Which term best matches the definition 'Words that look similar and have the same origin in two languages'?

Which term best matches the definition 'Words that look similar and have the same origin in two languages'?

• A. Idiomatic Language
• B. Text Structures
• C. Cognates
• D. Close Reading

Answer: (C)

Cognates are words in two languages that look alike and come from the same origin. This shared history often means they have similar meanings, which can help learners recognize and build vocabulary. For example, English and Spanish words like family/familia or hospital/hospital come from the same roots and resemble each other in spelling and meaning, even if pronunciation differs. It’s useful to note that some pairs can look similar but have shifted meanings in one language, called false friends, so context still matters. The other options describe different language concepts: idiomatic language refers to phrases whose meaning isn’t literal, text structures are about how information is organized, and close reading is a strategy for analyzing texts in depth. Cognates fit the definition given.

Cognates are words in two languages that look alike and come from the same origin. This shared history often means they have similar meanings, which can help learners recognize and build vocabulary. For example, English and Spanish words like family/familia or hospital/hospital come from the same roots and resemble each other in spelling and meaning, even if pronunciation differs. It’s useful to note that some pairs can look similar but have shifted meanings in one language, called false friends, so context still matters. The other options describe different language concepts: idiomatic language refers to phrases whose meaning isn’t literal, text structures are about how information is organized, and close reading is a strategy for analyzing texts in depth. Cognates fit the definition given.