English Vocabulary Quick Reference: A Dictionary Arranged by Word Roots (Hardcover)

by Roger S. Crutchfield (Author) "abiogenesis [a-, without + bio, living organisms + -genesis, generation] The now discredited theory that living organisms can be spontaneously generated directly from nonliving matter..." (more)
Key Phrases: Roman Catholic Church, Stone Age, Old Testament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
English Vocabulary Quick Reference takes an innovative approach to word roots. To start with, there's the "Primary Root Index"--a list of 260 essential word roots (including prefixes and suffixes), with definitions, language origin (Latin or Greek), and the dictionary page number where it's featured. It's a handy, easily accessible "a-" to "zyg-" list, but the unusual quality of the reference lies in its dictionary. Color-coded (red for common words such as are likely to appear on SATs, blue keywords to highlight succinct definitions), the dictionary presents more than 7,000 words based on those roots. From "abiogenesis" to "zygote," etymologies and definitions elucidate each word and encourage an understanding of the basic roots. This section is followed by a reverse dictionary of sorts--an alphabetical index of the keyword definitions. There's also an index of main entry words, and another index of 500 secondary roots that didn't make into the "Primary Root" list. Crutchfield's definitive book on word roots--geared toward educators, students of medicine, and students of English--is a superb classroom resource and a worthwhile home reference as well. --Stephanie Gold

From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up?Using a unique approach to learning and building vocabulary based on word roots, this comprehensive dictionary educates readers in the etymology of the English language. The book opens with an enthusiastic introduction, a discussion of how to use the resource, and a phonics-based pronunciation key. Next, the "Primary Root Index" lists 260 Greek and Latin word roots, alphabetically arranged, along with their definitions, and the pages on which they are found in the "Dictionary" section that follows. Here, the root words are arranged in alphabetical order, defined again, and followed by a comprehensive listing of words that contain that root (e.g., "bell" is followed by "antebellum," "bellicose," "belligerent," etc.). The etymology, a definition, and pronunciation guides are provided for all of these terms. Common words likely to appear on the SAT are in red. Within each definition, keywords are highlighted in blue. These "Keywords" are then compiled into another alphabetical list that refers back to the "Dictionary." The "Main Entry Index" provides an alphabetical listing of all of the words in the dictionary. A "Secondary Root Index," with a list of more than 500 less-common roots, completes this amazing reference. This authoritative book is sure to appeal to students interested in improving their command of the English language.?Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 364 pages
• Publisher: Lexadyne Pub. (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965913805
• ISBN-13: 978-0965913805
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #249,197 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book generates a thirst for learning vocabulary., November 16, 1999

By A Customer

I have used this book in my etymology classes at Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, Virginia, for the past two years. I have begun to incorporate it into my ninth grade English classes. The students thoroughly enjoy using this book and now the workbook that can accompany it. Most students have acknowledged a one hundred point increase in SAT scores after using the text. This roots approach allows the students to learn to unlock the meanings of words that they may have never seen. This book generates a thirst for learning new words and also allows them to create neologisms for things that have never been named. Students work enthusiastically with Vocabulary Quick Reference, and that would bring a smile to any educator's face. If you don't have it in your classroom, your students are being cheated. Become Y2K Vocabulary Compliant and put it in your classroom.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a MUST-READ for fellow logophiles!!, October 26, 2000

By	William M McCulloch (Vacaville, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I had the good fortune of being seated next to the author on a (normally tedious)5 hour flight from Washington DC to Sacaramento. In conversation, Roger mentioned that he'd written a book on work roots. Instead of a yawn, I sprung to life, asking zillions of questions. Roger scribbled on United Airline napkins for hours, dissecting (dis-away, sect-to cut)words with Latin and Greek origins. After dinner, I thought I should nap, but my brain kept me awake asking..."what about penultimate?", etc.

I can't imaging what an invaluable aid this would be as a reference for any Elementary, Jr. High or High School Student. This should be required reading for any University Med, Law, Lit or Music student. Thanks to United Airlines for seating me next to Mr. Crutchfield and thanks to Amazon for shipping within a day!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comprehensive Dictionry Arranged by Word Roots, December 5, 2001

By A Customer

I am using this book with 7th and 8th grade remedial students and it is working beautifully. The book is easy to use and the examples are revelant and save time.