September是九月
为什么Septwolves是七匹狼
而不是九匹狼?
October是十月
为什么Octopus是八爪鱼(章鱼)
而不是十爪鱼?
December是十二月
为什么decade是十年
而不是十二年?
这是因为,在古罗马历中,一年只有十个月,也即有以下的对应关系:
古罗马历 公历
× January
× February
一月 March
二月 April
三月 May
四月 June
五月 July
六月 August
七月 September
八月 October
九月 November
十月 December
详情请参考以下资料:
September (from Latin septem, "seven") or mensis September was originally the seventh of ten months on the ancient Roman calendar that began with March (mensis Martius, "Mars' month"). It had 29 days. After the reforms that resulted in a 12-month year, September became the ninth month, but retained its name.
(来源:Wikipedia)
也就是说,公历中月份的英语说法其实跟古罗马历相关,于是:
September其实是七月
所以词根sept-是“七”
Septwolves是七匹狼
October其实是八月
所以词根octo-是“八”
octopus是八爪鱼
December其实是十月
所以词根dec-是“十”
decade是十年
decimeter是分米(十分之一米)