3. Roots:

Root is the basic part of a word which shows its main meaning to which other parts can be added. Roots are Latin or Greek words and word parts from which common English words have been built. For example, the word ‘coldness’ is formed from the root ‘cold’ and the suffix ‘-ness’. Knowledge of word roots can help you to unlock the meaning of new words and can also improve your ability to use words more accurately and precisely.

Exercise 3.1. Study word roots and complete the exercise which follows. In each of the 20 sentences which follow, one of these roots has been used. Find and underline the root in each sentence. Then, in the blank in each sentence, fill in the meaning of the root you have underlined. When more than one meaning is given for a root, choose the one which makes the best sense in the sentence.

Root	From	Meaning	Example
astr, aster	Greek	star	astronomy
auto	Greek	self	automation
bio	Greek	life	antibiotic
geo	Greek	earth	geocentric
path	Greek	feeling, suffering	sympathy

1. Geologists study the ____________, especially rocks and rock formations.

2. An antibiotic destroys germ _______________.

3. One manifestation of psychopathic behavior is the complete disregard for the _______________ of others.

4. A lack of _______________ or concern can be described as apathy.

5. Geography is the science which deals with the _______________.

6. A biopsy is the removal of tissue, for examination, from a ___________ body.

7. An automatic device operates by it _______________.

8. An automobile is a _______________ -propelled vehicle.

9. Biochemistry is the chemistry of plant and animal _______________.

10. The study of the physics of the _______________ is called geophysics.

11. The flower, aster, was so named because of its _______________ shape.

12. Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy dealing principally with the physical and chemical natures of _______________ and other heavenly bodies.

13. When we sympathize with someone, we share his _______________.

14. A _______________ -shaped mark (*) used in printing to indicate a footnote is called an asterisk.

15. Autonomy refers to _______________ -rule.

16. Pathos evokes a _______________ of compassion or pity.

17. Biology is the science of _______________ or _______________ matter.

18. Astrology deals with the positions of _______________ and their influence on human affairs.

19. The story of someone's _______________ is called a biography.

20. Geodynamics is the study of dynamic forces within the _______________.