Portuguese Loanwords in English
Instructions: From albino to marmalade, explore the surprising Portuguese roots of many English words shaped by global exploration!
- 1.
The word 'albino' comes from the Portuguese 'albino.' What Latin root does it derive from?
AAlbor (brightness)BAlbus (white)CAlba (dawn)DAlbum (blank) - 2.
Which English word for a type of orange preserve comes from the Portuguese 'marmelo' (quince)?
AMarmaladeBPreserveCJellyDJam - 3.
The word 'fetish' entered English from the Portuguese 'feitico.' What did 'feitico' originally mean?
AA prayerBAn idolCA charm or sorceryDA sacred object - 4.
Which English word for a type of social caste system came through Portuguese contact with India?
ARankBClassCOrderDCaste - 5.
The word 'cobra' comes from the Portuguese 'cobra de capello.' What does this phrase mean?
ADeadly serpentBKing of snakesCSnake with a hoodDPoison fang - 6.
Which English word for a type of veranda or covered walkway comes from the Portuguese 'varanda'?
ATerraceBVerandaCArcadeDPorch - 7.
The word 'molasses' comes from the Portuguese 'melaco.' What is 'melaco' derived from?
AMel (honey)BMelo (sweet)CMela (apple)DMelan (dark) - 8.
Which English word for a type of wooden sailing vessel used in exploration comes from Portuguese?
ACaravelBGalleonCBrigantineDFrigate - 9.
The word 'pagoda' entered English from Portuguese. What type of structure is a pagoda?
AA tiered tower associated with Buddhist templesBA royal palaceCA fortressDA merchant's warehouse - 10.
Which word for a test of gold purity came through Portuguese from the Arabic 'toque'?
ATouchstoneBAssayCHallmarkDCarat - 11.
The word 'junk' (a type of sailing ship) entered English through Portuguese from Malay. Where were these ships commonly used?
AEast Asian and Southeast Asian watersBThe MediterraneanCThe CaribbeanDThe Atlantic - 12.
Which English word for a type of umbrella-like canopy derives from Portuguese explorers' accounts?
ACanopyBUmbrellaCParasolDAwning - 13.
The word 'banana' entered English through Portuguese or Spanish. Portuguese traders encountered bananas primarily where?
AIndiaBWest AfricaCSouth AmericaDThe Caribbean - 14.
Which English word meaning 'a self-governing state or community' comes from the Portuguese 'comando'?
ACommandoBCommuneCCommonwealthDColony - 15.
The word 'tempura' (battered fried food) entered Japanese from the Portuguese 'tempero.' What did 'tempero' mean?
ASeasoning or preparationBGolden coatingCCooking oilDFrying technique