IXL | Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to the meanings of words

The root fic or fac means do or make. What does the word prolific mean?

productive or fruitful

expressive or well-spoken

pushy or assertive

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question

The root cred means trust or believe. What does the word incredulous mean?

unwilling to accept something as true

unwilling to give something away

unwilling to engage in hostility

key idea

A root is a part of a word that has a certain meaning. Words that share the same root often have similar meanings that are related to the meaning of the root. For example:

The root bel means war.

A rebel is a person who rises up in armed opposition to the government.

Belligerence is the tendency to seek out or engage in conflict and hostility.

In the United States, the Antebellum Era refers to the period before the Civil War.

All of these meanings relate to the concept of war.

You can use your knowledge of roots to figure out the meaning of words you haven't seen before. For example:

The root bene means good.

The root fac means do or make.

A benefactor is a person who helps others by contributing money or aid. He or she does good for others.

solution

The word incredulous contains the root cred, which means trust or believe.

So, the word incredulous means unwilling to accept something as true.

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