Grade 4 students explore the Latin prefixes de- (down) and sub- (under) through ten vocabulary words including decrease, demote, submerge, and subside in Lesson 7 of Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book 6. Students practice recognizing how these prefixes signal downward or beneath meanings across contexts ranging from math terms like denominator to everyday words like dejected. Exercises build skills in identifying antonyms, using words in context, and extending knowledge to the related prefix pro-.
Section 1
The Root 'de-' Meaning 'Down'
These words all start with the root 'de-', which means 'down' or 'less'. Watch how this root pulls the meaning downward in each word!
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| decrease | (v.) to make something smaller or less |
| dejected | (adj.) feeling sad or downhearted |
| demote | (v.) to move someone to a lower position |
| denominator | (n.) the bottom number in a fraction |
| descend | (v.) to go down from a higher place |
Section 2
The Root 'sub-' Meaning 'Under'
Now let's dive under the surface with the root 'sub-', which means 'under' or 'below'. It's all about what lies beneath!
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| subdue | (v.) to bring under control |
| subheading | (n.) a smaller title under a main heading |
| submerge | (v.) to go under water |
| subside | (v.) to become less intense or go down |
| subsistence | (n.) having just enough to live on |
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Section 1
The Root 'de-' Meaning 'Down'
These words all start with the root 'de-', which means 'down' or 'less'. Watch how this root pulls the meaning downward in each word!
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| decrease | (v.) to make something smaller or less |
| dejected | (adj.) feeling sad or downhearted |
| demote | (v.) to move someone to a lower position |
| denominator | (n.) the bottom number in a fraction |
| descend | (v.) to go down from a higher place |
Section 2
The Root 'sub-' Meaning 'Under'
Now let's dive under the surface with the root 'sub-', which means 'under' or 'below'. It's all about what lies beneath!
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| subdue | (v.) to bring under control |
| subheading | (n.) a smaller title under a main heading |
| submerge | (v.) to go under water |
| subside | (v.) to become less intense or go down |
| subsistence | (n.) having just enough to live on |
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter