Finding derivations of words
English is a difficult language to learn because it derives
from so many different languages. Latin has already been
mentioned and many Latin words and phrases are still in use
today.
curriculum vitae – an account of one’s career
et cetera – and so on
in camera – not in open court
infra dig – beneath one’s dignity
in memoriam – in memory
nota bene – note well
rigor mortis – the stiffening of a corpse
Introducing French
William the Conqueror brought the French language to
these shores in 1066. In spite of reaction by the Anglo-Saxon
natives, French words and phrases crept into the English
language. Some are still in use today.
à la carte – separate items on a menu
au gratin – cooked in breadcrumbs and grated
cheese
avant-garde – new progressive ideas
corps diplomatique – diplomatic corps
deja vu – a sense of having experienced
something before
en masse – all together
MAKING USE OF THE DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS / 145