Greek and Latin Roots — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. If "ject" means "to throw," what does the word "project" most likely mean?
A) To pull back
B) To throw forward
C) To break apart
D) To listen carefully
The prefix "pro-" means forward and "ject" means to throw. Together, "project" means to throw forward, like projecting your voice outward or projecting an image onto a screen.
2. The word "distract" contains "dis" (away) and "tract" (pull). It means to:
A) Push something forward
B) Build something new
C) Pull attention away
D) Break into pieces
"Dis-" means away and "tract" means to pull, so distract literally means to pull away. When someone distracts you, they pull your attention away from what you were focused on.
3. Which word contains the root meaning "to look"?
A) Contract
B) Inspect
C) Dictate
D) Erupt
"Inspect" contains the root "spec" meaning to look. The prefix "in-" means into, so inspecting means looking into something carefully to check its quality or condition.
4. A student reads the word "incredible" for the first time. If "cred" means "believe," it most likely means:
A) Easy to carry
B) Hard to believe
C) Fun to watch
D) Simple to build
The prefix "in-" means not and "cred" means to believe, so incredible literally means "not able to be believed." Something incredible is so amazing that it is hard to believe.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The root "tract" means to pull, so a tractor is a machine that pulls heavy loads.
Since "tract" means to pull, a tractor is named for its main job: pulling heavy loads and equipment. The word "tractor" literally comes from the idea of pulling.
2. The root "form" means shape, so to transform means to change the shape of something.
"Transform" combines "trans-" (across, change) with "form" (shape). When something transforms, its shape changes completely, like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
3. The root "flex" means to bend, so something flexible can bend easily.
The root "flex" means to bend, which is why flexible objects like rubber bands can bend easily without breaking. You also flex your muscles by bending your arm.
4. The root "cred" means to believe, so a credible story is one you can believe .
"Credible" comes from "cred" meaning to believe. A credible story has enough evidence and details that people can believe it is true and trustworthy.
5. The word "spectacle" comes from "spec" meaning to look, and refers to something worth looking at.
"Spectacle" comes from the root "spec" meaning to look. A spectacle is an impressive sight or event that draws people's eyes because it is truly worth looking at.