Cognate

/ˈkɒɡneɪt/ adjective

Definition

Related by blood; also describes words that have a common origin in different languages.

Etymology

From Latin cognatus, from co- (together) + gnatus (born). Originally meant 'related by blood,' then extended to linguistics.

Kelly Says

Cognate words are linguistic cousins—English 'mother,' German 'Mutter,' and Latin 'mater' are all cognates, proving how languages descended from common ancestors.

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