What is Etymology?
Etymology is a rhetorical or literary device. In other words, it's the concept of understanding the history of words. It is believed that every word has an origin story, and often their histories are quite informative and adventurous. Some can jump across languages or found as formal words in one language and slang in another. The word's birthday is when it is used for the first time. For instance, the word "show-and-tell" was introduced in 1948 in an elementary school. After more than 60 years, it is still used in different schools as a favorite activity. Several words have historical origins dating back hundreds of years ago.
Finding Meaning through Root Words
Use what you have learned to match each word to its meaning. Then, on the lines, explain how the words are similar, or how the root word contributes to the meaning of each word.
Do You Know Your Roots?
Look up each of the following words in the dictionary. What is the root word? Write it on the line.
Where's Melancholy Going?
CLUES: Melancholy means a dark mood. Melatonin is a hormone your brain produces in response to darkness. Melanin is a pigment that determine how dark your skin and hair color is.
Where's It Come From?
Many words in the English language come from other languages, often Greek or Latin.
Unscramble and Decode
Each word below contains one or more Greek or Latin roots. Unscramble the words. Then use a dictionary to determine the etymology and meaning of each word.
Vocabulary Worksheet
Choose three words from this week's vocabulary list. Use a dictionary to complete an etymology chart for each word.
Word Find
Find words in the puzzle that belong to the roots provided. Underneath each root, write its meaning.
Crossword
Find nine words in the puzzle that start with the letter a. Then look up each word in the dictionary and complete the table for each word.