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cognate

English → EnglishtechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "cognate": A cognate is a word that shares the same linguistic origin as another word, often resulting in simil

What does "cognate" mean?

A cognate is a word that shares the same linguistic origin as another word, often resulting in similar sounds and meanings across different languages. Think of it as a "linguistic relative"—these words are like siblings or cousins that have evolved from a common ancestor, such as the Latin or Proto-Indo-European roots. You will mostly encounter this term in linguistics or language learning contexts. It is important to distinguish cognates from "false friends," which are words that look similar but have different meanings. Use this word when discussing etymology or explaining why a French or Spanish word feels familiar to an English speaker.

"cognate" in conversation

Language class

Why do you think 'night' and 'noche' are similar?

Why do you think 'night' and 'noche' are similar?

Are they cognates?

Are they cognates?

Used to identify a linguistic relationship between two languages.

Study session

I love learning Spanish because so many words are cognates with English.

I love learning Spanish because so many words are cognates with English.

True, it makes building vocabulary way faster.

True, it makes building vocabulary way faster.

Highlights the benefit of cognates for learners.

"cognate" in a sentence

  1. 'Family' and the French 'famille' are cognates.

    'Family' and the French 'famille' are cognates.

  2. Many English words share cognates in German due to their Germanic roots.

    Many English words share cognates in German due to their Germanic roots.

  3. Linguists trace the evolution of words by identifying cognates across diverse language families.

    Linguists trace the evolution of words by identifying cognates across diverse language families.

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