CANT from the Latin verb cantare, meaning "sing," produces several words that come directly from Latin. But some others came to English by way of French, which added an h to the root, giving us such words as chant and chantey.

LINGU comes from the Latin word that means both "tongue" and "language," and in English today tongue can still mean "language" (as in "her native tongue"). Our expression "slip of the tongue" is just a translation of the Latin phrase lapsus linguae. The root even shows up in a slangy-sounding word like lingo. And since lingu- changed to langu- in French, our word language is related as well.

SPIR comes from the Latin words meaning "breath" and "breathe." When we inspire others--that is, give them inspiration--it's as though we're breathing new energy and imagination into them. When you expire, or die, you "breath out" your soul in your last breath. A license, membership, credit card, or free offer may also expire, at a time indicated by its expiration date.

VER comes from the Latin word for "truth." A verdict in a trial is "the truth spoken" (see DICT). But a just verdict may depend on the veracity, or "truthfulness," of the witnesses.

TURB comes from the Latin verb turbare, "to throw into confusion or upset," and the noun turba, "crowd" or "confusion." So a disturbance, for example, confuses and upsets normal order or routine.

VOLU/VOLV comes from the Latin verb volvere, meaning "to roll, wind, turn around, or twist around." Thus, revolve simply means "turn in circles." And a volume was originally a scroll or roll of papyrus.

FAC comes from the Latin verb facere, meaning "to make or do." Thus, a fact was originally simply "something done." A benefactor is someone who does good. And to manufacture is to make, usually in a factory.

LUM comes from the Latin noun lumen, meaning "light." Thus, our word illuminate means "to supply with light" or "make clear," and illumination is light that shines on something.

Words from Mythology and History