volant — an adjective meaning that something is flying or capable of flying
volante — the Spanish cognate of the same meaning
When you learn Spanish, you will usually come upon the verb “volar,” which means “to fly.” “Volar” comes straight from the Latin verb volare which also means “to fly.” If you are a music buff, you might recognize “Volare” as the title of a song written and sung originally by Domenico Modugno that has been redone by many artists including Dean Martin, Bobby Rydell, and The Gipsy Kings (my favorite version).
You can enjoy their version here: "Volare"
In English, the word “volar” also exists, but it’s an adjective describing something that is used for flight. (This isn’t the commonly used meaning of “volar,” as I explain below.)
Interestingly, the word “volante” in Spanish can also be a noun, and when it is, one of its meanings is “steering wheel.” That was my first encounter ever with the word, years ago when I was first learning Spanish. Then I learned “volar,” and I had a hard time thinking of “volar” as “to fly” since I’d learned “volante” as a “steering wheel.” I finally pictured myself figuratively “flying” down the highway at top speed while clutching the “volante” of my little Chevy Chevette, and that helped the two words click for me.
The word “volante” does exist in English, too, but it is used exclusively in music direction when you want the music to move with light rapidity. In other words, you want it to “fly” like a little birdie.
Along with “volante,” the words “volant” and “volar” are not commonly used in English, so it can be hard to make that cognate connection; however, the word “volatile” is very common. That’s right, “volatile” comes from the same Latin base as “volant” and “volar.” In fact, its original meaning was to describe animals and insects that could fly.
Over time, though, the word “volatile” has changed quite a bit, and we use it more often to describe something that can change unexpectedly. If you imagine a person with a quick temper, though, and you assign the expression “fly off the handle” to that person, then you can associate “volatile” with “flying,” and that can help you make the connection with “volant” and “volar.”
The more commonly used definition in English for “volar,” though, has nothing to do with flying. “Volar” is used to describe something that is located on the palm of your hand or the sole of you foot, and it comes from a totally different Latin word. Instances like this make learning a language both utterly frustrating and utterly fascinating — in my humble opinion, at least.
While I don’t like to fly, it is a very common mode of transportation, and knowing basic vocabulary for it helps with travel planning. If you are taking a trip to any Spanish-speaking country and find yourself at the airport, you may find the word “vuelo” useful. “Vuelo” means “flight,” as in your flight number. It also means “I fly.” I thought I’d throw that in just in case you’d like to be a bit more confused. Ha, ha.
Overall, recognizing the similarities between two very common languages will help you get by in life and get around in the world.
Enjoy this clip of Sinatra. "Come Fly With Me." It could easily be my mantra for Cognate Cognizance. Fly with me through the wondrous world of words.
Until next time. Please share this with others and encourage them to subscribe.
Thanks.
Tammy Marshall
Volant