1. A word borrowed from another language: This is the most common understanding. It refers to a word that was adopted into a language from a different language.
* Example: The English word "pizza" comes from Italian.
2. A word with an etymological origin in a different language: This definition focuses on the historical development of a word. Even if a word has been used in a language for a long time, it might have originated in a different language and evolved through changes over time.
* Example: The English word "knight" comes from Old English, but its ultimate root is the Proto-Germanic word "knihts."
3. A word that sounds or looks foreign: This is a less precise definition, often used in informal settings. It refers to words that are perceived as unusual or non-native to a language, regardless of their actual origin.
* Example: The English word "schadenfreude" is of German origin and sounds foreign to many English speakers, even though it has been adopted into the English language.
It's important to consider the specific context when discussing "words of foreign origin" to understand the intended meaning. For example, in a linguistic analysis, the focus might be on etymological origin, while in a casual conversation, it might be about perceived foreignness.