Latinate diction in English is the use of words derived from Latin rather than those originating in Old English, e.g. suspend rather than hang. ... Particular instances of words, phrases, or constructions taken from the Latin are called Latinisms.

What is meant by Latinate?

: of, relating to, resembling, or derived from Latin.

How do you identify a Latinate word?

Latinate words usually have multiple syllables, and their meanings tend to be more broad, abstract, or scientific. In contrast, words with Germanic origins are often monosyllabic, and their meanings are far more concrete, limited, and blunt.