Root Words Quiz
Understanding the Latin and Greek roots of English words is like having a secret code to unlock the meaning of thousands of vocabulary terms. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a language enthusiast, or someone trying to strengthen their command over English, mastering root words is your gateway to success!
What Are Root Words?
Root words are the fundamental building blocks of many English words. Most often derived from Latin and Greek, these roots carry the core meaning of a word.
Why Latin and Greek Roots Matter
Over 60% of English words are borrowed or evolved from Latin and Greek. Scientific, medical, academic, and legal terms especially rely on these ancient roots.
For example:
- “bene” (Latin) = good → benefit, benevolent
- “bio” (Greek) = life → biology, biography
- “chrono” (Greek) = time → chronology, synchronize
Root Words Exercises
Q1. What does the root “aud” mean?
A) Speak
B) See
C) Hear ✅
D) Write
Q2. “Chron” is a Greek root meaning:
A) Space
B) Time ✅
C) Motion
D) Vision
Q3. Which word contains the root meaning “life”?
A) Biography ✅
B) Geography
C) Telecast
D) Symphony
Q4. What does the root “rupt” mean?
A) Bend
B) Break ✅
C) Join
D) Push
Q5. What is the meaning of the root “manu”?
A) Leg
B) Head
C) Hand ✅
D) Mind
Q6. Which root word means “earth”?
A) Aqua
B) Geo ✅
C) Aero
D) Pyro
Q7. “Dict” is the root for:
A) Sing
B) Write
C) Say/Speak ✅
D) Think
Q8. “Therm” in thermal relates to:
A) Time
B) Speed
C) Cold
D) Heat ✅
Q9. “Phobia” is a root that means:
A) Study
B) Speech
C) Fear ✅
D) Shape
Q10. Which root means “light” and appears in photography?
A) Bio
B) Phon
C) Photo ✅
D) Chron
Root words are the DNA of English vocabulary. By learning them, you’re not just memorizing words—you’re understanding them. Regular practice with root word quizzes can make vocabulary building fun and effective.
Want to Learn More?
| Top 100 Common Root Words List | Prefix and Suffix Guide | Advanced/Proficient Vocabulary |
| What are Wordle Words? | 3rd Grade Vocabulary Word List | 2nd Grade Vocabulary Word List |
