Common Latin Words Used in English

Common Latin Words Used in English Interested in increasing your vocabulary? Here are some English words from Latin directly or from Latin via French or Spanish. These words are thought to have come from newspaper  articles from around 1923. One of the words on the list, mattoid, does not appear to be used any longer, so it is not included. acumen - ability to make good judgmentsagenda - list of things to be donealtruism - selfless concern for othersambiguous - having a double meaningaplomb (Fr.) - self-confidenceatrocity - cruel actavarice - greedbibulous - excessively fond of drinking alcoholcelibate - abstaining from sex or marriagechivalrous (Fr.) - gallantcondign - worthy, appropriateconglomerate - parts put together to form a unit while remaining separate identitiescrepuscular - pertaining to twilightcull - select from a variety of sourcesdebilitate - weakendirigible - capable of being guidedfacsimile - exact copyferrous - made of ironflux - in the process of flowingfutile - in vaingarrulity - loquaciousnessimpecunious - poorincalculable - too great to be countedincommunicado (Sp.) - not in communication with othersindefatigability - tirelessinsipid - lacking flavorintrospection - looking within at ones mental or emotional statelanguid - slow, relaxedlucubration - meditationmalfeasance (Fr.) - wrongdoingmodicum - small amount moribund - near deathmundane - worldly as opposed to spiritualnaive - exhibiting lack of experienceobeisance - respectobvious - clear (from the Latin for in the way)parvenu - celebrity from obscure originsperpetuate - preserveperturb - make anxiousplausible - probableprecarious - uncertainpuerile - childishly sillypulchritude - beautypusillanimity - showing a lack of couragerapport - close relationshiprapprochement (Fr.) - establishment of a harmonious relationshiprecalcitrant - obstinaterenegade - a rebellious personreprisal - retaliationsacrosanct - very important or holy and not to be messed withsimulacrum - imagestipend - fixed allowancestultify - make appear foolish, cause to loose enthusiasmsuccumb - fail to resisttaunt (Fr.) - provoketentative - provisionalturpitude - depravityubiquity - found everywhere Source: Learn a Word Every Day by Lillian B. Lawler. The Classical Journal, Vol. 18, No. 5. (Feb.​ 1923), pp. 299-301.