The correct answer is 2 (II and III: Latin and French) because during the Middle English period (c. 1100–1500), a significant number of words entered the English language primarily from Latin and French, not from Celtic or Old Norse. Here's why:
1️⃣ Latin (II)
Latin influenced English both directly and indirectly.
Many Latin words entered English through the church (since Latin was the language of Christianity, the Bible, and scholarship).
Examples: bishop, altar, sermon, scripture, martyr.
Latin was also a major source of learned and scientific vocabulary.
2️⃣ French (III)
The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought a flood of French words into English.
French was the language of the ruling class, law, government, and culture.
Examples: government, court, judge, soldier, justice, fashion, cuisine.
❌ Why Not Celtic (I)?
Very few Celtic words entered Middle English.
The Anglo-Saxons displaced most of the Celtic-speaking population, limiting linguistic influence.
Some minor Celtic words exist, like crag (rock) and bog (swamp), but they were not a major source.
❌ Why Not Old Norse (IV)?
Old Norse had a major influence on English, but mainly during the Old English period (before 1100), not Middle English.
It contributed common words like sky, they, them, egg, law, take.
By the Middle English period, Norse influence had already integrated into English.
✅ Conclusion
Since Middle English borrowed extensively from Latin (II) and French (III), the correct answer is Option 2 (II and III).
Year-wise PYQs
