There are a number of 5 letter words in the English language that contain the letters ‘qu’. This combination of letters is common in words derived from Latin, such as ‘query’, ‘qualm’, and ‘quark’. In this article, we will explore some of the most common 5 letter words containing ‘qu’, look at their origins and meanings, and provide examples of how they are used in sentences. Having a robust vocabulary can help improve reading comprehension, writing skills, and verbal communication. Let’s dive in and learn about these quintessential ‘qu’ words!
Common 5 Letter ‘Qu’ Words
Here is a list of some common 5 letter words that contain the letters ‘qu’:
| Quack | Quail | Quart |
| Queen | Queer | Quell |
| Quern | Query | Quest |
| Queue | Quick | Quiet |
| Quill | Quilt | Quirk |
| Quirt | Quite | Quoin |
As you can see, there are many common words that fit the criteria. Let’s look at some of the most frequently used ‘qu’ words in more detail.
Word Origins and Meanings
Understanding where words come from and what they mean can help us better comprehend and utilize them. Here are the origins and definitions of some common 5 letter ‘qu’ words:
Queen – From Middle English ‘quene’, originating from Old English ‘cwen’ meaning ‘wife’ or ‘woman’. Now primarily refers to a female monarch or the wife of a king.
Query – From Latin ‘quaerere’ meaning ‘to seek’. It refers to a question or inquiry.
Quick – From Old English ‘cwic’, meaning ‘alive’. It refers to something happening rapidly or promptly.
Quiet – From Old French ‘coi’, meaning ‘tranquil’. It refers to making little to no noise.
Quill – From Middle English ‘quil’, from Old English ‘cwielle’ meaning ‘cutting tool’. Refers to a feather of a bird used for writing.
Quilt – From Middle English ‘quilte’, originating from Latin ‘culcita’ meaning ‘stuffed sack’. Refers to a bed cover with padding inside.
Understanding the roots of words gives us greater insight into why they mean what they do. Now let’s see some sentence examples.
Using ‘Qu’ Words in Sentences
One of the best ways to improve vocabulary is to see words used properly in context. Here are some example sentences utilizing the 5 letter ‘qu’ words we’ve discussed:
– The professor sent out a query to all students about the upcoming test.
– My little brother is very quick on his feet when playing sports.
– Please remain quiet in the library so others can concentrate.
– The quill was a popular writing instrument long before the invention of pens.
– My grandmother made me a beautiful hand-stitched quilt for my birthday.
– The queen wore an elegant gown and jewels fit for royalty at the coronation.
Seeing how these quintessential ‘qu’ words are properly used in sentences is helpful for memorizing them and utilizing them in your own writing and speaking. Expanding your active vocabulary takes practice!
Conclusion
In summary, there are many 5 letter English words that feature the letters ‘qu’, like ‘queen’, ‘query’, ‘quick’, ‘quiet’, ‘quill’, and ‘quilt’. These words originated from Old English, Middle English, Latin, and Old French roots. Understanding their etymology gives insight into their meanings. Actively using these types of words in sentences, both written and spoken, can help improve overall vocabulary. A robust vocabulary is linked to better reading, writing, comprehension and communication skills. Hopefully this article provided a helpful introductory look at some of the most common and useful 5 letter ‘qu’ words that are an integral part of the English language.
