Finding spanish orgin words?

Question

Where can I find the orgin of the words, ie. universidad = latin from word university.... or something like that

Negativo
Positivio
Efectivo
ofensivo
imposible

I need to find them for these words, is there a website that could help?

Thanks
Narumi

Answer 1

Hey Narumi,

Here we go,
Negativo (Del lat. negatīvus).
Positivo (Del lat. positīvus).
Efectivo ( (Del lat. effectīvus).
Ofensivo (Del lat. offendĕre).
Imposible (Del lat. impossibĭlis).

Answer 2

I suggest you try the online dictionary of the Real Academia Española, the "keeper" of the Spanish language. Before the definition of the word, it will show you its root or origin.

Example:

universidad.

(Del lat. universĭtas, -ātis).

Here's the link:

http://www.rae.es/
...

Answer 3

Negativo--Origin: Latin {negātīvus = denying}.
Positivo--Origin: Latin { positus, ptp. of pōnere = to place, put, positīvus = placing, affirming}.
Efectivo--Origin: Latin {effectus = the carrying out (of a task, etc.), hence, that which is achieved, outcome, equiv. to effec- (var. s. of efficere to make, carry out; ef- ef- + -ficere, comb. form of facere to do1) + -tus suffix of v. action, (Latin) effectīvus = practical}.
Ofensivo--Origin: Latin {offendere = to strike against, displease, equiv. to of- of- + -fendere to strike}. {Thus, offensive originates from the Latin words for being hurtful.)
Imposible--Origin: Latin {im- = opposite of that which follows the "im" in the word; possibilis = that may be done, equiv. to poss(e) to be able (see posse) + -ibilis -ible} {So, impossible/imposible comes from the Latin word that means that which cannot be obtained.}

I hope this was of help.

Good Day.