10 Common Latin Words in English

Last week, we covered ten Latin words used in English and their English derivatives (words that come from other words). Because it was such a success (popular), because Latin is such an important source for English, and because we promised a part two…here are ten more Latin words in English!

If you are the type that loves word etymology (where words come from) and word borrowings, check out our past blogs with words that come from French, Yiddish, and German here and here!

So, get a bit ancient with your vocabulary and check out the list below:

Gravis

Latin meaning: heavy

English derivatives: aggravate (to annoy someone or make heavy), grave (serious), gravity (the force that keeps things on the ground), grief (extreme sadness).

Herba

Latin meaning: grass

English derivatives: herbal (having to do with herbs), herbivore (an animal that only eats plants).

Labor

Latin meaning: toil

English derivatives: labor (work), laboratory (where scientists work), collaboration (when people work together to achieve something), elaboration (to explain something, to work out in detail).

Memor

Latin meaning: mindful

English derivatives: commemorate (to remember an event), memoir (a book someone writes about their life), memory (what you remember), memorial (a ceremony or statue for an event or a person).

Nox

Latin meaning: night

English derivatives: equinox (when daylight and nighttime are the same amount of hours, happens twice a year), nocturnal (when an animal is only awake at night), nocturne (a song, usually inspired by the night).

Ordo

Latin meaning: order

English derivatives: coordinate (to match things together), disorder (when something is not organized), insubordinate (to disobey authority), ordnance (a rule), ordinary (normal and in order), ornery (if someone is bad tempered).

Panis

Latin meaning: bread

English derivatives: accompany (to go somewhere with someone), pantry (a small room where food is kept), company (a business, to associate with someone, to come together at a meal).

Rivus

Latin meaning: brook (a small stream)

English derivatives: rival (an enemy who uses a common stream), derivation (when you get something from a source), rivulet (a small stream of liquid).

Sanus

Latin meaning: sound, healthy

English derivatives: insane (a mental illness that prevents normal thinking), sanatorium (a mental hospital), sanity (reasonable and rational behavior).

Tribus

Latin meaning: tribe, three

English derivatives: attribute (to credit someone with something), distribute (to share something with a number of people), tribal (belonging to a tribe of people), tribute (a gift meant to show respect).

Did YOU know these Latin words in English? Do you know any other English derivatives of these words? Share them with us in the comments below and test your knowledge!