answersLogoWhite

0

This word has a surprising origin -- "sinister" is the Latin word for"left". Throughout history, many people considered the left side to be evil or unlucky (in Latin, "sinister" also meant unlucky), and the right side to be good. Left-handedness itself was considered a malady, and until recently it was common for teachers to require left-handed children to use their right hands in an effort to "cure"them.Similarly, in English the word right -- meaning right side -- is the same as the word right -- meaning correct or fitting, as in "right answer" and "legal right." This is also true in many other languages;examples include French (droit), Spanish (derecho), and Russian(pravo).
Source:http://www.mail-archive.com/word@tlk-lists.com/msg00018.html

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is a good sentence with the word sinister?

Her sinister eyes glared at him from across the room.


What is the root word of sinister?

The root word of "sinister" is the Latin word "sinister," which means left or on the left side. Over time, the term took on negative connotations and came to be associated with things that are evil, threatening, or ominous.


What is a long sentence with the word sinister?

Here are some sentences.The sinister magician turned the prince into a frog.His sinister plans were thwarted by the superhero.


What is an example of a sentence using the word sinister?

The villain displayed a sinister grin, then left the stage.


How do you used sinister in a sentence?

Sinister--suggesting evil or trouble her sinister smile showed people she didn't have good intentions


What word rhymes with priminister?

administer minister sinister


What is Latin for left eye?

Sinistra -ae. The word sinister is derived from it.


How do you use the word sinister?

The sinister figure's arrival onstage was preceded by an off-stage gunshot. He gave out a sinister laugh and sauntered away.


What is the opposite of Dexter in latin?

In Latin, dexter means right (as in right hand). The word for left hand is sinister.


How many syllables are in the word sinister?

Sin-Is-Ter. 3.


What is the origin of the word ballot?

the origin is where the word came from but the specific origin of the word ballot is latin root word.


How do you use the word sinister in a sentence?

1. threatening or portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous: a sinister remark. 2. bad, evil, base, or wicked; fell: his sinister purposes. 3. unfortunate; disastrous; unfavorable: a sinister accident. 4. of or on the left side; left. Source: Dictionary.com