Greek root words form a significant part of the English language, especially in academic, scientific, and technical fields. For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, learning these roots can greatly enhance vocabulary, reading comprehension, and communication skills. Here are 20 essential Greek roots that every EFL student should know, along with examples to illustrate their usage:
Examples: Anthropology, Misanthrope
Astro - Star
Examples: Astronomy, Astrophysics
Bio - Life
Examples: Biology, Biography
Chron - Time
Examples: Chronology, Synchronize
Cosm - Universe, Order
Examples: Cosmology, Microcosm
Cracy - Rule, Government
Examples: Democracy, Bureaucracy
Dem - People
Examples: Democracy, Demographic
Geo - Earth
Examples: Geography, Geology
Graph - Write
Examples: Autograph, Biography
Hydr - Water
Examples: Hydrate, Hydroplane
Log/Logy - Word, Study
Examples: Dialogue, Biology
Micro - Small
Examples: Microscope, Microbe
Morph - Shape
Examples: Morphology, Amorphous
Phil - Love
Examples: Philosophy, Bibliophile
Phon - Sound
Examples: Telephone, Phonetics
Photo - Light
Examples: Photograph, Photosynthesis
Phys - Nature
Examples: Physics, Physical
Psycho - Mind
Examples: Psychology, Psychopath
Scope - See, Watch
Examples: Telescope, Microscope
Tele - Far
Examples: Telephone, Television
Why Learn Greek Roots?
Vocabulary Expansion: Understanding Greek roots helps students quickly grasp the meanings of new words. For instance, knowing that "bio" means life makes it easier to understand words like "biology" (the study of life) and "biography" (a written account of someone's life).
Reading Comprehension: Recognizing Greek roots in unfamiliar words can aid in decoding their meanings, leading to improved reading comprehension. For example, encountering the word "chronometer," a student familiar with "chron" (time) and "meter" (measure) can infer that it relates to a device that measures time.
Scientific and Technical Language: Many scientific and technical terms are derived from Greek. A foundation in Greek roots can thus provide a significant advantage in subjects like science, medicine, and technology. For example, terms like "microbiology" (the study of microscopic organisms) and "geophysics" (the physics of the Earth) become more accessible.
Language Connections: Greek roots often appear in combination with Latin roots, enhancing students' understanding of a broader range of vocabulary. For example, the word "television" combines the Greek "tele" (far) with the Latin "vision" (seeing), illustrating how these ancient languages interweave to form modern English.
Enhanced Communication: Mastery of Greek roots allows students to use more precise and varied language in both written and spoken communication. This can lead to clearer, more effective expression and a greater ability to engage with complex texts and concepts.
Conclusion
For EFL students, learning Greek roots is a powerful tool for mastering the English language. It opens the door to a deeper understanding of vocabulary, improved reading comprehension, and greater confidence in navigating scientific and technical terms. By incorporating these essential Greek roots into their study routines, students can enrich their language skills and achieve greater academic success.