answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

This word has a surprising origin -- "sinister" is the Latin word for"left". Throughout history, many people considered the left side to be evil or unlucky (in Latin, "sinister" also meant unlucky), and the right side to be good. Left-handedness itself was considered a malady, and until recently it was common for teachers to require left-handed children to use their right hands in an effort to "cure"them.Similarly, in English the word right -- meaning right side -- is the same as the word right -- meaning correct or fitting, as in "right answer" and "legal right." This is also true in many other languages;examples include French (droit), Spanish (derecho), and Russian(pravo).
Source:http://www.mail-archive.com/word@tlk-lists.com/msg00018.html

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the origin of the word sinister?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the root word of sinister?

The root word of "sinister" is the Latin word "sinister," which means left or on the left side. Over time, the term took on negative connotations and came to be associated with things that are evil, threatening, or ominous.


What is a good sentence with the word sinister?

Her sinister eyes glared at him from across the room.


What is a long sentence with the word sinister?

Here are some sentences.The sinister magician turned the prince into a frog.His sinister plans were thwarted by the superhero.


How do you use the word sinister?

"Sinister" is typically used to describe something that is threatening, ominous, or evil. For example, "He gave her a sinister look," implies that he gave her a threatening or malicious look.


How do you used sinister in a sentence?

She gave him a sinister look as he walked into the room, making him feel uneasy.


What is an example of a sentence using the word sinister?

The detective had a sinister feeling about the suspect's true intentions.


What word rhymes with priminister?

administer minister sinister


What is Latin for left eye?

Sinistra -ae. The word sinister is derived from it.


What is the opposite of Dexter in latin?

In Latin, dexter means right (as in right hand). The word for left hand is sinister.


How many syllables are in the word sinister?

Sin-Is-Ter. 3.


How do you use the word sinister in a sentence?

1. threatening or portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous: a sinister remark. 2. bad, evil, base, or wicked; fell: his sinister purposes. 3. unfortunate; disastrous; unfavorable: a sinister accident. 4. of or on the left side; left. Source: Dictionary.com


Are left-handed people really servants of the devil?

The only sinister thing about left-handed people is the fact that sinister comes from the Latin word for left.