Latin Roots & Affixes, Lesson 13
PREFIXES
The prefix inter means “between”. You have seen this prefix in words like intersection or interaction.
The prefix peri means "around". You may know that the captain of a submarine uses a periscope to see above the water.
The prefix philo means “love”. Did you know that the city of Philadelphia is known as the “City of Brotherly Love”?
The prefix port means “carry”. You are probably familiar with the words transportation and export. Did you know that San Pedro is considered the Port of Los Angeles?
ROOTS
The root cur (and its variant curs) means “run”. When you move your mouse, the cursor “runs” on the computer’s monitor, right? Are you currently up to date on current events?
The root deca means “ten”. We see this root in the words decade and decimal.
The root dict is very common and means “say” or “speak”. No doubt you understand the meaning and use of a dictionary, right? History refers to Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin as dictators.
The root rupt means ”break”. So, you can probably figure out what the word interrupt means.
Instructions: Using what you know about these roots and affixes and the context, determine the meaning of the following bold-faced words.
1) It seemed like every time I tried to talk, he _________________ me. It was frustrating.
2) To say that a circle is a square is _________________ isn't it?
3) Siena, when you sign a check, you must use ______________ script. You cannot just print your name.
4) Len hopes that with the passing of a/an ______________ we will see the advent of a colony of humans on the planet Mars.
5) If you have problems with your gums, you should make an appointment with a/an ________________.
6) The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, is a/an ___________________.
After a long struggle and hours of negotiating, they finally ___________________ and released all the hostages.
✸ The catalytic converter is vital to the operation of an automobile.
✸ Many thieves remove catalytic converters from cars.
✸ Professional exterminators kill termites.
✸ Exterminators use poisonous gases to kill termites.
