language
/ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
noun
Origin
Latin
lingua — tongue
Overview
Meaning Now
- The principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a structured and conventional way.
- A system of symbols and rules for communication, such as a computer programming language.
Literal older meaning
tongue-speech
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Proto-Italic → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
langage
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The word entered English following the Norman Conquest, eventually replacing the Old English term 'gereord' or 'spræc'. Its root connection to 'tongue' reflects the biological and physical aspect of speech common in many Indo-European languages.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*dnghú-
“tongue”
- Latin
lingua
“tongue, speech, language”
Influenced by 'lingere' (to lick) through folk etymology.
- Vulgar Latin
*linguaticum
“speech”
- Old French
langage
“speech, expression”
- Middle English
language
“human speech”
Connections
Word parts
lang-
root
tongue
-age
suffix
collection or process
Related across languages
Latin
lingua
tongue
French
langue
tongue/language
Spanish
lengua
tongue/language
Explore next
Related to language
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.