Greek Words and Definitions

[tcha]

In our everyday lives we use Greek (http://www.yourdictionary.com/greek) root words (http://www.yourdictionary.com/reference/other-languages/24-hindu-root-words-of-power.html) and definitions (http://www.yourdictionary.com/definition) all the time. We may not always notice these root words and their definitions because we are so used to them being a normal part of our life. Many words that we use stem from a Greek (http://answers.yourdictionary.com/science/who-discovered-the-constellation-aries.html) nature and are very common in our language.

Common Greek Root Words and Definitions

All of the following are common Greek root words and their definitions. At some point in our lives we may have or will use these root words to make up a full word for a paper or possibly just in normal everyday conversation.


Arch – chief
Auto – referring to the self
Biblio – anything pertaining to a book
Bios – life or living things in general
Cosmos – order or world
Cracy – any type of government entity
Demos - pertaining people
Derma - referring to the skin
Ethnos – race or nation
Gastro – pertaining to the stomach
Geo – pertaining to the earth
Hydro – pertaining to water
Hypno – pertaining to sleep
Isos – equal, alike or identical
Kilo - thousand
Lithos – referring to stone
Logos – word or study
Mania – pertaining to madness
Mega – large or powerful
Monos – pertaining to one
Neuron – pertaining to the nerve
Nomos – law or science
Octo - eight
Pan – pertaining to all or every
Phobia – fear or dread of something
Phone – referring to sound or speaking
Psycho – pertaining to the soul or the mind
Scopos – to spy, watch or see
Static (http://www.yourdictionary.com/static) –causing to stand
Tele – referring to something far off
Therapy – pertaining to curing
Thermo – pertaining to heat
Thesis (http://www.yourdictionary.com/thesis) – a position or opinion
Zoon – pertaining to animals

Example Words Using Greek Roots

The following words are formed by using some of the Greek root words and definitions seen above. How many Greek root words and definitions do you use on a daily basis? Do you use some more than others?


Monarch
Autoimmune
Bibliography
Biopsy
Cosmic
Democracy
Demographics
Dermatologist
Ethnocentrism
Gastric
Geography
Dehydrate
Hypnosis
Isometric
Kilogram
Lithotomy
Logic
Pyromania
Megapod
Monosyllable
Astronomer
Octagon
Pandora
Claustrophobia
Phonograph
Psychology
Telescope
Electrostatic
Telephone
Therapeutic
Thermostat
Thesis
Zoology



Sentences that Contain Greek Root Words

Now that you know what words you use on a daily basis you should have no problems picking out Greek root words and definitions in your everyday conversations. The following sentences use some of the words with the Greek roots. All words underlined are those that are made up with a Greek root.


The children were tested for autoimmune disorders.
Sarah had to do a bibliography for her research paper.
Mark’s biopsy came back with good results.
Our government is a democracy.
Julie and Jennifer went to the dermatologist.
The students had to learn geography before they could leave school.
In the summer you must drink a lot of water so you will not dehydrate.
The measurements were for a kilogram.
An astronomer will study all the stars and planets.
A stop sign is in the shape of an octagon.
David is claustrophobic when he steps into an elevator.
My sister has her degree in clinical psychology.
James got a new telescope for his 15th birthday.
Anita made several calls on her telephone before leaving for work.
A facial on the spa trip was very therapeutic.
The thermostat registered at over 100 degrees today.
Kristina worked hard on her thesis and hoped it would be published soon.
Michael and Fred are majoring in zoology in college.

yourdictionary.com