Greek and Latin Roots — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The root "rupt" means "to hear," so an eruption is when a volcano hears loudly.
Corrected: The root "rupt" means "to break," so an eruption is when a volcano breaks open.
The root "rupt" means "to break," not "to hear." An eruption is when a volcano breaks open violently, which connects directly to the breaking meaning of "rupt."
2. Fix the sentence:
A dictator is someone who carries messages because "dict" means to carry.
Corrected: A dictator is someone who gives orders because "dict" means to say or speak.
The root "dict" means "to say or speak," not "to carry." A dictator gives orders by speaking commands, which is why the word contains the root "dict."
3. Fix the sentence:
The root "aud" means "to see," so an auditorium is a place where people go to see.
Corrected: The root "aud" means "to hear," so an auditorium is a place where people go to listen.
The root "aud" means "to hear," not "to see." An auditorium is designed for audiences to listen to speakers or performances, which is why it contains the hearing-related root "aud."
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The root "rupt" means to break .
The Latin root "rupt" means to break. You can see this meaning in words like erupt (break out), interrupt (break into), and disrupt (break apart).
2. The root "dict" means to say .
The Latin root "dict" means to say or speak. Words like dictionary (a book of spoken words), dictate (to say aloud), and predict (to say before) all share this root.
3. The root "aud" means to hear .
The Latin root "aud" means to hear. This root appears in words like audio (sound you hear), audience (people who listen), and audible (able to be heard).
4. When a pipe bursts, it breaks apart suddenly, just like the root "rupt" suggests.
A bursting pipe breaks apart suddenly, which connects to the root "rupt" meaning to break. The word "rupture" also describes something breaking open forcefully.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. How does the root "dict" help you understand the word predict?
Sample answer: The prefix "pre-" means before and "dict" means to say, so predict means to say what will happen before it does.
Breaking "predict" into parts reveals its meaning: "pre-" means before and "dict" means to say. Together they mean "to say before," or tell what will happen ahead of time.
2. Why does the word "audio" relate to the root "aud"? Give an example.
Sample answer: Audio relates to "aud" because both deal with hearing. For example, audio equipment plays sounds for people to hear.
The word "audio" comes directly from the root "aud," meaning to hear. Audio equipment like speakers and headphones all relate to hearing, which is why they share this root.