Roots and Affixes

Many English words come from the days of ancient Rome when Latin was the primary language. For example, the Latin word colonia means "farm land or other settled land." Colonia is the root for several modern English words EXCEPT __________.

• colonist

• colonize

• column

• colony

The Latin word praeambulus means "walking in front of." Based on this etymology, what is the BEST definition for the word Preamble as it is used in this sentence?

The Supreme Court has often referred to the Preamble as evidence of the origin, scope, and purpose of the Constitution of the United States

• a summary statement in a new law

• an introduction to a formal document

• an explanatory paragraph in a legal brief

• a defining example in a government brochure

The word epidemic comes from the Greek words epi-, meaning "among" or "upon," and demos, meaning "people" or "district." Based on this information, a disease is considered an epidemic when __________.

• it is first identified

• it is examined scientifically

• it is found to be widespread

• it is determined to be life–threatening

Which of the following words is based on the Latin root that means "to hear"?

• sensory

• audible

• deafening

• attention

The Latin word con– means "together" and tempus means "time." Based on this etymology, what is the best definition for the word contemporaries as it is used in this sentence?

President Lincoln did not always have the full support of his contemporaries when it came to issues surrounding the Civil War.

• people who lived near Lincoln in Washington, D.C.

• people who were anxious about Lincoln's leadership

• people who had been presidents during Lincoln's life

• people who lived during the same historical era as Lincoln

The word deficit comes from the Latin word deficere, meaning "to lack." Based on this etymology, what is the best definition for the word deficit as it is used in this sentence?

Congress considers raising taxes when the government faces a budget deficit.

• debt

• shortage

• discrepancy

• modification