Langimage
English

franca

|fran-ca|

C1

/ˈfræŋkə/

common language

Etymology
Etymology Information

'franca' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'franca,' where 'franca' meant 'free' or 'frank.'

Historical Evolution

'franca' changed from the Italian word 'franca' and eventually became part of the term 'lingua franca' in modern English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'free' or 'frank,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a common language used for communication between speakers of different native languages.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a type of language used as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages.

English often serves as a lingua franca in international business.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41