You don’t need to plan a trip to Athens or Santorini to put your knowledge of Greek roots to use.
In fact, being familiar with both Greek and Latin Roots can help you to better understand your own language, even when it comes to words you’ve never heard before.
Common Greek Roots
Below are some of the most common Greek roots, along with their definitions and examples so you can better understand the origins and meanings of many English words.
| Greek Root | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| anthropo | man; human; humanity | anthropologist, philanthropy |
| auto | self | autobiography, automobile |
| bio | life | biology, biography |
| chron | time | chronological, chronic |
| dyna | power | dynamic, dynamite |
| dys | bad; hard; unlucky | dysfunctional, dyslexic |
| gram | thing written | epigram, telegram |
| graph | writing | graphic, phonograph |
| hetero | different | heteronym, heterogeneous |
| homo | same | homonym, homogenous |
| hydr | water | hydration, dehydrate |
| hypo | below; beneath | hypothermia, hypothetical |
| logy | study of | biology, psychology |
| meter/metr | measure | thermometer, perimeter |
| micro | small | microbe, microscope |
| mis/miso | hate | misanthrope, misogyny |
| mono | one | monologue, monotonous |
| morph | form; shape | morphology, morphing |
| nym | name | antonym, synonym |
| phil | love | philanthropist, philosophy |
| phobia | fear | claustrophobia, phobic |
| phon | sound | phone, symphony |
| photo/phos | light | photograph, phosphorous |
| pseudo | FALSE | pseudonym, pseudoscience |
| psycho | soul; spirit | psychology, psychic |
| scope | viewing instrument | microscope, telescope |
| techno | art; science; skill | technique, technological |
| tele | far off | television, telephone |
| therm | heat | thermal, thermometer |
Benefits of Learning a Second Language
Studying the most common Latin and Greek roots can be very helpful when it comes to deciphering new words.
However, once you’ve mastered roots, you may want to consider the many benefits of learning a foreign language, from wider career options, to improved memory and enhanced decision-making.
Expand Your Vocabulary
A broad vocabulary can make you both a better writer and a more effective communicator. Understanding Greek and Latin roots can help you to expand your vocabulary, and using a vocabulary builder app is a great way to start practicing.
If you want to flex those brain muscles right now by learning a few new words, check out our list of 25 weird English words that we’d bet you’ve never heard of!
How do you like to build your vocabulary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
