TESOL Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

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How is a 'cognate' defined in language studies?

A word with multiple meanings

A word similar in form and meaning across languages

A 'cognate' is defined as a word that is similar in form and meaning across different languages, typically because those languages share a common linguistic ancestry. This concept is particularly important in language studies, as it allows learners to make connections between languages, facilitating vocabulary acquisition and comprehension. For example, the English word "mother" and the Spanish word "madre" are cognates; they have similar meanings and phonetic structures due to their shared origin in the Proto-Indo-European language.

In contrast, words with multiple meanings, unrelated words, or slang terms do not fit the definition of cognates. The focus on shared similarities in both form and meaning is what distinguishes cognates from these other categories of words. By understanding cognates, language learners can leverage their existing knowledge to enhance their learning experience across related languages.

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A completely unrelated word

A slang term used informally

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