The Spanish verb 'recordar' (to remember) comes from the Latin verb 'recordari', which also meant 'to remember' or 'to recall'. The Latin word is a combination of two parts: the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' or 'back', and 'cor' meaning 'heart' or 'mind'. So etymologically, to remember something in Latin was to 'bring it back to mind/heart' - a beautifully poetic way of thinking about memory!

Several common Spanish words share the Latin root 'cor' (heart): 'corazón' (heart), 'cordial' (cordial, hearty), and 'acuerdo' (agreement - literally something hearts come together on). Understanding this connection can help remember that 'recordar' has to do with bringing something back to one's heart or mind.

Many English words are related to 'recordar' through both the 're-' prefix and 'cor' root. Most obviously, 'record' and 'recording' share the same Latin ancestor, originally referring to committing something to memory or writing it down for remembrance. Other English words sharing the 'cor' root include 'core', 'cordial', and 'courage' (which originally meant 'having heart'). The 're-' prefix is used similarly in English words like 'return', 'recall', and 'remind'.