In this article we learn how we can improve our vocabulary easily by developing tricks. We make use of a technique known as ETYMOLOGY.
WHAT IS ETYMOLOGY?
- Etymology deals with the origin or derivation of words.
- When you know the meaning of a root (for example, Latin ego, I or self), you can better understand, and more easily remember, all the words built on this root.
- Learn one root and you have the key that will unlock the meaning of up to ten or twenty words in which the root appears.
Review of Etymology:
Prefix, Root, Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
Ego | Self,I |
Alter | Other |
Intro- | Inside |
Extro- | Outside |
Verto | Turn |
Ambi- | both |
Misein | Hate |
Anthropos | Mankind |
Gyne | Woman |
Gamos | Marriage |
Asketes | Monk |
Centrum | Centre |
Mania | Madness |
Dexter | Right hand |
Sinister | Left hand |
Gauche | Left hand |
Droit | Right hand |
Monos | One |
Bi- | Two |
Polys | Many |
Andros | Male |
-ist | Person who |
-y | Practice, custom, etc |
-ous | Adjective suffix |
-ity | Quality, condition, etc. |
Note:
- ends with y = noun suffix
- Ends with ist = noun suffix
- Ends with ous = adjective suffix
- Ends with ity = noun suffix
- Usage of words:
Meaning | Word |
|---|---|
Philosophy of living austerely | Asceticism |
Hatred of women | misogyny |
Hatred of marriage | Misogamy |
Hatred of mankind | Misanthropy |
Skilful | Dexterous |
Awkward | Gauche |
Evil, threatening | Sinister |
Describing hatred of women | Misogynous or misogynistic |
Skill | Adroitness |
Pertaining to hatred of marriage | misogamous or misogynistic |
Pertaining to hatred of mankind | Misanthropic |
Social custom of plural marriage | Polygamy |
Unlawful state of having more than one spouse | Bigamy |
Doctor specializing in female disorders | Gynaecologist |
Custom of one marriage at a time | Monogamy |
One who hates the human race | Misanthropist or misanthrope |
Able to use both hands with equal skill | Ambidextrous |
Study of mankind | Anthropology |
One who loves mankind | Philanthropist |
Skill in the use of both hands | ambidexterity |