Word Origins
Many English words come from other languages such as Latin, French, Greek and Arabic, reflecting history and trade.
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Many English words come from other languages such as Latin, French, Greek and Arabic, reflecting history and trade.
- Algebra comes from Arabic
- Pyjamas comes from Hindi
- Languages borrow constantly
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Word Origins?
Within English, which covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, poetry, drama and the skills for clear communication, this topic explains Word Origins. English topics help you read closely and write with purpose, so each one here explains a skill and shows how it works in a model text.
Check that you can explain Word Origins in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Word Origins helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
Word Origins in detail
The study of word origins, called etymology, shows where words come from. English has borrowed from many languages: Old English gave basic words (house, water), French gave words about law and food (justice, beef), Latin and Greek gave scientific and academic words (aquarium, telephone), and others contributed words such as "algebra" (Arabic) and "tsunami" (Japanese).
Words can also come from names (sandwich), blends (brunch), acronyms (laser) and clippings (exam). Knowing origins helps explain spelling and meaning, and often a word's root links families of words. Dictionaries often give the history of a word.
How the interactive helps you understand Word Origins
Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Word Origins.
Real-life uses and examples
- Support a point about Word Origins with a short, accurate quotation.
- Plan an essay paragraph by linking the technique to the reader’s response.
- Spot Word Origins when you read a poem, story or speech, then explain the effect it creates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Naming a technique without explaining its effect on the reader.
- Quoting a long passage instead of picking a short, precise phrase.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Word Origins
What is Word Origins?
Many English words come from other languages such as Latin, French, Greek and Arabic, reflecting history and trade.
What are the most important points about Word Origins?
The main points are: Algebra comes from Arabic; Pyjamas comes from Hindi; Languages borrow constantly.
Why is Word Origins useful?
Understanding Word Origins helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
How can I practise Word Origins?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Word Origins?
Related topics in English include Debating, Advertising Techniques, Literary Movements and Periods.