To Increase English Vocabulary!
Another goal in learning Latin is to build English word power. Students of Latin gain new English vocabulary with just about every new Latin word they acquire. They also secure a better understanding of English words they already know.
The tree below shows how, by learning one Latin root word, scribere, which means to write, all these English derivatives can be learned or better understood, since all are somehow related to the idea of writing.
Learning vocabulary from root words, in family trees like this, creates a meaningful organizational structure in the brain that students can draw upon for the rest of their lives.
It’s estimated that at least 60% and as much as 75% of English vocabulary is derived from Latin. And these are the words used by lawyers, theologians, writers, historians, people in the medical field, scientists–in short, the more educated segment of our society. The more words you know, the better you can express your ideas, and the better you can do this, the more you can accomplish in every endeavor. Studies show that those who use language well are also the highest paid and most successful in their careers. Word power IS power!