Word Power Made Easy
Sessions 11-13: How to Talk About Scientists
Let's explore the experts who study our world, from mankind to the smallest insect.
The 10 Scientists
In these sessions, we will learn about 10 types of scientists and the roots of their titles.
- Anthropologist
- Astronomer
- Geologist
- Biologist
- Botanist
- Zoologist
- Entomologist
- Philologist
- Semanticist
- Sociologist
Scientist 1: The Anthropologist
(mankind)
(study of)
One who studies mankind.
A scientist who studies the development of the human race, including our culture, customs, and beliefs.
The study of mankind.
(to love)
(mankind)
(Callback to Sess. 1-3) One who loves mankind, demonstrated by charitable giving.
(to hate)
(mankind)
(Callback to Sess. 1-3) One who hates mankind.
Scientist 2: The Astronomer
(star)
(arrangement, law)
One who arranges the laws of the stars.
A scientist who studies celestial bodies—stars, planets, galaxies, etc.
The scientific study of the universe and celestial bodies.
(star)
(study of)
One who "studies" the stars to predict the future. (Not considered a science).
(star)
(sailor)
A "star sailor." (A *Cosmonaut* is a "cosmos sailor").
(bad)
(star)
A great misfortune. From the old belief that a "bad star" caused calamity.
(self)
(law)
The right of self-law or self-government.
Scientist 3: The Geologist
(Earth)
(study of)
One who studies the Earth.
A scientist who studies the physical structure of the Earth, especially its rocks and minerals.
The study of the Earth.
(Earth)
(to write)
The science of "writing about the Earth"—mapping its features, climates, and populations.
(Earth)
(measurement)
The branch of math that originally involved "measuring the Earth."
Scientist 4: The Biologist
(life)
(study of)
One who studies life.
A scientist who studies all forms of life.
The study of life.
(life)
(to write)
"Writing about a life."
(self)
(life)
(to write)
"Writing about one's own life."
(life)
(view)
A "view of life." A medical procedure to remove and examine living tissue.
(self)
(view)
A "view for oneself." A post-mortem exam to determine the cause of death.
(together)
(life)
Two or more different species "living together," often for mutual benefit.
Scientist 5: The Botanist
(plant)
(study of)
One who studies plants.
A scientist who specializes in plant life.
Scientist 6: The Zoologist
(animal)
(study of)
One who studies animals.
A scientist who specializes in animal life.
The study of animals.
From `zodiakos kyklos` (circle of animals).
The celestial diagram of the path of the sun, with constellations named after animals (Leo, Taurus, etc.).
Scientist 7: The Entomologist
(in)
(a cut)
(study of)
One who studies "cut in" creatures (insects).
A scientist who studies insects.
(Insects appear "cut in" or segmented).
The study of insects.
(not)
(a cut)
The smallest particle of an element; originally thought to be "not cuttable."
(up)
(a cut)
The study of bodily structure, originally learned by "cutting up" a body.
(in two)
(a cut)
A "cut in two"; a sharp division or contrast between two things.
(on)
(a cut)
A summary or a perfect example; an "on-cut" or abridgment.
(out)
(center)
Odd or peculiar; literally, "out of center."
Scientist 8: The Philologist
(to love)
(word, speech)
One who "loves words."
A scientist who studies language and linguistics; a "lover of words."
The study of language and literature.
(to love)
(brother)
The city of "brotherly love."
(to love)
(harmony)
"Loving harmony" or music.
Scientist 9: The Semanticist
(Greek: "meaning")
One who studies meaning.
A scientist who studies the subtle meanings of words and their psychological effects.
The study of the meaning and interpretation of words and sentences.
Scientist 10: The Sociologist
(companion)
(study of)
One who studies how we live together.
A scientist who studies human social behavior, communities, and our relationships as companions.
The study of human society.
From `socius`. Friendly; enjoying the company of companions.
(to)
(companion)
To join to a group as a companion.
(against)
(companion)
"Against companionship"; disliking social interaction or actively harming society.
Sessions 11-13 Review
You've learned 10 scientists and dozens of related words from these key roots:
- ANTHROPOS (mankind): Anthropologist
- ASTRON (star): Astronomer, Disaster
- GEO (Earth): Geologist, Geometry
- BIOS (life): Biologist, Biography, Biopsy
- BOTANE (plant): Botanist
- ZOION (animal): Zoologist, Zodiac
- TOMOS (cut): Entomologist, Atom, Anatomy
- LOGOS (word/study): Philologist, Semantics
- SOCIUS (companion): Sociologist, Antisocial
Quiz Time: True or False
Let's test your understanding with questions from the book.
Based on what you've learned, are these statements True or False?
Quiz: True or False (1-10)
1. A scientist's role is to seek observable and verifiable knowledge.
2. An 'astronomer' studies human development.
3. 'Astrology' and 'Astronomy' are the same thing.
4. A 'biopsy' is a "view of life" or living tissue.
5. 'Entomology' is the study of insects.
6. The root 'tomos' means 'star'.
7. A 'philologist' is a "lover of words."
8. A 'semanticist' studies the meaning of words.
9. 'Antisocial' means you are the life of the party.
10. 'Geography' literally means "to write about the Earth."
Quiz: True or False (11-15)
11. An 'atom' was originally thought to be "uncuttable."
12. A 'zoologist' studies plants.
13. 'Dichotomy' means a "cut in two."
14. 'Disaster' comes from the root for "Earth".
15. An 'autopsy' is a "view for oneself."
Quiz: Crossword
Time to test your new scientist vocabulary with a crossword puzzle.
Fill in the grid based on the clues provided.
Sessions 11-13 Crossword
ACROSS
- 2. Study of stars (9)
- 4. Study of mankind (13)
- 8. Perfect example; "on-cut" (7)
- 11. Study of language (11)
- 12. Root for plant (6) (*Bonus Clue*)
- 13. Study of animal life (7) (*Bonus Clue*)
- 14. "Uncuttable" (4) (*Bonus Clue*)
- 15. Friendly; enjoying companions (6) (*Bonus Clue*)
DOWN
- 1. Studies "cut-in" insects (12)
- 3. Studies "companion" groups (11)
- 4. "Bad star"; calamity (8)
- 5. Medical exam of living tissue (6)
- 6. Studies "meaning" of words (11)
- 7. Study of the Earth (7)
- 9. Study of all life (7)
- 10. "Star sailor" (9)
Congratulations!
You have completed the presentation for Sessions 11-13.
Next Up: Sessions 14-17
How to Talk About Liars and Lying