Definition

A term borrowed from one language and used in another, often adapted to fit the new language's rules.

Example

The word 'ballet' is a loanword from French that is commonly used in English.

Conversation

Have you ever heard the term loanword?

Yeah, I think it refers to words borrowed from other languages, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how they become part of our everyday language.

Totally, I love learning about where our words come from.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Loanword → The word is formed from "loan" (from Old English *lǣnan*, meaning to lend) and "word" (from Old English *word*, meaning a unit of language). A loanword refers to a word that has been borrowed from one language and used in another.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'loan' as something that is 'lent' from one language to another, and 'word' as a unit of language. This helps you remember that a loanword is a word borrowed from another language.

Visually Confused Words