Final answer:
A significant portion of English vocabulary derives from Latin and Greek due to historical use in educated discourse, religion, philosophy, science, and legal communication, though specifying an exact percentage is difficult without extensive etymological analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of English vocabulary derived from Latin and Greek has historical roots in the way science and knowledge were communicated and stratified throughout history. Latin and Greek were the mainstays of communication among the educated elite because the literature of philosophy, important texts, and scholarly correspondence, including the Bible, were written in these languages. These ancient languages were not only placeholders in religious and philosophical discourse but also had a substantial impact on the lexicon of Modern English.
The English language itself is a product of various linguistic influences, with Latin and Greek playing a pivotal role. What is remarkable about English is how it has absorbed and adapted words from Latin and Greek into its lexicon, affecting not only everyday vocabulary but also specialized language in law, medicine, and science. Metric prefixes in science, names of months, and various legal phrases stand as testament to this linguistic legacy.
For instance, words like mega, deriving from the Greek word meaning "great", are seamlessly integrated into modern scientific terminology. While it is challenging to specify an exact percentage of English vocabulary derived from Latin and Greek, there is no doubt that a significant portion owes its origins to these classical languages.
It is well-known that Germanic languages underwent transformation through contact with Latin, which is evident in the English language's vocabulary that contains a substantial number of words rooted in Latin and Greek. Furthermore, the names of months, derived from the Roman calendar, and the metric prefixes used in scientific measurements are concrete examples of Latin and Greek influence. The prevalence of Latin and Greek in English demonstrates the historical value and continued relevance of these languages within the realm of education and science.