cognate (adj./n.)

A language or a LINGUISTIC FORM which is historically derived from the same source as another language/form, e.g. Spanish/Italian/ French/Portuguese are ‘cognate languages’ (or ‘cognates’); père/padre, etc. (‘father’) are ‘cognate words’ or cognates.

The term is also applied to the description of some kinds of SYNTACTIC RELATIONS: a ‘cognate OBJECT’ is one which has the same historical derivation as the VERB which governs it (or, more loosely, is SEMANTICALLY dependent upon the action of the verb), e.g. to run a race, live a good life, ask a question; a cognate SUBJECT–VERB–OBJECT sequence is illustrated by such sentences as Employers employ employees.