Latin borrowings; Greek-derived words; English lexicon; etymology; language influence; terminology; language evolution; classical roots.

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of Latin and Greek in the development of English vocabulary and semantics. We trace the historical phases from Old English to the present, highlighting the entry and domain-specific use of Latin- and Greek-derived words. For example, in early medieval England, Christian missionary activity introduced Latin religious terms (e.g., altar, Mass) into English (Crystal, 2003). After the Norman Conquest and during the Renaissance, there was a massive influx of classical vocabulary, forming stable terminological foundations in medicine, science, law, philosophy, and education (Algeo & Pyles, 2010; Crystal, 2003). In the modern era, globalization and scientific advancement have further entrenched these terms in English, serving as international standards (e.g., anemia, curriculum, laboratory) (Crystal, 2003; Blankenship, 2023). Our findings indicate that a majority of the English lexicon consists of Latin and Greek roots, which ensure precision and continuity in expression. Adaptation processes include phonetic simplification (e.g., philosophia → philosophy) and semantic shifts (broadening of agenda, narrowing of mania). Overall, Latin and Greek borrowings constitute an active, productive core of modern English, contributing to its status as a global scientific and cultural language.