used (i.e., can turn a noun into a verb, a verb into a noun, etc.).
SET #3 – GREEK ROOTS
Mim Mono Morph Neur, Nerv Path
Philo, Phil Phon Poly Scope Tom, Tomy
Mim
To Copy, ImitateSample Words: Mimic (to imitate) Mime (one who imitates
life in a ridiculous manner)
Mimeograph (an older version of a copy machine)
Mono
OneSample Words: Monologue (a speech
delivered by one person) Monogamy (remaining
faithful to one person) Monolingual (only able to
speak one language)
Morph
FormSample Words:• Anthropomorphic (having
or resembling human form)
• Metamorphosis (a change in form)
• Morphology (study of the form and structure of animals and plants)
Neur, Nerv
NerveSample Words: Neurology (the study of
nervous system) Nervous (of or relating to
nerves) Neurosis (a nervous
disorder marked by anxiety and the use of defense mechanisms)
Path
FeelingSample Words: Apathy (lack of feeling/
caring) Sympathy (inclination to
think or feel alike) Empathy (the capacity for
experiencing as one’s own the feelings of another)
Philo, Phil
LoveSample Words:• Bibliophile (one who
loves books)• Francophile (one who
loves France and the French)
• Philharmonic (devoted to or appreciative of [loving] music)
Phon
Sound, VoiceSample Words: Telephone (a device for
transmitting sound) Phonics (deals with word
and letter sounds) Symphony (a harmonious
arrangement of sound)
Poly
ManySample Words:• Polychromatic (composed
of many colors)• Polyatomic (composed of
many atoms)• Polyester (a fabric made
of complex [many] ester)
Scope
To SeeSample Words: Kaleidoscope (an
instrument allowing one to see a changing pattern or scene)
Telescope (an instrument for seeing things at a great distance)
Microscope (an instrument for seeing very small things)
Tom, Tomy
Cutting, Operation of IncisionSample Words:• Anatomy• Atom (the smallest particle to
which an element can be cut while still maintaining its elemental integrity)
• Appendectomy (an operation of incision in which the appendix is removed)