Filed under: Uncategorized
Theme: Germanic vs Latinate Synonyms
Note: English began as a Germanic language, combining languages of northern Europeans such as those of the Angles, Danes, Vikings, and the Saxons. But because England was invaded by the Latin-speaking Romans about 2000 years ago, and by the French-speaking Normans of France about 1000 years ago, English has a lot of synonyms with either Germanic or Latinate origins. Latinate words are often considered more formal than Germanic words. However, the most common words in normal English conversation are almost all Germanic.
Theme: Germanic vs Latinate Synonyms
Words: dirt vs soil (nouns)
Meaning: loose earth; the ground
Examples: The dirt in Manitoba is black. However, the soil in Prince Edward Island is red.
Any Small Differences? Dirt is a little more informal and negative than soil; soil is used more in agriculture.
Related adjectives: dirty/soiled
Heartland English School - Word of the Day 