RETEACH

Name: Date:

LATIN ROOT -DICT-

The Latin root -dict- means, “to speak.” The word diction comes from the root
-dict-. When words from this root are combined with other word parts, a new
meaning emerges. For instance, the word malediction means “a curse.” The prefix
mal- means “bad or evil.”
A. DIRECTIONS: Each word below uses the root -dict-. Choose the word that fits in
each sentence, and write the letter of the word on the line.
A. diction B. jurisdiction C. unpredictable D. verdict E. predictor F. indict

1. James said that the mild winter was a of how hot and miserable the
summer was going to be.
2. Justine is quite ; you never know what she’s going to say or do next.
3. The defendant stood as the was read: Not guilty on all counts.
4. The D.A. was hoping to the drug lord, but he didn’t have enough
evidence to present to the Grand Jury.
5. We left the county, thus leaving Sherriff Langston’s .
6. Having good is a welcome attribute for a stage performer, who must
make dialogue clear to the audience.

B. DIRECTIONS: Reread the sentences in Part A. Then, match each word below with
its definition, drawing a line between each pair
1. diction A. formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime

2. jurisdiction B. the territory over which the legal authority extends

3. unpredictable C. the style of enunciation in speaking or singing

4. verdict D. a person or thing that says or estimates what will happen

5. predictor E. not able to say or estimate what will happen

6. indict F. a decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case

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 PRACTICE

Name: Date:

LATIN ROOT -DICT-

A. DIRECTIONS: Select the correct word from the box on the right to
complete each sentence. dictated
contradictory
1. Marco’s move was , seeing as how he made the same predictable
move three turns in a row. dictionary
2. Jasper was quite insistent about what we did on our vacation; he
everything we did.
3. I needed an English-Spanish to help me navigate my way around
Uruguay.
4. Rhonda’s actions were to what she believed; she said all people
should have the freedom to wear what they want but chastised me for my
choice of attire.

B. DIRECTIONS: Use each of the following words in a complete sentence.

1. contradict:

2. benediction:

3. predict:

4. dictatorial:

C. DIRECTIONS: The word addiction has the root -dict- but has deviated from its
meaning of “to say.” Using a dictionary, look at the etymology of addiction. How
does its archaic use help to inform the current definition? Use the space below to
provide your answer.

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