Why is the English language so abundant in words that have the same meaning?

Answer 1

Because English has borrowed from several languages. But what we call English was originally called "Anglo-Saxon" (often called Old English) that is a branch of the Germanic languages. In 1066, the Normans (who spoke French) conquored England, and continued to use their French language (actually, it was a specific dialect of French) while the common people continued using Anglo-Saxon. By the arrival of Middle English, some Anglo-Saxon words had died out in favor of the French word, and vice versa. In some cases, both survived (such as "king" from the Anglo-Saxon "cyning" and "royal" from Middle French - sorry, don't know what it was in MF - which also meant king). Eventually, the English court dropped the French language all together and stuck with English.

Answer 2

It's true that English has inherited/assimilated a lot of words from other languages. Also, many of the words in the English language that now mean the same thing did not always have the same meaning. They started out with similar but distinct meanings, and the meanings eventually merged for various reasons.

Answer 3

I took a linguistics class and learned that English originally came from a combination of German and English (a pidgin). That's why we have words with multiple meanings and multiple words that mean the same thing. We adopt bits and pieces of other languages and continue to make up words to suit a specific need. I rather like this aspect of the English language. You've got lots of options and can be very clear with your meanings.

Answer 4

The English language principally has two roots, Latin and German, which is why there are so many synonyms. Other languages such as Spanish, French, etc. have one main root (Latin). By roots I mean most vocabulary and grammatical structures; English, like other languages, has acquired words from other languages, especially when there is no existing word to describe an object or concept.

Answer 5

We like to borrow words from other languages. We enjoy adopting lexical items from foreign dialects. It pleases us to use vocabulary that originates in other tongues.

Answer 6

Coz it was invented by stupid people and people are too stupid to change its errors..... if they have C is useless letter in presence of S and K and Q is totally useless cant go anywhere without U. huh

Well I dont mind words that much but the spelling....I hate em..why but and put cant pronounced the same.... gotta change this language someday fellas...

Answer 7

We treasure Redundancy

Answer 8

thats for those ratchet jawed people