Cognate

A cognate is a word that is related to another word in another language, typically because they share a common ancestor in a proto-language. Cognates are often found in languages that are closely related, such as those within the same language family. For example, the English word "father" and the Spanish word "padre" are cognates, as they both derive from the Latin word "pater."

Cognates can be identified by their similar meanings and often their similar forms. They may have undergone changes in pronunciation, spelling, or grammar over time, but their shared etymology is evident. Cognates can also be found in unrelated languages due to borrowing or chance similarities.

The study of cognates is important in linguistics, as it helps to reconstruct the history of languages and understand the processes of language change and evolution. Cognates can also provide insights into the cultural and historical connections between different languages and their speakers.