What is Word With the Word?

Many English words were created using pieces of Latin or Greek words.

We call these pieces “word stems” because we build complete words around

them.

You might think of them as roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

Building Words

indispensable

in-dis-pens-able

Can not get rid of it or “put it away”

(not) (away) (put) (can)

Click on the link below to watch Akeelah and the Bee Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ2UdNY0UAw

inter- means between

inter-vene(between) (come)

The poor zebra intervened to prevent the fighting lion and buffalo from seriously injuring each other.

interstellar, international, interview, interject

cede- means go

re-cede(again) (go)

Just before a tsunami wave hits the beach, a huge amount of water recedes quickly.

precede, antecedent, intercede

con- means together

con-gregate (together) (group)

When porcupines congregate, the group is called a prickle.

contract, constellation, confidence

voc- means voice

voc-alist(voice) (specialist)

Many unknown vocalists are able to gain recognition for their talent and hard work once

they appear on T.V.

vocal, vocabulary, convocation

extra- means beyond

extra-terrestrial(beyond) (earthly)

Peering out into space, the astronomer wondered if extraterrestrials were peering

back.

extraterrestrial, extrovert, extraordinary

Advanced Word

voc-i-fer-ous(voice) (to carry)(full of)

The director instructed the actors to be vociferous, so their voices would carry from the stage to the

cheap seats. She probably should have reminded them that screaming and singing are not synonyms.

vociferous-in a loud voice, noisy