Section 1
The Root of Smallness: MIKROS
Let's start small! These words come from the Greek root MIKROS, meaning "small."
Key Words
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| microbe | (n.) a very small living thing |
| microcosm | (n.) a small model of a larger system |
In Lesson 5 of Chapter 3 from Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book A, Grade 4 students learn eleven vocabulary words rooted in Latin and Greek, including microbe, microcosm, minuscule, minutia, attenuate, tenuous, satiate, comply, implement, replete, and expletive. The lesson traces each word back to its classical root, such as mikros meaning small, tenuis meaning thin, and plenus meaning full, helping students understand how ancient languages shape modern English. This foundation in etymology builds both vocabulary depth and word-recognition skills across reading and writing contexts.
Section 1
The Root of Smallness: MIKROS
Let's start small! These words come from the Greek root MIKROS, meaning "small."
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| microbe | (n.) a very small living thing |
| microcosm | (n.) a small model of a larger system |
Section 2
Less is More: The Roots MINUO & MINUS
Think smaller! These words are derived from the Latin roots MINUO ("to lessen") and MINUS ("less"). They focus on things that are tiny, detailed, or reduced in scale.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| minuscule | (adj.) extremely small; tiny |
| minutia | (n.) a small or trivial detail |
| minutiae | (pl. n.) the plural of minutia; small or trivial details |
Section 3
Getting Thin: The Roots TENUO & TENUIS
Here are two words that get to the point, thinly! They come from the Latin roots TENUO ("to make thin") and TENUIS ("thin").
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| attenuate | (v.) to make something weaker or thinner |
| tenuous | (adj.) very weak or slight |
Section 4
Enough is Enough: The Root SATIS
Feeling full? This word comes from the Latin root SATIS, meaning "enough."
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| satiate | (v.) to satisfy fully; to have enough |
Section 5
Filling It Up: The Roots IMPLEO & PLENUS
Let's fill in the blanks with these words from the Latin roots IMPLEO ("to fill") and PLENUS ("full").
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| comply | (v.) to do what is asked or required |
| implement | (v.) to put a plan into action; (n.) a tool or instrument |
| replete | (adj.) completely full; well supplied |
| expletive | (n.) a sudden oath or exclamation |
Book overview
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Section 1
The Root of Smallness: MIKROS
Let's start small! These words come from the Greek root MIKROS, meaning "small."
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| microbe | (n.) a very small living thing |
| microcosm | (n.) a small model of a larger system |
Section 2
Less is More: The Roots MINUO & MINUS
Think smaller! These words are derived from the Latin roots MINUO ("to lessen") and MINUS ("less"). They focus on things that are tiny, detailed, or reduced in scale.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| minuscule | (adj.) extremely small; tiny |
| minutia | (n.) a small or trivial detail |
| minutiae | (pl. n.) the plural of minutia; small or trivial details |
Section 3
Getting Thin: The Roots TENUO & TENUIS
Here are two words that get to the point, thinly! They come from the Latin roots TENUO ("to make thin") and TENUIS ("thin").
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| attenuate | (v.) to make something weaker or thinner |
| tenuous | (adj.) very weak or slight |
Section 4
Enough is Enough: The Root SATIS
Feeling full? This word comes from the Latin root SATIS, meaning "enough."
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| satiate | (v.) to satisfy fully; to have enough |
Section 5
Filling It Up: The Roots IMPLEO & PLENUS
Let's fill in the blanks with these words from the Latin roots IMPLEO ("to fill") and PLENUS ("full").
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| comply | (v.) to do what is asked or required |
| implement | (v.) to put a plan into action; (n.) a tool or instrument |
| replete | (adj.) completely full; well supplied |
| expletive | (n.) a sudden oath or exclamation |
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter