Emir and Admiral Come From the Same Arabic Word
An emir is a Muslim ruler or commander. The word travelled into Europe and turned into a naval rank.
An emir is a Muslim ruler, prince or military commander. Arabic *amir* means commander, and the title *amir al-bahr*, commander of the sea, passed into medieval Mediterranean use and became European *admiral* — so an emir and an admiral carry the same word. The stray D in *admiral* came from association with Latin *admirari*, to wonder at. An *emirate* is the territory an emir governs, as in the United Arab Emirates.
- A Muslim ruler. *The emir's palace.*
- A commander. *Amir.*
- Emirate — his territory. *An emirate.*
- Admiral — the same root. *An admiral.*
- Arabic — *amir*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | emir | An emir. |
| Plural | emirs | Emirs. |
| Territory | emirate | An emirate. |
| Related | admiral | An admiral. |
| Arabic | amir | A commander. |
- The emir received the delegation.Ruler.
- Amir means commander.Etymology.
- Admiral shares the root.Connection.
Arabic words in English
- Admiral — from *amir al-bahr*, commander of the sea
- Algebra — from *al-jabr*, the reunion of broken parts
- Alcohol — from *al-kuhl*, a fine powder
- Sugar — from *sukkar*, through Italian
- Zero and cipher — both from *sifr*, empty
Arabic *amir*, a commander, from *amara*, to command.
Are emir and admiral the same word?
Yes. Both come from Arabic amir, a commander. Admiral entered Europe from the title commander of the sea.
Where does the D in admiral come from?
From association with Latin admirari, to wonder at. It was not in the Arabic original.