While the exact percentage is debated, it's generally accepted that a significant portion of English vocabulary (estimated at around 30-40%) originates from Latin and Greek. This influence stems from the historical and cultural impact of these languages on English, particularly through:
* Roman conquest of Britain: Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, left a lasting impact on the English language.
* Church and education: Latin was the language of the Church and scholarship in Medieval Europe, contributing many words related to religion, law, and science.
* Renaissance and Enlightenment: The rediscovery of classical literature and philosophy during these periods led to a renewed interest in Latin and Greek, introducing many new words and concepts into English.
Therefore, it's accurate to say that a large portion of American words (and English words in general) have roots in Latin and Greek.