List of English words with dual French and Old English variations

Generally, words coming from French often retain a higher register than words of Old English origin, and they are considered by some to be more posh, elaborate, sophisticated, or pretentious. However, there are exceptions: weep, groom and stone (from Old English) occupy a slightly higher register than cry, brush and rock (from French). Words taken directly from Latin and Ancient Greek are generally perceived as colder, more technical, and more medical or scientific – compare life (Old English) with biology (classical compound – a modern coinage from Greek roots).

Foods:

Other words:

Words now obsolete, archaic or dialectal:

• Lists of English loanwords by country or language of origin
• List of English words of French origin
• Changes to Old English vocabulary
• List of Germanic and Latinate equivalents in English
• Linguistic purism in English