In this Grade 3 vocabulary lesson from Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book 4, students explore the Latin roots serv (to help, to serve) and vari (different, changing) to build understanding of eight related words including deserve, serviceable, variable, variation, and variety. Exercises guide students through identifying synonyms, using words in context, and applying the adjective suffix -ous to expand their word knowledge. This lesson is part of Chapter 2 and strengthens students' ability to decode and use academic vocabulary drawn from classical word roots.
Section 1
The Root 'serv': To Help or Serve
Let's start by serving up some new words from the Latin root 'serv,' which means 'to help' or 'to serve'.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| deserve | (v.) to be worthy of or have earned something |
| server | (n.) a person or computer that provides a service |
| service | (n.) helpful work done for others |
| serviceable | (adj.) useful and able to function properly |
Section 2
The Root 'vari': Different and Changing
Now for a little variety! These words all come from the root 'vari,' which points to things that are 'different' or 'changing'.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| variable | (adj.) likely to change or be different |
| variation | (n.) a change or difference from what is normal |
| variety | (n.) a collection of different things |
| various | (adj.) several different kinds of |
Section 3
The Suffix '-ous': Having or Full Of
Time to build your vocabulary! The suffix '-ous' is a handy tool for turning nouns into adjectives that mean 'full of' something.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| joyous | (adj.) full of joy; very happy |
| courageous | (adj.) full of courage; very brave |
| dangerous | (adj.) full of danger; likely to cause harm |
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Section 1
The Root 'serv': To Help or Serve
Let's start by serving up some new words from the Latin root 'serv,' which means 'to help' or 'to serve'.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| deserve | (v.) to be worthy of or have earned something |
| server | (n.) a person or computer that provides a service |
| service | (n.) helpful work done for others |
| serviceable | (adj.) useful and able to function properly |
Section 2
The Root 'vari': Different and Changing
Now for a little variety! These words all come from the root 'vari,' which points to things that are 'different' or 'changing'.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| variable | (adj.) likely to change or be different |
| variation | (n.) a change or difference from what is normal |
| variety | (n.) a collection of different things |
| various | (adj.) several different kinds of |
Section 3
The Suffix '-ous': Having or Full Of
Time to build your vocabulary! The suffix '-ous' is a handy tool for turning nouns into adjectives that mean 'full of' something.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| joyous | (adj.) full of joy; very happy |
| courageous | (adj.) full of courage; very brave |
| dangerous | (adj.) full of danger; likely to cause harm |
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter