What English words have been borrowed from Persian?

While English has borrowed many words from other languages, including Latin, Greek, and French, Persian has had a relatively limited impact on the English lexicon. However, there are a few notable examples of Persian words that have been adopted into English:

Direct Borrowings:

* Shah: This word for "king" in Persian has been used in English since the 16th century.

* Cheetah: This word for a type of large, fast cat is derived from the Persian word "chītā."

* Juggernaut: This word refers to a powerful and unstoppable force, and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Jagannātha," which itself is connected to a Persian word.

* Checkmate: This term used in chess originates from the Persian phrase "shah mat," meaning "the king is dead."

* Caravan: This word for a group of travelers, especially those moving together for safety, originates from the Persian word "karwan."

* Divan: This word for a type of couch or sofa is derived from the Persian word "dīvān," which also means "court" or "council."

Indirect Borrowings:

* Paradise: Though originally from Greek, the word's use in English is heavily influenced by its association with the Persian concept of a heavenly garden called "Pairidaeza."

* Chess: While ultimately of Indian origin, the game's development and spread were significantly influenced by Persian culture.

It's worth noting that the influence of Persian on English is significantly less compared to other languages like French, Latin, or Greek.

It's also important to consider that some words may be considered loanwords from Persian but are actually shared cognates with English, meaning they are related words that stem from a common ancestor. For example, the English word "orange" shares a root with the Persian word "naranj."

Overall, while Persian has contributed a few specific words to the English language, its influence is relatively limited compared to other languages.