cognatessuch

Cognatessuch is a term used in some discussions of historical linguistics to describe a subset of cognates that show a particularly robust pattern of cross-linguistic correspondence in both form and meaning across related languages. The term functions as a neologism coined in informal debates to flag cases where cognates seem to preserve a stable set of phonological correspondences and a core semantic relationship despite broader sound changes.

Proponents typically define cognatessuch items as those attested in at least three languages within a family, exhibiting regular sound correspondences that align with established historical phonology and preserving a core meaning. Because usage is not standardized, some scholars add requirements such as longer attestation or tighter semantic stability, while others stress pragmatics over rigid criteria.

Critics argue that cognatessuch may duplicate existing categories, such as regular cognates or semantic loans, or create a label that is difficult to operationalize across diverse language data. As a result, the term remains informal and is not widely adopted in major reference works.

In sum, cognatessuch is a tentative label in historical linguistics intended to highlight particularly resilient cognate sets, while acknowledging that the concept lacks formal definition and consensus. Related concepts include cognates, regular sound correspondences, semantic shift, and the comparative method.