Exploring 7 Latin Derivatives
That you still use today
In our modern vocabulary, many words have fascinating origins that trace back to Latin. Understanding these Latin derivatives not only enriches our English vocabulary but also provides a glimpse into the linguistic history that shapes the languages we speak today.
Today I've picked seven of my favourite Latin derivatives that I think are really important for today's world.
1. nox, noctem - night
Our journey begins with the Latin word nox, which means “night”. From this root, we derive the English word nocturnal. The transformation from the accusative form noctem to nocturnal illustrates the link between the languages.
Nocturnal refers to creatures that are active during the night, so we keep the original meaning of the Latin word nox here.
2. debeo - I owe, I ought
This Latin verb is often used in the context of money. From this, we get the words debt and debit. A debt is something you owe to someone that must be repaid, and so again, we retain the meaning of the Latin word in our English language.
3. equus - horse
One of my personal favourites is equus, meaning “horse”. The English derivative equestrian comes from this term and refers to someone who rides horses, especially as a sport or profession.
4. scena - stage, theatre
scena means “stage” or “theatre”, and we get the English word scene from that. This is particularly in the context of drama and theatre, where scenes represent different segments of the narrative, and would have, in the Greek and Roman world, been performed on the scena.
Staying with the realm of theatre, I'm going to give you a bonus derivative that I really enjoy.
BONUS DERIVATIVE: persona - mask
A persona, in Latin, is the mask that actors wear on the stage. We also have the English word persona, which means something that you put on, perhaps a different personality that you adopt when you're being someone else.
And we get the word personality from this as well. The mask you wear that makes up who you are, your individual characteristics.
5. civis - citizen
The Latin word civis means “citizen”. From civis, we get words like civil and civilian. These relate to the traits and qualities that we expect from someone who lives in a community. If you are a civilian, you should know how to behave properly in your city, according to the Latin root of the word.
6. audax - bold, daring
audax is my next derivative, it means “bold” or “daring” and we get the fantastic English word audacious from it. Audacious describes someone who is fearlessly daring or willing to take bold risks. So if you use that word a lot, you're actually speaking a derivative of Latin.
7. fur - thief
Lastly, we have the Latin word fur, which means “thief”. This gives us the English word furtive, describing someone who is stealthy or sneaky, often in the context of doing something that they shouldn't be doing!
Now, Latin derivatives are not just fascinating; they are also pivotal in understanding learning your Latin vocabulary! And so:
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Do you have a favourite?
I'd love to hear your favourite Latin derivatives - share them in the comments below! Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll see you next time on bambasbat!