1. Introduction to Greek & Latin Roots/Affixes English I Honors Coastal Leadership Academy

2. What are Greek & Latin Roots/Affixes? • Many English words are formed by taking basic words and adding combinations of prefixes and suffixes to them. A basic word to which affixes (prefixes and suffixes) are added is called a root word because it forms the basis of a new word. • The root word can also be a word in its own right. For example, the word lovely consists of the word love and the suffix -ly. • In contrast, a root is the basis of a new word, but it does not typically form a stand-alone word on its own. For example, the word reject is made up of the prefix re- and the Latin root ject, which is not a stand-alone word.

3. What are Affixes? • An Affix is a term used to describe PREFIXES and SUFFIXES. • Words can be created simply by adding an affix to the beginning or end of a root. • When you add an affix to the beginning of a root, that is known as a PREFIX. • When you add an affix to the end of a root, that is known as a SUFFIX. • Examples- • The most common prefix is “un”. The prefix “un” means “not or opposite of”. Adding the “un” to the end of happy makes the new word “unhappy”, meaning not happy. • The most common suffix is “-s and –es”. Adding that to the end of a suffix makes it plural, or meaning “more than one”. Adding “-es” to the end of wish makes it “wishes”, meaning more than one wish.

4. Let’s Practice! On a separate sheet of paper LIST AS MANY WORDS AS YOU CAN USING (CORRECTLY) THE PREFIX “un”.

5. Let’s Practice! On a separate sheet of paper LIST AS MANY WORDS AS YOU CAN USING (CORRECTLY) THE Suffix “-ly”. (Think back to our writing lab using –ly words!!!) 

6. Why Learn Latin and Greek Roots? • The majority (70%) of our language (English) has been developed based upon the Latin and Greek language. • Learning the “basics” (roots and affixes) allows you to recognize and decode words that would otherwise be unfamiliar to you. • Greek and Latin words are used regularly in Science and other various content areas (MANY medical terms contain these roots and affixes).