Persian Loanwords in English

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Instructions: From paradise to pajamas, uncover the Persian origins of many beautiful English words!

1.
The word 'paradise' comes from the Old Persian 'pairidaeza.' What did it originally describe?
A
A heavenly realm
B
A sacred temple
C
An enclosed garden or park
D
A royal throne room
2.
Which English word for a type of checkered board game comes from the Persian 'shah mat,' meaning 'the king is dead'?
A
Checkmate
B
Chess
C
Backgammon
D
Checkers
3.
The word 'bazaar' comes from Persian. What does it mean?
A
A street fair
B
A merchant's shop
C
A market or marketplace
D
A trading post
4.
Which English word for a type of candy or sweet comes from the Persian 'qand' (cane sugar)?
A
Fudge
B
Toffee
C
Candy
D
Caramel
5.
The word 'khaki' passed through Hindi but originates from the Persian 'khak.' What does 'khak' mean?
A
Brown color
B
Dust or earth
C
Dry cloth
D
Sand
6.
Which English word for a traveling group crossing a desert comes from the Persian 'karwan'?
A
Caravan
B
Cavalcade
C
Expedition
D
Convoy
7.
The word 'jasmine' enters English from Persian through Arabic. What is the Persian word?
A
Jasmeen
B
Jazmin
C
Yasin
D
Yasaman
8.
Which word for a type of fabric with a distinctive woven pattern comes from the Persian city of Isfahan?
A
Satin
B
Damask
C
Taffeta
D
Silk
9.
The word 'scarlet' may derive from the Persian 'saqerlat.' What did it originally refer to?
A
A precious gem
B
A sunset color
C
A red dye
D
A type of rich cloth
10.
Which English word for a legendary bird that rises from its ashes likely has Persian roots through the word 'phoenix' and the Persian mythical bird?
A
Phoenix
B
Simurgh
C
Roc
D
Griffin
11.
The word 'pistachio' comes from the Persian 'pesteh.' Persia (modern Iran) is known for being what in relation to pistachios?
A
The only growers of wild pistachios
B
One of the world's largest producers
C
The inventors of pistachio ice cream
D
The first to export them to Europe
12.
Which word for a governor or local ruler used historically in parts of Asia comes from the Persian 'khan'?
A
Khan
B
Sultan
C
Caliph
D
Raja
13.
The word 'spinach' likely traces back to the Persian 'aspanakh.' How did spinach reach Europe?
A
Through Arab traders from Persia to Spain
B
Through Viking expeditions
C
Through Roman trade routes
D
Through the Silk Road to China and then Europe
14.
Which English word for a decorative headband or crown comes from the Persian 'diadem' tradition?
A
Coronet
B
Tiara
C
Crown
D
Diadem
15.
The word 'azure' (sky blue) likely comes from the Persian 'lazhward.' What did 'lazhward' originally refer to?
A
A type of blue dye
B
The deep sea
C
Lapis lazuli, a blue gemstone
D
The sky

Answer Key

Question 1

C. An enclosed garden or park

Question 2

A. Checkmate

Question 3

C. A market or marketplace

Question 4

C. Candy

Question 5

B. Dust or earth

Question 6

A. Caravan

Question 7

D. Yasaman

Question 8

C. Taffeta

Question 9

D. A type of rich cloth

Question 10

A. Phoenix

Question 11

B. One of the world's largest producers

Question 12

A. Khan

Question 13

A. Through Arab traders from Persia to Spain

Question 14

D. Diadem

Question 15

C. Lapis lazuli, a blue gemstone

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