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What is the word for words that are spelled similarly and mean same thing in different languages?

There isn't a single, universally accepted term for words that are spelled similarly and mean the same thing in different languages. However, here are some terms that come close:

* Cognate: This is the most common and accurate term. It refers to words that share a common origin, usually from a shared ancestor language. This shared origin is what leads to the similarity in spelling and meaning.

* Loanword: This term refers to a word that is borrowed from another language. While loanwords can sometimes be spelled similarly in both languages, this is not always the case.

* Internationalism: This term refers to a word that is used in multiple languages, often with a similar meaning. However, it doesn't necessarily imply that the word is spelled the same way in all languages.

* Pseudo-cognate: This is a term for words that look similar but have different origins and meanings. It's the opposite of what you're looking for.

Example:

The word "hotel" is a cognate in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and many other languages. It comes from the Latin word "hospitale," which means "guest house."

Ultimately, the best term to use depends on the specific context and the nuances of the situation.

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