Lexicon to the Power of You

Words inspire, motivate, and connect us to one another. They are the building blocks of communication and the key to unlocking our creativity. By experimenting with prefixes, suffixes, spelling and tonic patterns, and more, you can expand your vocabulary and express yourself in new and exciting ways.

Meet the Ancestors

English is often described as a "borrower" language, taking words and grammar from other languages throughout history. One of its oldest ancestors is Sanskrit, India's ancient language. Sanskrit pops up across many languages through words like "yoga," "karma," and "avatar."

The German Connection

When the Anglo-Saxons invaded Britain in the 5th century, they brought their Germanic language with them. This language eventually evolved into Old English, laying the foundation for the language we speak today. Of the 100 most common words in English, 99 have German roots. Irregular plurals and modal verbs are left-overs from that early period.

The Latin Influence

Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, also played a significant role in shaping English. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, French-speaking Normans ruled England, introducing Latin words and structure into the English vocabulary. After the first 100, the rest of the words English speakers use most are mostly derived from Latin.

A Linguistic Blend

English is a true melting pot of languages, blending elements from Sanskrit, German, and Latin to create a unique and diverse vocabulary. By understanding the roots of English, the end result may seem less random.

What are Prefixes and Suffixes?

Prefixes and suffixes are affixes added to the beginning or end of a word to change its meaning. For example, adding the prefix "un-" to the word "happy" transforms it into "unhappy," conveying the opposite meaning. Similarly, adding the suffix "-less" to the word "fear" creates "fearless," indicating a lack of fear. By understanding the role of prefixes and suffixes, you can decipher unfamiliar words and enhance your language skills.

Exploring Noun and Verb Patterns

Nouns and verbs are essential parts of speech that help us convey our thoughts and ideas. By recognizing patterns in noun and verb formation, you can expand your vocabulary and express yourself more effectively. For example, many English verbs can be transformed into nouns by adding a suffix such as "-tion" or "-ment." Understanding these patterns can help you communicate with clarity and precision.

The Power of Word Roots

Word roots are the core of a word that carries its main meaning. By learning common word roots, you can decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary. For example, the Latin root "aud" means "hear," so words like "audience" and "audio" are related to the sense of hearing. By exploring word roots, you can uncover connections between words and deepen your understanding of language.

Creating Word Families

Word families are groups of words that are related in meaning and structure. By exploring word families, you can expand your vocabulary and express yourself with nuance. For example, the word "happy" belongs to the same family as "happiness" and "happily," each conveying a different aspect of the concept of happiness. By understanding word families, you can enrich your language skills and communicate more effectively.