In order to be able to
write, you must be able to read – and reading is more than just being able to pronounce
each word. As you read you will form ideas on what works and what doesn't you
will note what techniques are used to get inside your head, and most of all,
you will see where your interests lie. Everything you read will influence you
as a writer – study the so-called greats and you learn technique, study the
masters of your favorite genre and you will learn what makes that genre work.
Being able to understand the words you are reading will make that reading not
only more enjoyable but also much more productive.
The English language can be tricky – until you realize that many
words have built in clues. Once you know some commonly used roots, it’s easy to
figure out the meanings of many words without a dictionary by your side.
Take the word DECREASE: The prefix DE means to take away
from; the root CREASE means to rise or grow = it’s an easy guess to understand
DECREASE means to grow less in number or size. Learn the roots of words and
your reading and writing comprehension will grow exponentially! EXPONENT means a number that indicates how many times
another number should be multiplied by itself; EXPONENTIALLY is an adverb which
describes how quickly that number does multiply.
Here are some common roots and their meanings: TEMPO = time;
VAC = empty; SCRIB = write; -WARD = direction or manner; SUPRA = over or above; SCOPE = see; SUB =
under; -SHIP = condition; TELE = distance or from afar; SOMN = sleep; PAC =
peace; ORTHO = straight or correct; MORPH = shape or form; MESO = middle; HEMA
= blood; DOX = opinion or thought; CONTRA = against or opposite; CARN = flesh;
CAPIT = head; ACRI = bitter or sour; BIBLIO = book; CAS = to fall; -CADE =
procession; COGN = to know; CARDI= heart; PERI = around; HYDRO = water; PHLEGMA
= inflammation; PHOBIA = fear; POLY = many; POLI = city; THERM = heat; TOX =
poison; ZO = animal.
Next time you look up a word in the dictionary, be sure to
read the root meanings that are so often included.
Latin and other languages have also had enormous influences
on our everyday language. Become a bit of a linguist (root LINGUI = tongue or
speech) and you will understand much more.
Some commonly used Latin phrases are: CIRCA = around or
approximately; VERSUS = against; ETCETERA = and so on or and more; VICE VERSA =
the other way around; BONA FIDE = genuine; INTER ALIA = among other things; PERSONA
NON GRATA = unwelcome person; VERBATIM = the same words; EX LIBRIS = from the books. And a few commonly used
Greek words are: DOGMA = established belief or principals by a religion or
organization; ETHOS = an accustomed place; ACME = high point; GENESIS = birth
or origin; PLETHORA = excessive amount; ANEMIA = deficiency in the core of a
system; ANATHEMA = person or thing intensely detested.
Finally,
just for the fun of it, there are a plethora of nonsense-sounding words that
have true meanings and use n our language, these include words like nincompoop,
brouhaha, gobbledygook, etcetera. There’s a whole list online at http://english-language-skills.com/item/88-vocabulary-funny-words.html Try throwing a few of these funny sounding
words into the dialogue of one of your characters to make him or her humorous
and unique.
Writing
Exercise: Sad to say but our everyday newspapers are full of
mistakes. Journalists, in their necessary rush to meet deadlines, don’t always
verify the meanings of every word they use and sometimes those faux-pas get
past the editor’s desk as well. Arm yourself with a red pen or pencil and
circle every word that seems to have questionable meaning – now look each word
up in a dictionary. If you guessed right, then replace the word in the article
with a more precise and correct word. And if you guessed wrong, no problem,
just use the word in a new sentence and then try replacing the word in the
original article with an appropriate synonym.
Writing
Prompt: Think of a
few expressions or catch-phrases you have come to associate with a particular
individual (or individuals). See if you can determine the origins of those
phrases or words – it could be from another language or a dialect.
