The Spanish word 'aún' (meaning 'still' or 'yet') comes from the Latin word 'adhuc', which meant 'until now' or 'still'. The Latin 'adhuc' itself was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'toward' and 'huc' meaning 'here' or 'at this moment'. Over time, this combination evolved into the modern Spanish word, maintaining a similar meaning of continuation or persistence.

The unaccented form 'aun' is a variant of the same word, though its usage differs slightly in modern Spanish. While 'aún' (with accent) emphasizes the temporal sense of 'still' or 'yet', 'aun' (without accent) is often used in the sense of 'even' or 'including'. Both forms share the same etymological root and are commonly encountered in Spanish.

While there aren't direct English cognates of 'aún', understanding its Latin components can help English speakers remember its meaning. The Latin prefix 'ad-' is found in many English words like 'adjacent' (lying near), 'advance' (moving forward), and 'adhere' (stick to), all carrying the sense of 'toward' or 'to'. This can help remember that 'aún' relates to the continuation or extension of something.