0
What percentage of the English vocabulary originally comes from Latin?
Pm333
Numbers vary, depending on how you count wordsand how you define 'originally'. For example, if you drop out uncommon scientific words, the percentage drops. If Latin borrowed the word from Greek and English borrowed from Latin, do you say the word is originally Greek or Latin? At any rate, over 60% of the common English words are considered to be from Latin.
Wiki User
β 15y ago
Wiki User
β 14y agoMore than 50% of the words in English come from Latin.
Specifically, the numbers are surprising. After all, English is not in the same family as Latin. English is a member of the Germanic group of languages, and Latin is the ancestor of such Romance languages as French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish.
So how did this happen? It largely is due to the Norman Conquest, which was the last successful invasion of England, in 1066. The Normans and their Gallic colleagues were speakers of the languages and dialects of France. France was one of the areas conquered by the ancient Roman speakers of the ancient, classical Latin language.
The Romans influenced their subject areas in many ways, especially in language. Latin words were incorporated into the native dialects and languages of France. The words were passed into English during the 200 years in which the Norman and Norman-descended monarchy spoke French.
In fact, the first Norman-descended king to speak English "reasonably well" did not occupy the throne until King Edward I (June 17, 1239-July 7, 1307) reigned from November 16, 1272 until July 7, 1307. In fact, the King was called "Longshanks" for his height and long legs, and "Scottorum malleus," which is Latin for "Hammer of the Scots" because of his battles with his northern neighbors.
Wiki User
β 12y agobecause latin was the language introduced by the Romans in our country hundreds of years b.c. It has been slowly merged with English, having until recently only been used by the nobility, church and royalty of England.
Wiki User
β 13y agoNo! English is not a romance language, but a germanic one. One third of English words, however, do come from latin -- but they come via French, which is a Romance language.
Wiki User
β 12y agoA lot. I've heard that something like 65% of the English language derives directly from Latin.
Wiki User
β 10y agoAbout 60 percent of the English language has the Greek and Latin roots.
Wiki User
β 13y agoPretty much all.
Wiki User
β 12y agoToo many to say a few...
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What percentage of English vocabulary is derived from Latin and Greek?
It is estimated that about 60% of the English vocabulary is derived from Latin and about 5% from Greek. This means roughly two-thirds of English words have a Latin or Greek origin.
Legal English relies on which of these for much of its specialized vocabulary?
Legal English relies on Latin for much of its specialized vocabulary.
Much of the vocabulary used in legal English comes from?
latin
What percentage of modern English words have Latin origins?
It is estimated that about 60% of modern English words have Latin origins. Latin has had a significant influence on English vocabulary due to the Norman Conquest in 1066 and the subsequent adoption of Latin-based vocabulary in various fields like law, medicine, and science.
How did the Gaelic language help to form the English language?
The English language is a Germanic base with vocabulary from Latin>French and has little influence from Gaelic in the vocabulary.
In which five major areas does English draw on an extensive Latin vocabulary?
English extensively uses Latin vocabulary in legal, medical, religious and scientific fields. Specifically, Latin vocabulary is common in anatomy and medicine. It also is extensive in biology and chemistry. It likewise is prevalent in law. Similarly is it widespread in liturgics.
What has the author Lynne Nigalis written?
Lynne Nigalis has written: 'Exploring GL vocabulary' -- subject(s): Children, Cloze procedure, English language, Foreign elements, Greek, Greek language, Influence on English, Language, Latin, Latin language, Roots, Social aspects, Social aspects of Vocabulary, Vocabulary
What has the author Norma Fifer written?
Norma Fifer has written: 'Vocabulary from classical roots' -- subject(s): English language, Foreign elements, Greek, Greek language, Influence on English, Latin, Latin language, Problems, exercises, Roots, Study and teaching, Vocabulary 'Vocabulary from Classical Roots - Book C'
Is English a germanic or latin based language?
English is a Germanic-based language by its roots, with heavy influence from Latin due to the Norman Conquest in 1066. This combination of Germanic and Latin elements has shaped English into a unique language with a rich vocabulary and complex grammar structure.
Were Shakespeare's plays originally written in latin?
No they were not.
What is latinate vocabulary?
Latinate vocabulary refers to words that are derived from Latin, which was the language of the ancient Romans. These words often have more formal or sophisticated connotations compared to their Anglo-Saxon counterparts in English. Examples include "destroy" from Latin "destruere", and "communicate" from Latin "communicare".
How many foreign words in English language?
There are thousands of foreign words in the English language, as English has borrowed vocabulary from languages such as Latin, French, German, and many others over its history. This borrowing has enriched the language and contributed to its diverse and varied vocabulary.
