Meaning of the word cognate in English
What does cognate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
cognate
US /ˈkɑːɡ.neɪt/
UK /ˈkɒɡ.neɪt/
Adjective
related by birth; of the same origin or ancestry
Example:
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The two families are cognate, sharing a common ancestor.
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Many European languages have cognate words, like 'night' and 'Nacht'.
Noun
a word or an object that has the same linguistic derivation as another; from the same original word or root
Example:
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The English word 'father' and the German word 'Vater' are cognates.
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Linguists study cognates to trace the evolution of languages.