Roots of English (Part X): Best way to learn new vocabulary each day!

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Learning word roots will help you understand the origins of English grammar and will strengthen your hold on the language.

The roots of English have the following origin;

• GREEK ROOTS
• GERMAN ROOTS
• FRENCH ROOTS
• LATIN ROOTS

Let us get going with today's session. We shall take today's words of the English language which are formed with the help of commonly used suffixes or prefixes.

Note: Root words are a combination of basic words accompanied by a prefix or suffix. They form the rock of new words and with the addition of prefixes and suffixes, you can decipher unfamiliar words, replenish your vocabulary and be a better English Speaker. 

Study Notes: Roots of English

CASE 1

Root: BENE

Meaning: The origins lie in the Latin word bene meaning “well” and is used to convey goodness, wellness, reverence, and honor or blessings. ( well, good )

Example :

BENEFACTOR: a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.

BENEFIT: An advantage or profit gained from something.

BENEVOLENT: well-meaning and kindly.

BENEFICE: a position or post granted to an ecclesiastic that guarantees a fixed amount of property or income.

BENEDICTION: an utterance of good wishes.

BENIGN: having a kindly disposition; gracious

 CASE 2

Root: CHEF

Meaning: comes from the Latin word for “head,” caput.

Example :

ACHIEVE: successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective or result) by effort, skill, or courage.

OUT-ACHIEVING: to achieve more than (someone)

CHIEFLY: mainly

MISCHIEF: a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent

 CASE 3

Root: TEN

Meaning: The Latin root word ten means “hold.”

Example :

LIEUTENANT: an assistant with the power to act when his superior is absent

TENURE: the holding of an office.

TENET: one of the principles on which a belief or theory is based:

TENANT: a person or organization that uses a building or land and pays rent to its owner:

TENACITY: the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; grip.

We wind up here with yet another guide to English word roots. Get out there and start understanding more English!! We will be back soon with our next session. 

Attempt English Language Quizzes

Roots of words questions are important for the following bank exams.