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: Free write for 20 minutes about any subject. When you are done go over your writing with a thesaurus, change any words that you repeated or where the thought didn't seem clear.
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.
Challenge Assignment: 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.
Challenge Assignment: 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.
(this is to replace one of the missing posts)
