Etymology is the study of word origins and development. It provides one
of the easiest and most effective ways to build vocabulary, because
knowledge of some common roots and prefixes makes possible the figuring
out of new word meanings. English is compounded of several languages,
primarily Anglo-Saxon (Germanic) and Latin. Their Latin influence
persists notably in the names of English cities ending in "-caster" or
"-chester," from the Latin "castra" meaning "encampment." This is the
first book of a series that focuses on etymology from Latin and Greek.
The texts are designed to aid in learning the definitions of specific,
deconstructed words. The meanings of a series of "reusable" classical
prefixes and roots are presented that facilitate the deciphering of
multiple related words.