SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

loan translation

noun

Definition of loan translation

: a compound, derivative, or phrase that is introduced into a language through translation of the constituents of a term in another language (such as superman from German Übermensch)

First Known Use of loan translation

1917

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

advise

play

to counsel, recommend, or inform

Words at Play

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The 'Best' Way to Sign Off On An E-mail

Give them your best

Words and Phrases That Come from the Dinner Table

Fill your plate with these surprising food words

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'Disinvite' or 'Uninvite'?

A disinvited guest is an uninvited problem

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Words We're Watching: 'Scoby'

Kombucha lovers unite.

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

The Emoji Quiz

Think you’re an emoji 👓 expert? Let’s see 🤔

Take the quiz

A Game of Thrones Word Quiz

In the Game of Thrones quiz, you learn some new vocabulary. (It’s quite safe, really. You will not die.)

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game