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

The word decagon contains the root dec. What does the root dec mean?

shape

bend or curve

ten

one hundred

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question

The word benefactor contains the root bene. What does the root bene mean?

empty

law

own or self

good

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 benefactor, like the word benefit, contains the root bene. These words both have to do with someone or something that is good or helpful. This tells you that the root bene means good.

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