We explored a number of different models of cognate gain and loss, but the model that was best supported by the data was one that allows for variation in rates of evolution for different cognates (some words can evolve more quickly than others) and assumes that cognates are only ever gained once but can then be lost multiple times in descendent languages. This fits with linguists’ intuitions about the nature of cognate replacement – by definition, true cognates cannot be independently gained more than once and can then be lost multiple times at differing rates.