Grades 5-6 - Less Common Derivatives

Name: _____________________ Date: ________________

 

 

 

 

Example: confidence  

What is the root of confidence? Suppose you begin with con-. If you know that con- means “against,” and try to define the word from there, you will find that this method will not give you the complete story of the word. Look up confidence in the dictionary. Read through the entire derivative information in the entry. 

 

The useful root of this word is fid-, which is Greek for “trust.” This derivation can help you define the word. Confidence refers to having trust in someone or something. 

 

Find a derivative on your own. Examine the word oppose. Based on your knowledge of derivatives, can you see a root that would help you? If you see one, write it here. _________ 

If you think you can guess what the word means, write the definition below.

_______________________________________________________________.

 

Now look up the word oppose in the dictionary. Read the whole derivation. What is the root? Write the root, the origin, and meaning here. ________________________________________________________________.

 

Challenge: Below are three words that contain derivatives that may not be common or readily visible. With a partner, try to figure out the derivative and the meaning. Then look up the words to check your guesses.

 

ostentatious ____________________________________________________

alien ____________________________________________________

canine ____________________________________________________

 

Words in English often have origins from other languages. These word origins are called derivatives. One strategy for learning new words is to check for an obvious origin, such as a Greek or Latin root. Sometimes the derivative is not immediately visible or does not come up that often in English.

 

It is not always easy to analyze a word’s derivation. Sometimes a derivative is obvious. When it is not, a dictionary can help.