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According to Wikipedia, between 60% and 70% percent of the English language is of "French or Oil Language origin, most derived from, or transmitted by, the Anglo-Norman spoken by the upper classes in England for several hundred years after the Norman Conquest, before the language settled into what became Modern English."

See the related links for a list of words we use in English that stem from French.

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14y ago
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1w ago

Approximately 29% of English words are derived from French, making it one of the largest influences on the English language. This influence is a result of the Norman Conquest in 1066 and subsequent interactions between the two languages over centuries.

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Q: What percentage of English words come from French?
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From where do many of your English words come?

Many English words come from a variety of languages including Latin, French, and Germanic languages like Old English. Over time, English has borrowed and adapted words from these languages, leading to the rich and diverse vocabulary we have today.


Do who know any English words which come from french?

Yes, there are many English words that come from French, as a result of the Norman Conquest and French influence on the English language. Some examples include: ballet, café, façade, déjà vu, and rendezvous.


Words that sound formal in English most likely come from?

Formal English words often come from Latin or French origins, as these languages have influenced English over time, especially in academic, legal, and scientific contexts. The use of these words can give a sophisticated or elevated tone to the language.


Where did pardon your french come from?

It came from English speakers using French words in conversation, and apologizing for it (due to listeners not knowing what the words meant). It is now used whenever someone swears, in an attempt to disguise the word as being French.


What languages do English words come from?

English words come from a variety of languages, with the majority being derived from Latin, French, and Germanic languages such as Old English and Norse. Other significant contributors include Greek, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. Overall, English is considered a "borrowing" language, constantly incorporating words from different sources over time.

Related questions

How can i speak English without using french?

this would be pretty difficult as many English words come from French. There would be no more bacon, groceries or flirting.


What do all words have in common?

All words are a combination of letters that form a meaningful unit of language used to communicate ideas, emotions, and information. Words are the basic building blocks of language and are essential for human communication.


What is the percentage of non-English words in the modern English language?

38 I believe at the moment, but the English language is forever changing, so may not be the same in years to come,


What are words that end with re that come from french we use in English?

The only words I can think of at the moment are: "genre" and "entendre" (as in "double-entendre") Will add more as they come to mind.


What is 'Come to the party' when translated from English to French?

"Come to the party!" in English is Venez à la fête! in French.


From where do many of your English words come?

Many English words come from a variety of languages including Latin, French, and Germanic languages like Old English. Over time, English has borrowed and adapted words from these languages, leading to the rich and diverse vocabulary we have today.


Is the French language is based on the Gaul language?

Just some words come from Gaul, like car in English or char in French, French language is mainly a Latin language


Where does the 'w' in French come from?

The letter 'w' is pronounced as 'double ve'. The letter comes from the non-French and non-Romance language words that add to French vocabularly. Many of the words are of German, English or Arabic origin.


What is French?

French is the English adjective that applies to the language, people and things of France. The word is almost always capitalized (one exception is french fries).Many words in English come from French, and many have retained their French spelling and/or pronunciation. The term for a man from France is Frenchman.


Where did pardon your french come from?

It came from English speakers using French words in conversation, and apologizing for it (due to listeners not knowing what the words meant). It is now used whenever someone swears, in an attempt to disguise the word as being French.


When did the English borrow the French language?

The English language started to borrow heavily from French after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This event led to a significant influence of French vocabulary on English, particularly in legal, military, and administrative domains.


Why did English words come from the Latin?

Many English words came from Latin like many other languages use older languages for their own. Much of English that comes from Latin comes from French, which even older than English, and heavily based on Latin.