Latin derivatives are words that are derived from Latin roots. Studying Latin derivatives can help you to improve your vocabulary and your understanding of the English language! It can also help you to learn other languages that came from Latin.
General advice and Level 3 sources:
If you're in a rush, you can use this more-compact list.
If you plan on making your own flashcards to study, then follow this format:
Side 1: English word (ex. salubrious)
Side 2: Latin word from which the English word is derived + meaning of the Latin word (ex. salus (health)).
Level I & II Study Guide by Amanda Han '18 and Zahra Hasanain '18, and Alan Tang '18
- This is one of the most straightforward topics to study. Each Certamen round will have approximately 2 derivative questions. The most important component of derivatives is learning the Latin words and their meanings from which English words are derived (e.g. derivative is from rivus (river)).
- A complete list of all the necessary derivatives you'll ever need to know can be found here (Greenwald's Free Latin Derivative Dictionary).
- However, you should check out the Quizlet sets found here. They are based on a combination of the the top 3 derivative sources and thus are extremely comprehensive. Star around 100-200 terms at a time; learn in little chunks. If you know the derivatives in those six sets (don't worry about the Greek ones), your competition will no longer be competition in any way, shape, or form.
If you're in a rush, you can use this more-compact list.
If you plan on making your own flashcards to study, then follow this format:
Side 1: English word (ex. salubrious)
Side 2: Latin word from which the English word is derived + meaning of the Latin word (ex. salus (health)).
Level I & II Study Guide by Amanda Han '18 and Zahra Hasanain '18, and Alan Tang '18