Latin Roots: Fact & Fetish

by Han

Dear Latin Teacher,

Are the words 'fact' and 'fetish' derived from the same Latin root (being made)?

Thank you very much.


Dear Han,

Yes and no. Both words come from the same root, but fetish is really from the French (fétiche).

Fact comes from factum, a deed or a thing having been done.

Fetish comes from facticius, i.e. something factitious, made by art or craft.

Hope this helps,

John