Latin Word List

The Latin language was used by the Roman civilization for thousands of years and has become integrated with the languages of Western Europe. The main reason for this connection between Latin and modern languages stems from the influence of the Roman Empire. As Rome took over adjacent territories by force and annexation, the people needed to speak Latin in order to communicate with their Senators and law makers. Latin was integrated into the languages already spoken and then slowly became the foundation of the new languages.

History of Latin and Spoken Languages:

• Spoken Latin in the News
• Information about the spoken Latin language
• A brief history of the Latin language
• A list to help a user learn the Latin language
• Latin translation help and study

Languages that stem from the Latin language are referred to as Romance languages , designating the Roman influence and origins. Languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and English are partially or almost completely founded in Latin . Words commonly used in these languages have common Latin root words that, if known, can be helpful in the translation and use of the languages. A translator will be able to more accurately translate words if the root word is known; this assists in proper translation and reduces the confusion that mistranslation can present. Some languages, like the Germanic languages, have Latin words in the language, but have kept most of the original language root words in place, due to the inability of Rome to fully conquer this region of Europe.

Common Uses for Latin Today:

Common terms and phrases from Latin that are still used today

Terms and abbreviations used in science and research that stem from Latin

A list of chemical names and symbols from Latin origins

A small but effective description of the use of Latin and its evolution

The common uses for Latin in today's world are limited to the clergy and scientific nomenclature. All of the names of species, in their scientific form, are completely in Latin; even some of our elemental symbols are derived from Latin, like the symbol for iron, which is Fe, for the Latin word Ferrum. The clergy of the Roman Catholic Church and some orthodox churches still present mass in Latin, which was the common practice in the Middle Ages. It was a common language spoken throughout the church and is still in use across the world today. A main reason for the fading of the Latin language is the fall of the Roman Empire. People once under its control no longer wanted to be reminded of it and stopped speaking the language by adopting more of the common, or vernacular, languages spoken in former Roman provinces. From this was born the modern languages of Western Europe.

Common Latin Words:

·        Alibi - eleswhere

·        Alter - another

·        Bellum - war

·        Derma - skin

·        Homo - human

·        Malus - harmful

·        Omnis - everything

·        Pax - peace

·        Sapiens - wise

·        Terra - Earth

·        Vox - voice

·        Semi - half

·        Uni - one

·        Duo or Bi - two

·        Hyper - over

·        Hypo - under

·        Multi - many

·        Poli - many

·        Liber – free

More Latin root words used today.

Currently, only a small portion of the world can speak Latin fluently --it is estimated at only a few hundred people. With the advent of the internet and podcasting, the number of Latin speaking people is on the rise, with close to three thousand or so that could carry out a full conversation in Latin. The language is not used in any country as the primary means of communication, but small circles of translators and educators, as well as the scientific communities keep the language alive.