Nouns forming their plurals with the suffix “-im” constitute a small, distinctive subset within the English language. Examples include common words like “cherub” (cherubim) and “seraph” (seraphim). These terms often retain connections to their Hebrew origins, reflecting a borrowing of not only the word but also its pluralization method.
Preserving these distinct plural forms maintains etymological accuracy and avoids the potential ambiguity or modernization that might arise from using a standard “-s” or “-es” ending. This practice underscores the historical and cultural context of these words, enriching the language and providing valuable insights into the evolution of English vocabulary. It also allows for clear differentiation between singular and plural forms, which can be essential for precise communication, particularly in scholarly or religious contexts.
