* The History is Complex: English has borrowed words from French in many waves, starting with the Norman Conquest in 1066. This process continued over centuries, making it hard to draw a hard line.
* Borrowings are Gradual: Some words have transitioned from French to English so seamlessly that their origin might not even be recognized. Others are borrowed with subtle changes in spelling or pronunciation.
* Definitions Shift: Words can change meaning over time, making it tricky to determine if a word borrowed directly from French or if it's an evolution of an earlier borrowing.
However, we can say this:
* A Huge Number: Thousands of English words have roots in French. This includes common words like "table," "chair," "beauty," "fashion," and "government."
* Significant Impact: French influence is clear in areas like law, government, food, fashion, and art. This is due to the historical and cultural connections between England and France.
Instead of a number, consider the impact: French has profoundly shaped the English language, giving us a rich vocabulary and diverse range of expression.