Greek Prefixes

Many prefixes (word beginnings) stem from Greek words. For

example, the prefix, anti- is an Ancient Greek word meaning against,
and so today we have words like:
antifreeze-liquid used in the radiator of motor cars to prevent
freezing
antiseptic relating to ointment that prevents a cut going septic
(infected)
antisocial behaviour that is not sociable and is offensive to others
Similarly, the prefix, mono- is from the Greek word monos meaning
alone, and so we have words like:
monologue a speech by one actor in a play
monocycle a cycle with a single wheel used by acrobats (also known
as a unicycle)
monocle a single eyeglass or lens
Use a large dictionary to out of the original Greek meanings of the
prefixes below, and then think of words we use today that have similar
letters and meanings. The first line has been done for you.
Prefix

Greek Word

mega-

megas

micro-

micros

geo-

ge

poly-

polus

Greek
Meaning
great

English Words
megastore
megaphone
megastructure

octa-

okto

Latin Prefixes
The Ancient Greeks are not the only people we should thank for giving
us so many of our prefixes. Many other words we use today have their
origins in Latin around 50% of our language, in fact. So learning
Latin at school really can help to improve your English.
Latin is a rich and fascinating language and one that is still
important in many professions today. Lawyers, scientists, doctors and
historians all benefit from understanding some Latin.
Here are some Latin words and their meanings. Can you see how the
related English words have been influenced by them?
Latin Word
sequi
trans

Meaning
to follow
across

uti

to use

videre
duo

to see
two

English Words
sequence
transatlantic
transfer
utility
utilize
video
duologue
duel

Find at least two related English words for the Latin words below.
Think about how they share a similar meaning.
Latin Word
habitare

Meaning
to live

locus

place

multi

many

English Words

satis

enough

quartus

fourth