bis
UK[bɪs]US[bɪs]
adv
Again; a second time (used in music and other contexts to indicate repetition).
n
An encore or a repetition of a piece of music, or a second helping of food.
Etymology
The word 'bis' entered English as a direct borrowing from Latin, where it served as an adverb meaning "twice." Its lineage can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root dwi-, meaning "two," which also gave rise to Latin 'duo' (two) and the prefix 'bi-.' In Latin, 'bis' was used to denote a second occurrence or repetition. This core sense was preserved when the term was adopted into English, primarily within specialized contexts like musical performance—where it calls for an encore—and, by extension, in culinary settings to request a second portion.
Analysis
This word is a simplex loanword. It is borrowed directly from Latin, where it functioned as an adverb meaning "twice" or "a second time."
Examples
The audience shouted "Bis!" until the violinist returned for an encore.
In the score, the composer marked the final section to be played bis.
He enjoyed the soup so much he asked the waiter, "Bis, please."