collateral
UK: kəˈlætərəl | US: kəˈlætərəl
n. 1. Property or assets pledged as security for a loan.
n. 2. Something secondary or additional, often serving as a guarantee.
adj. 1. Parallel or corresponding in position, time, or significance.
adj. 2. Descended from the same ancestor but through different lines.
collateral = col<together> + later<side> + al<adjective suffix>
- col<together>: From Latin com- (variant col- before l), meaning "with" or "together."
- later<side>: From Latin latus, meaning "side."
- al<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating relation or pertaining to.
Etymology Origin:
The word collateral originates from Medieval Latin collaterālis, combining col- (together) and latus (side). It originally described things situated side by side or parallel, later evolving to denote secondary security (assets "alongside" a loan) and familial relationships (descendants branching "sideways" from a common ancestor). The financial sense emerged in the 16th century, reflecting the logic of assets standing "with" the primary obligation.
The bank required collateral before approving the loan.
He offered his car as collateral for the debt.
The collateral damage from the war affected civilians disproportionately.
She studied the collateral branches of her family tree.
The agreement included collateral benefits for both parties.