English Words Derived from Other Languages
It has borrowed thousands of words from other languages, creating a diverse vocabulary.
These words reflect the influences of various cultures and histories.
Let’s explore some common English words that come from other languages, their origins, and how they became part of English.
Words from French
French has had a significant impact on English, especially after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Many English words related to law, art, food, and government come from French.
Restaurant
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- Origin: French
- Meaning: A place where you can eat meals.
Ballet
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- Origin: French
- Meaning: A type of dance performance.
Entrepreneur
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- Origin: French
- Meaning: A person who starts and runs a business.
Chauffeur
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- Origin: French
- Meaning: A person employed to drive a car.
Bouquet
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- Origin: French
- Meaning: A bunch of flowers.
Words from Latin
Latin was the language of scholars and the church during the Middle Ages. It has heavily influenced English vocabulary, especially in science, medicine, and law.
Agenda
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- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: A list of things to do or discuss.
Campus
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- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The grounds of a school or university.
Decorum
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- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Proper behavior or etiquette.
Vice versa
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- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: The other way around.
Et cetera (etc.)
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- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: And other similar things.
Words from German
German has contributed many words to English, especially in the areas of science, philosophy, and food.
Kindergarten
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- Origin: German
- Meaning: A school for young children.
Hamburger
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- Origin: German
- Meaning: A sandwich made of a beef patty.
Doppelgänger
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- Origin: German
- Meaning: A person’s double.
Zeitgeist
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- Origin: German
- Meaning: The spirit of the times.
Blitz
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- Origin: German
- Meaning: A sudden and intense attack.
Words from Spanish
Spanish has influenced English significantly, particularly in regions where Spanish and English speakers interact, such as the Americas.
Tornado
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- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: A violent storm with strong winds.
Fiesta
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- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: A party or celebration.
Patio
Plaza
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- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: An open public square.
Siesta
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- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: A short nap, often taken in the afternoon.
Words from Italian
Italian words in English often relate to music, food, and art, as Italy has been a cultural hub for centuries.
Pizza
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- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: A popular dish with a flat base, cheese, and toppings.
Opera
Pasta
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- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: A type of food made from wheat and water.
Bravo
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- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: A word used to praise someone.
Scenario
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- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: A situation or outline of events.
Words from Greek
Greek has provided English with many words related to philosophy, science, and medicine.
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- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: A system of government by the people.
Philosophy
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- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: The study of knowledge, existence, and ethics.
Chaos
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- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Complete disorder and confusion.
Astronomy
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- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: The study of stars and space.
Theater
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- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: A place for performances.
Words from Hindi
During the British colonial period, many Hindi words entered the English language, often relating to culture, food, and lifestyle.
Yoga
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- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: A spiritual and physical practice.
Bungalow
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- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: A single-story house.
Jungle
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- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: A dense forest.
Pajamas
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- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: Loose-fitting nightclothes.
Curry
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- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: A spiced dish with sauce.
Words from Japanese
Japanese words in English often describe cultural or culinary elements.
Karaoke
Tsunami
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- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: A large sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake.
Sushi
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- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: A dish made with rice and fish.
Samurai
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- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: A warrior from feudal Japan.
Origami
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- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: The art of paper folding.
Words from Arabic
Arabic has contributed many words to English, especially in the fields of science, mathematics, and trade.
Algebra
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- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: A branch of mathematics.
Cotton
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- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: A type of fabric.
Alcohol
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- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: A type of drink or chemical compound.
Sofa
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- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: A comfortable seat for multiple people.
Safari
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- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: A journey to observe wildlife.
Words from Native American Languages
Some words in English come from indigenous languages of the Americas, often describing local flora, fauna, or cultural practices.
Chocolate
Tomato
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- Origin: Nahuatl
- Meaning: A red fruit used in cooking.
Canoe
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- Origin: Arawakan
- Meaning: A small, narrow boat.
Hammock
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- Origin: Taino
- Meaning: A hanging bed made of fabric.
Barbecue
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- Origin: Taino
- Meaning: A method of cooking meat over a fire.
Why Does English Borrow Words?
English has always been a language that likes to borrow words.
Because of its history with invasions, trade, exploration, and cultural exchanges, it has picked up words from many different places.
This borrowing helps English to expand and change, which is why it’s considered one of the most expressive languages out there.
Conclusion
The English language is like a big puzzle made up of pieces from many different languages, such as French, Latin, German, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic, and others.
These words that we borrow make our language more interesting and help us connect with various cultures and histories.
When we learn where these words come from, it helps us understand and appreciate the variety in English even more.
So, the next time you say a word like “pajamas,” “ballet,” or “safari,” think about how you’re using a bit of another language!
