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Greek And Latin Root Words β Quiz 1
Greek And Latin Root Words Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of Greek and Latin root words, including their meanings, etymological origins, and applications in English vocabulary. It covers concepts such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots related to life and death, medical terminology, photography, and electrical systems.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What does the root "crat" or "cracy" mean like in the words "democracy" or "autocracy" ?
A) King.
B) City.
C) Critic.
D) Rule.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "crat" or "cracy" in words like "democracy" and "autocracy" means
rule
. In these terms, the suffixes indicate a system of governance based on rule. For example, "democracy" refers to a form of government where power is vested in the people and exercised either directly or through freely elected representatives, emphasizing rule by the people.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
King - Incorrect. The root does not relate to a king.
Option B:
City - Incorrect. The root is not associated with cities.
Option C:
Critic - Incorrect. This relates to criticism, not rule.
Option D:
Rule - Correct. This accurately describes the meaning of "crat" or "cracy".
2.
What word means in a small town, the local ..... might employ most of the people?
A) Bags.
B) Factory.
C) Grocery store.
D) Geo-hunting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "factory" is correct because in a small town, the local factory might employ most of the people. Factories are often central to the economy of smaller communities, providing employment for a significant portion of the population.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Bags - Irrelevant to employment in a small town.
Option B:
Factory - Central to local employment in many small towns.
Option C:
Grocery store - While important, it typically employs fewer people than a factory in most small towns.
Option D:
Geo-hunting - Not related to employment or economic activities in small towns.
3.
What does "rupt" mean?
A) Foot.
B) To carry.
C) Time.
D) Burst.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "rupt" comes from the Latin verb "rumpere," which means "to break." Therefore, when used in English words, it often indicates a sudden breaking or bursting action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Foot. - Incorrect. The root is not related to feet.
Option B:
To carry. - Incorrect. This meaning does not relate to the "rupt" root.
Option C:
Time. - Incorrect. The root is unrelated to time.
Option D:
Burst. - Correct. This accurately reflects the meaning of the "rupt" root, indicating a sudden breaking or bursting action.
4.
The signature of a famous person
A) Graffiti.
B) Autograph.
C) Graphite.
D) Paragraph.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "autograph" is derived from the Greek words "auto-" meaning "self" and "-graphos" meaning "writing." An autograph refers to a person's own handwriting, often used in the context of a famous individual signing their name. This aligns with the etymology and usage related to the Greek root "auto-."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Graffiti is an informal form of public expression through writing or drawing, not specifically tied to a person's signature.
Option B:
Autograph correctly refers to a famous personβs signed name, aligning with the Greek root "auto-."
Option C:
Graphite is a form of carbon used in pencils and does not relate to signatures or writing by individuals.
Option D:
Paragraph is a section of text dealing with one point or topic, unrelated to personal handwriting or signatures.
5.
What does the Latin root cent mean?
A) Penny.
B) One thousand.
C) Dance.
D) One hundred.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Latin root "cent" means one hundred. This is derived from the Latin word "centum," which signifies this numerical value. It appears in many English words, such as "percent" (per hundred) and "century" (hundred years).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Penny refers to a small coin, not the number one hundred.
Option B:
One thousand is represented by the prefix "mille" in Latin, as seen in "millennium."
Option C:
Dance is unrelated to the numerical root and has no direct connection to "centum."
Option D:
Correct. The Latin root "cent" means one hundred.
6.
What does tele-mean?
A) Distance.
B) Port.
C) Escape.
D) See.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "tele-" comes from the Greek word "ΟαΏΞ»Ξ΅" (tΔle), meaning "far" or "distant." This root is used in many English words to indicate distance, as seen in terms like "television," which literally means "seeing from a distance."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The prefix "tele-" does indeed mean "distance" or "far."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Port" is unrelated to the meaning of "tele-."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Escape" has a different root and meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect. "See" relates more to vision, not distance.
7.
The word missile contains the root miss. What does the root miss mean?
A) Send.
B) Pull or drag.
C) Far away.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "miss" in the word "missile" means to send, as a missile is something that is sent or launched with intent to hit a target.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The root "miss" in "missile" refers to sending or launching an object.
Option B:
Incorrect. The root does not relate to pulling or dragging.
Option C:
Incorrect. While "miss" can sometimes imply a deviation from the intended target, it primarily means to send in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
8.
This Latin root words means:again, back, backward
A) Uni.
B) Circum.
C) Re-.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Latin root "re-" means "again, back, backward." This prefix is commonly used in English to indicate repetition or return to a previous state or position.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uni. - This option refers to the Latin root meaning "one" or "single," not "again."
Option B:
Circum. - This prefix means "around," not "again, back, backward."
Option C:
Re-. - Correct answer as it means "again, back, backward."
Option D:
None of above. - Incorrect since "re-" is the correct option.
9.
Which of these Greek/Latin root words are spelled correctly?
A) Patriark.
B) Patriorch.
C) Patriarch.
D) Patriarrch.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct spelling among the given options is
C) Patriarch.
This word comes from the Greek roots "patr-" meaning father and "-arch" meaning ruler, thus referring to a male head of a family or religion. The other options contain errors: Option A has an extra 'i', Option B has an extra 'o', and Option D has an extra 'r'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to the extra 'i'.
Option B:
Incorrect due to the extra 'o'.
Option C:
Correct spelling.
Option D:
Incorrect due to an extra 'r'.
10.
What is the definition of the root word psych
A) Speak, word, reason.
B) Mind, soul, spirit.
C) Corner, angle.
D) Blood.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "psych" comes from the Greek language and refers to the mind, soul, or spirit. This is why Option B is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it relates to speaking or reasoning.
Option B:
Correct as "psych" means mind, soul, or spirit.
Option C:
Incorrect as it refers to corners or angles.
Option D:
Incorrect as it pertains to blood.
11.
What does the Latin root bene mean?
A) To build.
B) Shape.
C) Good.
D) To carry.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Latin root "bene" means "good." This is correct because many English words derived from Latin use this root to indicate a positive quality, such as "benefit," which means a good thing that results from an action or situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To build. Incorrect. The Latin root "fab-" is related to building.
Option B:
Shape. Incorrect. The Latin root "form-" relates to shape or form.
Option C:
Good. Correct. This is the meaning of the Latin root "bene."
Option D:
To carry. Incorrect. The Latin root "port-" means to carry or bear.
12.
This Latin root words means:under, lower than, inferior
A) Tain.
B) Sub.
C) Migr.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Latin root "sub" means "under, lower than, inferior." This is why the claimed correct answer B) Sub. is accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Tain does not have a direct meaning related to "under, lower than, inferior."
Option B:
Sub. correctly means "under, lower than, inferior." This is the correct answer.
Option C:
Migr. refers to movement or migration and does not mean "under, lower than, inferior."
Option D:
Is incorrect as there is a valid option among A, B, and C.
13.
Graphology is the study of someone's handwriting. The root graph means write or draw. What does the root logy mean?
A) The study of something.
B) Measure.
C) Own or self.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "logy" in the term "graphology" means "the study of something." This is derived from Greek and Latin roots where "-logy" denotes a field of study, such as in biology (study of life), psychology (study of mind), or geology (study of earth).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Logy" means the study of something.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Logy" does not mean measure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Logy" is not related to ownership or self.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Logy" has a specific meaning in this context.
14.
This prefix/suffix/root means "people."
A) Duct, duc.
B) Pop.
C) Pater, patr.
D) -dom.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix/suffix/root "pop" is not directly related to the meaning of "people." Instead, it often relates to concepts like "to make a sound," as in "popular" which can mean widely known or well-liked. The correct answer for a root that means "people" is
C) Pater, patr.
This Latin root is used in many English words related to family and ancestry.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Duct, duc - relates to lead or conduct, not people.
Option B:
Pop - as explained, it does not mean "people."
Option C:
Pater, patr - Latin for father, often used in words related to family and ancestry, meaning "people." Correct answer.
Option D:
-dom - a suffix indicating state or condition, not people.
15.
What does the prefix auto-mean?
A) Me.
B) You.
C) Us.
D) Self.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "auto-" comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." This is why option D, "Self," is correct. Words like "automobile" (self-moving) and "autonomy" (self-governance) reflect this meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Me - Incorrect. The prefix does not relate to the first person singular pronoun.
Option B:
You - Incorrect. The prefix is not related to the second person singular or plural pronoun.
Option C:
Us - Incorrect. The prefix does not indicate a group of people including the speaker and one or more others.
Option D:
Self - Correct. This accurately reflects the Greek origin meaning "self."
16.
To be born again with a different body after death
A) Physics.
B) Animator.
C) Physicist.
D) Reincarnate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "reincarnate" refers to the belief that a person's soul or spirit is reborn into a new body after death, often associated with spiritual and religious contexts. This aligns with the idea of being born again with a different body after death.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Physics deals with the laws of nature and does not address the concept of rebirth or souls.
Option B:
Animator is related to creating animated characters, which is unrelated to the concept of reincarnation.
Option C:
Physicist studies physics but does not involve beliefs about soul transmigration.
Option D:
Reincarnate directly relates to the belief in rebirth with a new body after death, making it the correct answer.
17.
The complete path that an electric current travels along
A) Concentric.
B) Eccentric.
C) Cyclical.
D) Circuit.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Circuit.
A circuit refers to the complete path that an electric current travels along, including all components and connections in a closed loop system.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Concentric - Refers to circles or rings with a common center, not related to electrical paths.
Option B:
Eccentric - Describes something that is not centered on a particular point, unrelated to electric current paths.
Option C:
Cyclical - Relates to recurring in cycles or periods, not specifically about the path of an electrical current.
Option D:
Circuit - Correct term for the complete path that an electric current travels along.
18.
Prospect means to
A) Take care of others.
B) Become a professional spector.
C) See specting.
D) Look or search for something good.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "prospect" comes from the Latin root "spec-" which means to look at or see. Therefore, when we use "prospect," it refers to looking for something good, such as a business opportunity or a potential client.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Take care of others" is unrelated to the Latin root meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. Becoming a professional spectator does not relate to the word's etymology.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option misinterprets the root and its application.
Option D:
Correct. "Look or search for something good" aligns with the Latin origin of "prospect."
19.
Auditorium, audible, audition
A) Room.
B) Noise.
C) Hear.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "audible" comes from the Latin root "aud-" which means "to hear." This is why option C, "Hear," is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Room. - Not related to the meaning of "audible."
Option B:
Noise. - While noise can be heard, it does not capture the root meaning of "audible."
Option C:
Hear. - Correct as "audible" means capable of being heard.
Option D:
None of above. - Incorrect since "Hear" is the correct answer.
20.
Cardiology is the study and medical treatment of the heart. The root logy means the study of something. What does the root cardio mean?
A) Measure.
B) Heart.
C) Own or self.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root "cardio" means heart. This is derived from the Greek word "kardia," which refers to the heart. In medical terminology, when combined with other roots and suffixes, it indicates that the field or condition relates specifically to the heart.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Measure - Incorrect. The root does not relate to measurement.
Option B:
Heart - Correct. This is the accurate meaning of "cardio."
Option C:
Own or self - Incorrect. This relates to different roots like auto- or idio-.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect, as option B is correct.
21.
What does-metry mean?
A) Long.
B) Measure.
C) Length.
D) Distance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The suffix "-metry" in words like "geometry," "metry," and others, comes from the Greek word "metron," meaning measure. Thus, -metry refers to the act of measuring or a system of measurement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Long. Incorrect. Not related to measurement.
Option B:
Measure. Correct. Directly derived from "metron," meaning measure.
Option C:
Length. Incorrect. While length is a form of measurement, -metry encompasses broader types of measurements beyond just length.
Option D:
Distance. Incorrect. Similar to option C, distance is one type of measurement but not the full meaning of -metry.
22.
Tending to act in strange or unusual ways
A) Eccentric.
B) Concentric.
C) Cyclical.
D) Cycle.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Eccentric describes someone who acts in strange or unusual ways, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Describes acting strangely or unusually.
Option B:
Concentric relates to something centered around a common point; not related to behavior.
Option C:
Cyclical refers to something that happens in cycles, not behavior patterns.
Option D:
Cycle is similar to cyclical and does not describe unusual behavior.
23.
What does the following root word mean:photo?
A) Pull, draw.
B) Light.
C) See.
D) Time.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "photo" comes from the Greek word "phos," meaning light. This is why option B) Light is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pull, draw. Incorrect; this relates to Latin roots like "tract."
Option B:
Light. Correct; directly derived from the Greek "phos."
Option C:
See. Incorrect; related to visual perception but not the root of "photo."
Option D:
Time. Incorrect; unrelated to the meaning of "photo."
24.
Astro-is a Greek root meaning
A) Stars, outer space.
B) Time.
C) Against, opposite.
D) Earth.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Greek root "astro-" means "stars, outer space." This is derived from the Greek word "astron," meaning star. It appears in many English words related to celestial bodies and astronomy, such as "astronomy" (the study of stars) and "asteroid" (a small natural object orbiting the sun).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The root "astro-" indeed means "stars, outer space."
Option B:
Incorrect. The Greek root for time is "chron-," not "astro-."
Option C:
Incorrect. The prefix meaning "against" or "opposite" in Greek is "anti-," not "astro-."
Option D:
Incorrect. The root for earth is "geo-," not "astro-."
25.
What is the Latin root of the word percent?
A) Cent.
B) One hundred.
C) Percent.
D) Per.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The Latin root of the word "percent" is
cent
. The term "percent" comes from the Latin phrase "per centum," which means "by the hundred." Here, "cent" refers to "hundred."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Cent" is derived from the Latin word for "hundred."
Option B:
Incorrect. While this option mentions a significant number in the term, it does not represent the root.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the full term and not the root.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Per" means "by" or "for," but not "hundred."
26.
Which word matches this definition.Unnecessary.
A) Impulse.
B) Superfluvuos.
C) Superfluous.
D) Fluent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "superfluous" correctly matches the definition of "unnecessary." It comes from Latin, where "superfluere" means to flow over or overflow, indicating something that is excessive and not needed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Impulse - This term relates to a sudden strong urge to act without much thought. Not related to the definition of unnecessary.
Option B:
Superfluvuos - This is likely a misspelling or variant, but it does not match the correct spelling "superfluous." It also doesn't relate to the concept of something being unnecessary.
Option C:
Superfluous - Correct. Comes from Latin and means unnecessarily excessive or redundant.
Option D:
Fluent - This term refers to someone who speaks a language smoothly and easily, not related to the definition of unnecessary.
27.
A picture made using light from a camera
A) Photocopy.
B) Transport.
C) Telephoto.
D) Photograph.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Photograph is the correct answer because it directly refers to an image made using light from a camera, which aligns with the given definition in the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Photocopy involves reproducing documents or images by making a copy of them, not necessarily through a camera.
Option B:
Transport refers to moving objects from one place to another and does not relate to capturing an image with light.
Option C:
Telephoto is related to the type of lens used in photography but does not describe the process of making a picture using light from a camera.
Option D:
Photograph accurately describes an image made using light from a camera, which matches the question's definition.
28.
What does the root word "aqu" mean?
A) Bath.
B) Drop.
C) Pool.
D) Water.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The root word "aqu" means water. This is derived from the Latin term "aqua," which refers to water. It appears in many English words related to water, such as aquarium and aqueduct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Bath - Incorrect. While "bath" can be related to water, it is not the root meaning of "aqu."
Option B:
Drop - Incorrect. "Drop" does not relate to the primary meaning of "aqu."
Option C:
Pool - Incorrect. "Pool" refers to a body of water but is not derived from "aqu."
Option D:
Water - Correct. The root "aqu" means water, as seen in Latin words like "aqua."
29.
Capable of being slowly destroyed and broken down into very small parts by natural processes, bacteria, etc.
A) Biodegradable.
B) Photosynthesis.
C) Bibliophile.
D) Biology.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A, "Biodegradable," is correct because it refers to materials that can be broken down by natural processes and microorganisms like bacteria over time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Materials capable of breaking down through natural processes or biological means.
Option B:
The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide, water, and minerals into sugars, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Not related to breakdown or bacteria.
Option C:
A lover of books. Irrelevant to the concept of breaking down materials.
Option D:
The study of living organisms. Too broad; does not specifically address the process of breaking down materials by natural means.
30.
A word, name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy recognition
A) Logbook.
B) Apology.
C) Logo.
D) Eulogy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A logo is a word, name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy recognition. It serves as an identifier for a brand or company, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Logbook refers to a book containing records of events and transactions; not related to identification through symbols or names.
Option B:
Apology is an expression of regret for wrongdoing; unrelated to branding or recognition.
Option C:
Logo, as defined, fits the description perfectly.
Option D:
Eulogy is a speech in praise of someone who has died; not related to branding or symbols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Greek and Latin root words, and why are they important in English vocabulary?
Greek and Latin root words are fundamental building blocks of many English words. They provide a basis for understanding the meaning of complex terms and can help improve reading comprehension and vocabulary skills.
How do Greek and Latin roots like -cyclo- (circle or cycle) appear in English words?
Greek and Latin roots such as -cyclo- can be found in various English words related to cycles, such as bicycle (two-wheeled cycle) or cyclical (recurring in a cycle).
Can you give an example of how Greek and Latin roots are used in medical terminology?
Certainly! The root -centri (center) is found in medical terms like centriole, which refers to a small organelle at the center of a cell. Another example is biodegradation, where "bio-" relates to life or living things.
Are there Greek and Latin roots related to concepts of life and death?
Yes, many terms involving life and death use Greek and Latin roots. For instance, the word "autograph" comes from "auto-" meaning self or own, and "graph" meaning writing, referring to a signature written by oneself.
How can learning Greek and Latin roots benefit students in their local industry and employment?
Understanding these roots can enhance communication skills, improve reading comprehension, and aid in interpreting technical documents or job-related materials, which are valuable assets in any industry.