The Greek & Latin Roots of English

More than 60 percent of all English words have Greek or Latin roots; in the vocabulary of the sciences and technology, the figure rises to more than 90 percent. Through the study of the Greek and Latin roots of English, students can expand their knowledge of English vocabulary and also come to understand the ways in which the complex history of the English language has shaped our perceptions of the world around us. The sixth edition of The Greek and Latin Roots of English maintains the book's much-praised thematic approach. After an essential overview of world languages, and the linguistic histories of Greek, Latin, and English, the text organizes vocabulary into various topics, including politics and government, psychology, medicine and the biological science, as well as ancient culture, religion, and philosophy. The sixth edition features revised cumulative exercises in each chapter that reinforce both vocabulary and analytical skills learned from pervious chapter. The sixth edition also features alphabetized vocabulary lists, new photos and cartoons, and other reader-friendly updates. The Greek and Latin Roots of English remains an essential text to help students not only learn vocabulary and understand the power of language, but also appreciate the pleasures of pitfuls of language study.

Tamara Green is Professor Emerita of Classics and former Chair of the Department of Classical and Oriental Studies at Hunter College of the City University of New York.