About this Study Set
This study set covers Etymology through
20 practice questions.
A fun look at where our everyday words come from, designed for young learners. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 20 questions from the
Word Detective: Origins of Words study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
The word 'alphabet' comes from the names of the first two letters of which ancient language?
-
A
Greek
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B
Latin
-
C
Egyptian
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D
Hebrew
2
The word 'school' comes from a Greek word that originally meant what?
-
A
Work
-
B
Play
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C
Leisure time
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D
Writing
3
The word 'dinosaur' means 'terrible lizard'. Which language do these root words come from?
-
A
French
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B
Greek
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C
Spanish
-
D
German
4
The word 'sandwich' is named after an Earl who lived in which country?
-
A
England
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B
France
-
C
Italy
-
D
Canada
5
The word 'banana' is believed to have come from which language family?
-
A
West African
-
B
Scandinavian
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C
Inuit
-
D
Celtic
6
'Robot' comes from a word that means what?
-
A
Machine
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B
Friend
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C
Forced labor
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D
Helper
7
The word 'pajamas' originally comes from a word in which language that means 'leg garment'?
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A
Hindi/Persian
-
B
Latin
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C
Japanese
-
D
Russian
8
The English word 'cookie' comes from a Dutch word that means what?
-
A
Sweet treat
-
B
Little cake
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C
Baked good
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D
Crispy snack
9
The word 'umbrella' comes from a Latin word meaning what?
-
A
Sunscreen
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B
Rain protector
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C
Little shade
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D
Cloud
10
The word 'jungle' comes from a Sanskrit word that means what?
-
A
Rainforest
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B
Wilderness
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C
Tall trees
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D
Greenery
11
The word 'ketchup' likely comes from a word in which language for a type of fish sauce?
-
A
Chinese
-
B
Arabic
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C
Portuguese
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D
Turkish
12
The word 'balloon' comes from an Italian word that means what?
-
A
Big air
-
B
Round toy
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C
Big ball
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D
Floating object
13
The word 'boss' comes from a Dutch word that means what?
-
A
Leader
-
B
Master
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C
Teacher
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D
Strong one
14
The word 'shampoo' comes from a Hindi word that means what?
-
A
To wash
-
B
To press/massage
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C
To foam
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D
To clean hair
15
The word 'cereal' is named after Ceres, who was a goddess of what in Roman mythology?
-
A
Agriculture
-
B
The stars
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C
The ocean
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D
The moon
16
The word 'piano' is short for a longer Italian phrase meaning what?
-
A
Soft and loud
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B
Fast music
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C
Heavy keys
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D
Wooden instrument
17
The word 'vampire' is believed to have come from which part of the world?
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A
Eastern Europe
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B
South America
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C
Australia
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D
Antarctica
18
The word 'avocado' comes from an Aztec word that means what?
-
A
Green fruit
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B
Testicle
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C
Soft skin
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D
Creamy food
19
The word 'candy' comes from a word meaning what?
-
A
Sugar cane
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B
Honey
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C
Sweet surprise
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D
Boiled fruit
20
The word 'safari' comes from an Arabic word that simply means what?
-
A
Journey
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B
Animal
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C
Adventure
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D
Heat
