ENLARGING VOCABULARY THROUGH GREEK WORD ELEMENTS
WHY STUDY GREEK WORD ELEMENTS?
English contains a substantial and growing number of words derived from Greek. Some of these words are general words in everyday use, e.g., authentic, chronological, economical, homogeneous, etc. Others are used in specialized fields. Certainly you have heard terms like antibiotic, orthopedic, and pediatrician in the field of medicine; astronaut, protoplasm, and thermonuclear in science; and autonomous, demagogue, and protocol in government.
These important words, and others like them in this unit, are constructed from Greek word elements. once you know what a particular word element means, you have a clue to the meaning of words derived from it. When, for example, you have learned that PAN or PANTO means “complete” or “all.” you are better able to understand — and remember — that a “panacea” is a remedy for all ills, a “panorama” is a complete and unobstructed view in all directions, and a “pantomime” is all gestures and signs, i.e., a performance without words.
PURPOSE OF THIS UNIT
This unit aims to enlarge your vocabulary by acquainting you with twenty Greek word elements and some English words derived from them. As you study each word group, make it a special point to memorize the meaning of the word element so that you will be able to recognize it in derivatives.
Before proceeding, review the study suggestions on page 94.
Greek Word Elements 1-10
PRETEST 1
Insert the letter of the best answer in the space provided.
In a plutocracy, _______ govern.
(A) technical experts (B) the wealthy (C) noblemen
A pedagogue is mainly concerned with _______.
(A) politics (B) medicine (C) teaching
Pandemonium is a condition of _________.
(A) wild disorder (B) poor nourishment (C) absolute peace
People who lack autonomy are ________.
(A) unreliable (B) selfish (C) not self-ruled
You study orthography mainly in your ______ classes.
(A) English (B) mathematics (C) social studies
A mistake in ______ order is a mistake in chronology.
(A) word (B) alphabetical (C) time
In a homogeneous group, the pupils are of ______ ability.
(A) similar (B) varied (C) high
A kleptomaniac is a menace mainly to ______ .
(A) liberty (B) property (C) life