Here's a spelling secret that top spelling bee champions know: Latin roots unlock academic vocabulary. When you understand that "dict" means say and "port" means carry, suddenly "dictionary" and "transport" aren't just words to learn, they're "say-book" and "carry-across." This deep understanding makes spelling predictable. Our adaptive practice builds this knowledge naturally. Try it free.
Key Numbers & Domains
~29%
Approximate share of English dictionary vocabulary from Latin roots. The largest single contributor to English vocabulary.
Key Domains:
- • Academic writing (education, nation, structure)
- • Legal terms (verdict, justice, contract)
- • Technical vocabulary (science, construct, transport)
- • Medical terms (inject, visible, audible)
Why Latin Roots Matter
Understanding Latin roots transforms spelling from rote learning to pattern recognition.
29% of English vocabulary
Latin forms the foundation of academic, legal, and technical English. Words in law (verdict, justice, contract), science (science, structure, construct), and education (education, instruction, dictionary) all trace back to Latin roots.
Predictable spelling patterns
Latin words use distinctive patterns: "-tion" and "-sion" endings (action, decision), "-ment" endings (movement), "-able/-ible" endings (flexible, terrible), and "sc" for s (scissors). Know the origin, predict the spelling.
Spelling bee advantage
54% of spelling bee words come from Latin, French, or Greek. Asking about word origins is a winning strategy. Champions use etymology to spell unfamiliar words correctly on the first try.
Exam prep advantage
SAT, ACT, and GRE vocabulary draws heavily from Latin roots. Words like "ambiguous," "circumvent," and "proximity" all become transparent when you know their roots. This knowledge is essential for test success.
Essential Latin Roots
Latin roots dominate academic vocabulary across all subjects. These building blocks appear in law, medicine, science, and everyday English.
Latin Spelling Patterns to Remember
Common Endings
- -tion → nation, education, celebration
- -sion → discussion, vision, decision
- -ment → government, development, movement
- -able/-ible → capable, visible, flexible
Sound Patterns
- c before a/o/u = k → canal, colony, curious
- sc = s sound → science, scene, scissors
- -ous → famous, curious, various
- Double consonants → committee, address, success
Spot these patterns with our free adaptive spelling tool.
How Lit Spelling Works
Learn Latin root patterns
Latin roots dominate academic vocabulary across all subjects. Patterns include "-tion" and "-sion" endings (nation, discussion), "-ment" endings (government), "-able/-ible" endings (capable, visible), and "sc" for s (science). Our adaptive system introduces these patterns through words you'll actually use.
Practice with real words
Hear each word pronounced clearly, then type it. The multisensory approach (hearing + seeing + typing) builds stronger memory than flashcards alone. You'll naturally notice Latin patterns like "-tion" endings and root families.
Master through spaced repetition
Our algorithm brings challenging words back at optimal intervals. Words with tricky Latin patterns (education, development, visible) appear more often until you've mastered them. Your practice is always targeted where you need it most.
How Lit Spelling Helps
Latin-heavy word lists
Premium subscribers get access to dedicated word lists arranged by origin. Practice Latin root words together to build pattern recognition faster than mixed word lists.
Why this matters: Focused practice on one origin at a time builds deep pattern recognition faster than mixed word lists.
Exam prep focus
Our adaptive algorithm tracks which patterns challenge you. Struggling with "-tion" endings? You'll see more practice with nation, education, celebration until they're mastered.
Why this matters: Pattern recognition develops naturally through targeted repetition, not rote learning of isolated words.