Here's why:
* Evolution of Language: English has evolved through centuries, borrowing words from many languages. It's not just a simple "addition" of Greek words.
* Word Families: Many English words are related to Greek words, but not direct translations. For example, "telephone" comes from Greek "tele" (far) and "phone" (sound), but it's not a direct translation.
* Multiple Origins: Many words have multiple origins, making it hard to attribute a single source.
However, some estimates suggest that:
* Around 15% of English vocabulary is derived from Greek: This includes direct borrowings, words with Greek roots, and words that have been shaped by Greek influence.
* The percentage is higher for specific areas of vocabulary: For example, scientific and technical terms have a very high proportion of Greek roots.
It's important to remember that these are estimates, and the exact percentage is impossible to determine.
Overall, Greek has had a significant impact on the English language, and its influence is evident in various aspects of vocabulary, including scientific, philosophical, literary, and everyday usage.