| Word Origins |
Study Guide
At the end of this unit, you will be able to do the following:1. Based on prior knowledge of a word, figure out the meaning of the word in a sentence.
2. Determing what the clipped word is from words given.
3. Separate words into three groups: Words from Names, Combined Words, Words from Sounds.Recognizing the Origins of English Words
Why do we use the word mother to describe a woman who has a child? Why don't we use glemp? Where do English words come from
People who have studied the English language have discovered several important ways in which words have become part of the language. Even now, the language continues to grow. Knowing about the ways words enter the language may help you figure out some words.
The English Language. English began with a prehistoric language called Indo-European. Several other languages came from this same source. For example, from the Indo-European base mater we get German Mutter, French mere, Spanish madre, and English mother. The first settlers of the island that is now Great Britain spoke one form of Indo-European.
For over a thousand years, that island was the scene of many battles. One nation after another invaded the island. Some of the invaders stayed and became part of the English people. Others returned their homelands. All left behind words that became part of the English language. Great numbers of words entered English from Latin, Greek, early Germanic languages, and French. Gradually, the language developed. What we call Modern English had formed by about 1500 A.D.
Borrowed Words. The process of borrowing words from other languages continues today. Here are just a few of the words that English has taken from other languages in recent times:
Spanish—ranch, chile, sombrero, canyon, plaza. fiesta, tornado
African—canary, jazz, gumbo
Persian—lilac, paradise, spinach
American Indian—hickory, hominy, skunk, moccasin
Arabic—algebra, magazine
Chinese—catsup, silk
Words from Names. New words may be based on the name of a person or place. For example, herculean, which means "having great strength," comes from the Greek myth about Hercules. Pasteurize is a more recent addition. It comes from the name of the scientist, Louis Pasteur.
Clipped Words. Some new words are shortened forms of existing words. Cab, for instance, was clipped from cabriolet.
Combined Words. Words may be put together from two existing words or word parts. Safeguard, for example, is a compound combining two complete words. Brunch is a blend of two words, breakfast and lunch. Microcomputer combines the Greek prefix micro-, meaning "small," with computer.
Words from Sounds. Words can imitate sounds. Such words are called echoic. Examples include lull, chirp, creak, and hush.
Exercises
Word Origins Quizzes- Online Version or Print Out Version