Language Trivia

Explore language trivia with 128 supporting Trivia Castle questions, related topics, and a direct link into the game.

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Word Origins
21 questions

Try a few Language questions

How many letters are in the modern English alphabet?

Answer: 26

Bonus fact: The English alphabet uses 26 letters, from A through Z.

The word “alphabet” comes from the names of the first two letters of which ancient alphabet?

Answer: Greek

Bonus fact: The word combines alpha and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet.

The Phoenician writing system is usually classified as what type of script because it mainly represents consonants?

Answer: Abjad

Bonus fact: An abjad is a writing system in which consonants are primary and vowel notation is limited or optional.

The word “ambulance” ultimately comes from a Latin root meaning what?

Answer: To walk or move about

Bonus fact: The word traces through French to the Latin ambulare, meaning “to walk” or “to go about.”

The word “athlete” comes from a Greek word related to competing for what?

Answer: A prize

Bonus fact: The Greek athlētēs referred to a contestant or competitor for a prize.

The word “bandana” entered English from a Hindi word referring to what textile technique?

Answer: Tie-dyeing

Bonus fact: The word traces to Hindi bandhnū, associated with tying cloth for dyeing.

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