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Approximately 2/3 of the English vocabulary comes from Latin, either directly or indirectly. The Latin-derived vocabulary is divided almost evenly between words borrowed from French (a descendant of Latin) after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and words taken directly from Latin or coined after Latin models. The strong influence of Latin is due to the fact that it remained in use in Europe as a language of religion, science and scholarship until relatively modern times (Newton wrote his scientific works in Latin, and scholarly books were still being published in Latin as recently as the nineteenth century).

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Q: Why do English words have Latin roots?
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Related questions

How did the latin language influence the English language?

Nearly 50 percent of our words in English have Latin roots. Some students who take Latin in school say that learning Latin helps them understand the meanings of words in English.


What does englih share with latin?

English is a Germanic language which was near the same area as Latin. We also derive a lot of English words from Latin roots.


Are Latin roots and etymology the same thing?

No. Etymology is the study of the origin of words but many have roots that are Greek, Latin. Old English, French and Hebrew.


Which two language group provide the origins of most English words?

Latin and German


Which languages are the most likely to show up in English words as prefixes and roots?

Latin and Greek are the most common sources of prefixes and roots in English words. Many scientific and technical terms have roots that come from Greek or Latin, while common English prefixes like "re-" and "un-" have Latin origins. Additionally, French and Spanish are languages that have also influenced English vocabulary with their prefixes and roots.


Latin roots of the word beginning?

the answer is principio, but I want to know if there are other English words that contain that latin root?


Why are English words based on Latin originals?

Certainly not all words come from Latin as English is the thief of ALL languages, borrowing with NO intention of ever returning! Check out the Proto-Indo-European roots, Mongol roots, Slavic roots, Arabic roots (our numerals are no longer Roman, they are Arabic!), Scandinavian roots (Smorgasbord), etcetera, etcetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Oops! -There's MORE Latin! :) But the short answer is that Latin was more widespread earlier than English in the history of the known world.


Can Latin roots have Greek prefixes?

Yes, Latin roots can be combined with Greek prefixes to create new words. This is a common practice in English and in the formation of scientific and technical terms.


What language is the English language primarily traced from?

English has both Germanic and Latin roots. It has both Anglo-Saxon components (which provide the Germanic words) and French components (which provide the Latin words).


What Latin roots means to know?

Scio, scire, scivi, and scitum are Latin roots for 'to know'. Approximately fifty-percent of English words are derived from Latin.


What are basis for many English words?

English words have varying origins, but common bases include Latin, Greek, French, and Germanic languages. These roots influence the meaning and structure of words in English. For example, Latin and Greek roots are often found in scientific and technical vocabulary, while French influences can be seen in words related to art, cuisine, and fashion.


Is English latin based?

English is not directly based on Latin, but it has been heavily influenced by Latin due to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Many words in English have Latin roots, particularly in academic, legal, and scientific vocabulary.