Where did that word come from – Greek or Latin? What other words are similar? These questions are answered in English Derivatives from Greek and Latin Roots by Kathryn A Sinkovich (available free to CANE members), which lists prefixes and words alphabetically and gives derivatives. It is so interesting (and exciting!) to find out where words come from!

This reference book is organized at first alphabetically, and then by various topics: numbers, prefixes, body parts – to name only a few. It’s not a book to sit down and read, but it is perfect to have on your computer so that you can look up words.

Our original text was based on paper, not computer. With the computer it’s easy to find a word, whether in Latin or Greek (phonetically spelled). This version allows for that, and also to be printed out.

One thing you can do with students: assign a root, or have them pick one based on their interest (topics) and then they can pick several words and look them up further. It’s amazing how many words come into English. Discuss why most medical words are Greek derivatives, whereas most military terms are Roman.

Another thing: take a look at the roots, and see how they come into other Indo-European languages. Charts are available on the Internet.

Have fun!