Aaron
< latin Aaron
<
ancient greek Ααρών | Aaron < hebrew Aharon
< (?) egyptian origin.
abandon < middle english abandon < old
french abandonner (= surrender, release) < à bandon (= at will, at
discretion) < à ( < latin ad (= to)) + bandon (= power, jurisdiction)
(< latin bannum (= proclamation) < proto-germanic
*bannan-
(= proclaim, summon)).
abbey
<
anglo-french abbeie < latin abbatia < abbas < ancient
greek αββάς | abbas < aramaic abba
(= the / my father) < abh (= father).
abbreviate < latin abbreviatus,
past participle of abbrevio [inf. abbreviare]
(= shorten) < (ad
(= to) + brevio [inf. breviare] (= shorten).
abduction < latin abductio [gen. abductionis] (= ravishing, robbing) <
abduco
[inf. abducere] (= take away, arrest)
< ab
(= off, away) + duco [inf. ducere] (=
to lead).
Abigail < hebrew Abhigayil
(= [my] father is rejoicing) < abh
(= father) + gil (= rejoice).
ability < middle english ability < old
french ableté (= ability) < latin habilitas [gen. habilitatis] < habilis (= easy to manage).
able
<
old french (h)able
(= capable) < latin habilis < habeo [inf. habere] (=
hold, have).
aboard < middle english aboard < old
french à bord < à (= on) ( < latin ad
(= to)) + bord (= board) (< frankish *bord (= plank) < proto-germanic
*burdam
(= board, plank).
Aborigine < latin aborigines
(= the first inhabitants) / ab origine
(= from the beginning) < ab
(= from) + origo [gen. originis]
(= rise, birth) (< orior [inf. oriri] (= arise, be born)).
abort
<
latin abortus, past participle of aborior [inf. aborori] (= fail, disappear) < ab (= off) + orior [inf. oriri] (= arise, be born).
above < middle english above(n)
< old english abufan / onbufan (= in a higher place) < a- / on
+ bufan
(= over) (< be (= by) + ufan (= high)).
Abraham < latin Abraam
<
ancient greek Αβραάμ | Abraam < hebrew Abraham
(= father of a multitude) < abh (= father) + *raham (= multitude) < [previous name] Abram (= high father) < abh + ram (= high).
absent
<
old french absent < latin absens [gen. absentis], present participle of absum [inf. abesse] (= be away from) < ab (= off) + sum [inf. esse] (= I
am).
absolute < latin absolutus,
past participle of absolveo [inf. absolvere]
(= to set free) < ab (= off) + solveo [inf. solvere] (= to loosen).
absorb < middle english absorb < old
french absorber / assorbir < latin absorbeo
[inf. absorbere] (= swallow up)
< ab
(= off, away) + sorbeo [inf. sorbere] (= suck in).
abstract < middle english abstract < latin abstractus,
past participle of abstraho [inf. abstrahere]
(= drag away, pull away) < ab (= off, away) + traho
[inf. trahere] (= to draw).
abundant < middle english abundant < old
french abundant < latin abundans [gen. abundantis], present participle of abundo
[inf. abundare] (= overflow) < latin
ab
(= off, away) + undo [inf. undare] (=
rise in a wave) (< unda (= wave)).
abuse
<
old french abuser (= deceive, abuse) < vulgar
latin *abuso [inf. abusare] < latin abusus,
past participle of abutor [inf. abuti] (=
abuse) < ab (= off) + utor
[inf. uti] (= use).
abyss
<
late latin abyssus < ancient greek άβυσσος | abyssos (= bottomless) < α- | a- (= without) + βυσσός | byssos (= bottom).
AC < Air Conditioner.
A.C. < Alternating Current.
academy < french Académie < latin Academia < ancient greek Ακαδημία, the school of philosopher
Plato
< Ακαδημεία
| Akadēmoea, a grove in Athens
of hero Ακάδημος | Akadēmos.
accelerate < latin acceleratus,
past participle of accelero [inf. accelerare]
(= hasten, quicken) < ad (= to) + celero [inf. celerare] (= hasten) (< celer
(= quick)).
accent
<
old french acent < latin accentus (= song added to speech) < ad (= to) + cantus, past participle of canto [inf. cantere] (= sing).
accept
<
old french accepter < latin accepto [inf. acceptare] (= receive) < accipio [inf. accipere] (= receive) < ad (= to) + capio [inf. capere] (= take, hold).
access
<
old french acces (= attack) < latin
accessus < accedo [inf. accedere] (= approach) < ad
(= to) + cedo [inf. cedere] (= go, move).
accessory < late latin
accessorius < latin accessor < accedo [inf. accedere] (= approach) < ad
(= to) + cedo [inf. cedere] (= go, move).
accident < old french
accident < latin accidens
[gen. accidentis] (= occurrence) < accido [inf. accidere]
(= happen, fall upon) < ad
(= to) + cado [inf. cadere] (= to fall).
acclaim < middle english acclaim < latin
acclamo
[inf. acclamare] (= cry out at) < ad
(= to) + clamo [inf. clamare]
(= cry out).
accomplish < old french
acomplir
(= to complete) < vulgar latin *accompleo [inf. accomplere] < latin
ad
(= to) + compleo [inf. complere] (< cum (= with) + pleo
[inf. plere] (= to fill)).
accord
<
old french acorder (= agree) < vulgar
latin *accordο [inf.
accordare] < latin ad (= to) + cor [gen. cordis] (= heart).
accordion < german Akkordion < Akkord (= concord of sounds) < old french acorder
(= agree) < vulgar latin *accordo [inf. accordare] < latin
ad
(= to) + cor [gen. cordis] (= heart).
accolade < french accolade (= embrace, kiss)
< provençal acolada / italian accollata
< vulgar latin *accollo [inf. accolare] (= embrace around the neck) < latin ad
(= to) + collum (= neck).
accommodate < latin accomodatus,
past participle of accomodo [inf. accomodare]
(= make fit, adapt) < ad (= to) + commodo [inf. commodore] (= make fit) (< commodus
(= proper, fit) < com (= with,
together) + modus (= measure, manner)).
accompany < middle english accompany < old
french acompaignier (= take as a companion) < à (< ad (= to)) + compaignier
(< compagnon (= friend, partner) < late latin companio
[gen. companionis] (= bread fellow,
messmate) < latin com (= with, together) + panis
(= bread)).
accost < middle french accoster (= come
alongside) < late latin accosto [inf. accostare] (= come up to the side) < latin ad (=
to) + costa (= side).
account < old french
aconter
(= enumerate) < a (< latin ad
(= to)) + conter (= count) (<
latin computo [inf. computare] (= count) < com (= with) + puto [inf. putare] (= prune, reckon)).
accrue < middle english accrew < old
french acreue, female past participle of acreistre (= to increase)
< latin accresco [inf. accrescere] (= increase, become greater) < ad (= to) + cresco
[inf. crescere] (= grow).
accumulate < latin accumulatus,
past participle of accumulo [inf. accumulare]
(= heap up to) < ad (= to) + cumulo [inf. cumulare] (= heap up) (< cumulus (= a heap)).
accurate < latin accuratus,
past participle of accuro [inf. accurare]
< adcuro
[inf. adcurare] (= take care of) < ad
(= to) + curo [inf. curare] (= take care of).
accuse
<
old french acuser < latin accuso
[inf. accusare] (= make complaint against) < ad causa (= to the cause) < ad
(= to) + causa (= cause).
ace < middle english ace < old french
as
(= one at dice) < latin as [gen. assis] (= unit, one) < assarius [unit for measuring,
weight, coins] < (?) etruscan origin.
ache < old english acan (= suffer continued
pain) < proto-germanic *akanan.
achieve < old french
achever
(= to finish) < vulgar latin *accapο [inf. accapare] < latin ad caput [venire] (= [come] to the top) < ad (= to) + caput (= head).
acid
<
french acide < latin acidus (= sour, sharp) < aceo [inf. acere] (= be sharp).
acknowledge < middle english acknowledge
< a blend of 1. aknow (= admit knowledge) (< old
english oncnawan (= understand) < on + cnawan (= recognize)) +
2. knowlechen
(= acknowledge) (< cnawlece (= honor, worship) < proto-germanic
*knew-
(= know) + (?) -lock (= action, process)).
acoustic < french acoustique < ancient
greek ακουστικός | akoustikos (= pertaining to hearing) < ακουστός | akoustos (= audible) < ακούω | akouō (= hear).
acquaint < middle english acquaint < old
french acointer (= make known) < vulgar latin *accognito
[inf. accognitare] (= make known) <
latin accognitus, past participle of accognosco [inf. accognoscere] (= know well) < adcognosco
[inf. adcognoscere] < ad
(= to) + cognosco [inf. cognoscere]
(= come to know) (< com (= with, together) + gnosco
[inf. gnoscere] (= know)).
acquire < old french
aquerre
(= gain) < vulgar latin *acquaero [inf. acquaerere] < latin acquiro
[inf. acquirere] (= accumulate) < ad (= to) + quaero [inf. quarere] (= seek).
acquit < middle english aquiten < old
french a(c)quiter (= pay,
settle a claim) < a- (< latin ad
(= to)) + quite (= free, clear) (< medieval latin quit(t)us < latin quietus
(= free)).
acre < old english æcer
(= tilled field) < proto-germanic *akraz (= field).
acrobat < french acrobate < ancient
greek ακροβάτης | akrobatēs (= rope dancer) < άκρος | akros (= topmost) + -βάτης | -batēs (= walker) (< βαίνω | baenō (= go, step)).
acronym < ancient greek άκρος | akros (= topmost) + όνυμα | onyma (= name).
acropolis < ancient greek akropolis (= citadel) <
άκρος | akros (= topmost) + polis | polis (= city).
across < middle english o cros < a-croiz
< acros
< anglo-french an cros (= on cross) < a-
(= on, in) + cross (< old english cros < latin
crux
[gen. crucis] (= cross)).
acrylic < latin acer (=
sharp) + oleo [inf. olere] (= smell)
+ [suffix] -ic.
act <
latin actus
<
ago
[inf. agere] (= drive, lead, act).
actor < middle english actor < latin
actor
(= agent, theatrical player) < ago [inf. agere] (= drive, lead, act).
acute < middle english acute < latin
acutus,
past participle of acuo [inf. acuere] (=
to sharpen).
A.D. < medieval
latin Anno Domini
[nostri] (= in the Year of [our] Lord) < latin anno,
ablative of annus (= year) + domini,
genitive of dominus (= master, lord) (< domus (= house)).
Adam < hebrew adam
(= man) < adamah (= ground).
adamant < old english aðamans < latin
adamas
[gen. adamantis] < ancient greek
αδάμας | adamas [gen. αδάμαντος | adamantos] (= untamed) < α- | a- (= without) + δάμνημι | damnymi (= conquer, tame).
adapt < old french adapter
< latin adapto
[inf. adaptare] (= adjust) < ad
(= to) + apto [inf. aptare] (=
join).
add < latin addo
[inf. addere] (= add, join) < ad
(= to) + do [inf. dare] (= give).
addendum < latin addendum (= that which is
to be added), neuter gerundive of addo [inf. addere] (= add to, join) < ad (= to) + do [inf. dare] (= give).
addict < latin addictus,
past participle of addico [inf. addicere]
(= deliver, award) < ad (= to) + dico [inf. dicere] (= say).
address < old french adrecier
< vulgar latin *addirectio
[inf. addirectiare] (= make straight)
< ad (= to) + *directio
[inf. directiare] (= make straight) (<
latin directus, past participle of dirigo [inf. dirigere] (= set straight) < dis- (= apart) + rego
[inf. regere] (= to direct, to guide).
Adelaide < french Adélaide [cf. old high german Adalhaid < adal (= noble family) (< proto-germanic *athala-)
+ heit
(= state, rank)].
adept < latin adeptus, past participle
of adipiscor
[inf. adipisci] (= attain to, arrive
at) < ad (= to) + apiscor [inf. apisci] (= grasp, attain).
adequate < latin adaequatus, past
participle of adaequo [inf. adaequare]
(= make equal to) < ad (= to) + aequo [inf. aequare] (= make level) (< aequus
(= equal)).
adhere < middle french adhérer (= to stick,
adhere) < aderer < latin
adhaero [inf. adhaerare] (= to stick to) < ad
(= to) + haero [inf. haerere] (=
to stick).
ad hoc < latin ad hoc (= to this, for
this) < ad (= to) + hoc, neuter of hic (= this).
ad infinitum < latin ad
infinitum (= to infinity) < ad (= to) + infinitum, neuter of infinitus
(= endless) < in- (= not) + finitus (= definite) (< finis
(= end)).
adjective < middle english adjective < old
french adjectif < latin adjectivus, past
participle of adjicio [inf. adjicere]
(= throw to, add to) < ad (= to) + jacio [inf. jacere] (= to throw).
adjourn < middle english ajournen < old
french ajorner (= meet) < à jorn (= to [another] day) < à
(< latin ad (= to)) + journ (= day) (< latin
diurnus
(= daily) < dies (= day)).
adjudge < middle english ajuge < old
french ajugier (= to judge) < latin adjudico [inf. adjudicare] (= award as a judge) < ad
(= to) + judico [inf. judicare]
(= to judge) (< judex [gen. judicis] (=
a judge) < jus [gen. juris] (= law)
+ dico
[inf. dicere] (= say)).
adjust < middle english ajusten < old
french ajuster / ajoster (= add, calibrate, regulate)
< late latin adjuxto [inf. adjuxtare] (= bring near) < latin ad
(= to) + juxta (= close, next).
administer < middle english a(d)ministren
(= to manage as a steward) < old french aministrer (= to help) <
latin administro [inf. administrare]
(= to help) < ad (= to) + ministro [inf. ministrare] (= to serve) (< minister (= servant, priest’s
assistant) < minus (= less)).
admire < old french admirer
(= look upon) < latin admiror [inf. admirari] (= regard with wonder)
< ad (= to) + miror [inf. mirari] (= wonder).
admit < middle english admit < latin
admitto
[inf. admittere] (= admit, allow
to enter) < ad (= to) + mitto [inf. mittere] (= send).
adobe < 1. spanish adobe
(= unburnt brick dried in the sun) (< (?) arabic al-tob
(= the brick) < coptic tube
(= brick)) or 2. spanish adobar (= daub, plaster).
adolescent < middle english adolescent
< middle french adolescent < latin adolescens
[gen. adolescentis], present
participle of adolesco [inf. adolescere]
(= grow up) < ad (= to) + alesco [inf. alescere] (= be nourished).
adopt < middle french adopter
< latin adopto [inf. adoptare] (= select, adopt) <
ad
(= to) + opto [inf. optare] (=
choose, wish).
adore < middle english aouren
(= worship) < old french
aorer
(= adore, worship) < latin
adoro
[inf. adorare] (= beseech, ask in prayer)
< ad (= to) + oro
[inf. orare] (= speak, pray).
adrenaline < modern latin adrenal
(= of the kidneys) (< latin ad (= to) + renalis (= of the kidneys)
< renes
(= kidneys)) + [suffix] -ine.
adroit < french adroit < à
droit (= according to right) < old french à
(= to) + droit (= right) (< medieval latin directum
/ drictum
(= right, law) < latin directus, past participle of dirigo
[inf. dirigere] (= set straight) <
dis-
(= apart) + rego [inf. regere] (=
to direct, keep straight)).
adult < latin adultus,
past participle of adolesco [inf. adolescere]
(= grow up) < ad (= to) + alesco
[inf. alescere] (= be nourished).
advance < middle english avauncen
(= improve) < old french avanci(e)r (= go forward) <
vulgar latin *abanteo < late latin abante < ab (= from) + ante
(= before).
adventure < middle english aventure
< old french aventure
(= chance, event) < latin adventura, female future participle of
advenio
[inf. advenire] (= come to) < ad (= to) + venio
[inf. venire] (= come).
adverb < middle english adverb < late
latin adverbium (= adverb) < ad (= to) + verbum (= verb, word).
adverse < middle english adverse < old
french advers < avers (= contrary, foreign) < latin
adversus,
past participle of adverto [inf. advertere]
(= to turn toward) < ad (= to) + verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).
advertise < old french advertir
(= call attention) < latin
adverto
[inf. advertere] (= give heed) < ad (= to) + verto
[inf. vertere] (= turn).
advice < middle english auys
(= opinion) < old french
avis
(= opinion, view) < 1. [ço m’est] à vis (= it seems to me)
or 2. vulgar latin *[mi] est visum
(= it is in my view) < latin est (= is) + visum, neuter past participle of video
[inf. videre] (= see).
aerial < latin aerius
(= airy) < ancient greek αέριος | a-erios (= airy) < αήρ
| aēr (= air).
aerobic < french aérobie
< ancient greek αήρ
| aēr [gen. αέρος |
a-eros] (= air) + βίος
| bios (= life).
aeroplane < french aéroplane
< ancient greek αήρ
| aēr [gen. αέρος |
a-eros] (= air) + french planer
(= soar) (< latin planus (= level).
aesthetic < german Ästhetisch
/ french esthétique < ancient greek αισθητικός | aesthētikos (= perceptible) < αισθάνομαι | aesthanomae (= feel).
affair < anglo-french afere
/ old french afaire (= business, event) < à faire (= to do) < latin ad
(= to) + facio [inf. facere] (=
do, make).
affect < latin affectus
(= disposition, mood) < affectus, past participle of afficio
[inf. afficere] (= treat, manage) < ad (= to) + facio
[inf. facere] (= do, make).
affinity < middle english affinity < old
french afinite (= relationship, neighborhood) < latin affinitas
(= relationship, neighborhood) < affinis (= adjoining, kin by marriage)
< ad
(= to) + finis (= border).
affirm < middle english affirmen < affermen
< old french afermer (= confirm, strengthen) <
latin affirmo [inf. affirmare]
(= make steady, strengthen) < ad (= to) + firmo [inf. firmare] (= make firm, strengthen) (<
firmus
(= strong)).
afflict < middle english afflict < old
french aflicter < latin afflicto [inf. afflictare] (= to damage) (= overthrow) <
ad
(= to) + fligo [inf. fligere]
(= to strike).
affluent < middle english affluent < old
french afluent < latin affluens [gen. affluentis], present participle of affluo
[inf. affluere] (= flow toward)
< ad
(= to) + fluo [inf. fluere] (=
to flow).
afford < middle english aforth < old english geforðian
(= put forth, carry out) < forðian
(= further) < forð (= forward).
afraid < middle english affray
(= frighten) < anglo-french
afrayer
< old french effrei (= fright) < esfreer (= worry) < vulgar latin *exfrido [inf. exfridare] < latin ex (= out of) + frankish
*frithu
(= peace) (< proto-germanic *frithuz (= peace, consideration)).
Africa < latin Africa
[terra] (= African [land], Libya, the
province of Africa, the continent Africa), female of Africus (= of Africa) < Afer [gen. Afris] (= an
African).
after < old
english æfter (= behind, later in time) < of (= off) + [suffix]
-ter.
aftermath < after + -math (< old
english mæð (= cutting of grass)).
again < old english agan < ongean (= toward, against) < on + -gegn (= against, toward) (<
german *gagina).
age < old french aage
(= age, life) < vulgar latin *aetaticum < latin aetas
[gen. aetatis] (= age, lifetime) < aevum (= lifetime, eternity).
agenda < latin agenda,
neuter plural gerundive of ago [inf. agere] (= drive, lead, act).
agent < latin agens
[gen. agentis], present participle of
ago
[inf. agere] (= drive, lead, act).
aggravate < latin aggravatus, past
participle of aggravo [inf. aggravare]
(= add to the weight of) < ad (= to) + gravo [inf. gravare] (= weigh down) (< gravis
(= heavy)).
aggregate < middle english aggregate < latin
aggregatus,
past participle of aggrego [inf. aggregare]
(= join, bring together) < ad (= to) + grego [inf. gregare] (= gather) (< grex
[gen. gregis] (= flock)).
aggressive < latin aggressus,
past participle of aggredior [inf. aggredi]
(= to approach, attack) < ad (= to) + gradior [inf. gradi] (= to step) (< gradus
(= a step)).
agitate < latin agitatus, past participle
of agito
[inf. agitare] (= put in constant
motion) < ago [inf. agere]
(= drive, lead, act).
ago < older agon
(= departed, passed away), past participle of ago(n) (= proceed, go forth) < old english agan
< a-
(= away) + gan (= go).
agony < middle english agony < old
french agonie < late latin agonia < ancient greek
αγωνία | agōnia (= agony, anguish) <
αγών | agōn (= assembly,
contest, trial) < άγω | agō (= drive, lead).
agree < old french agreer
(= satisfy) < a gré (= favorably) <
a (<
latin ad (= to)) + gre(t) (< latin gratus
(= pleasing, agreeable)).
ahead < a- (= on, in) + head (< old
english heafod (= top of the body) < proto-germanic *haubid).
aid < old french aide
< aiudha
(= aid, help) < latin adiuta,
female past participle of adjuvo [inf. adjuvare] (= to give help to)
< ad (= to) + juvo [inf. juvare] (= help, support).
ail < middle english ail < old
english eglan (= to trouble, afflict) < proto-germanic *azljaz.
aim < old french aesmer
(= value, count) < latin aestimo [inf. aestimare] (= appraise).
air < old french air
< latin aer
(= air) < ancient greek
αήρ | aēr [gen. αέρος |
a-eros] (= air, mist, haze).
airborne < air (< old french air < latin aer (= air) < ancient greek αήρ | aēr [gen. αέρος | a-eros] (= air)) + borne, past tense and participle of bear
(< old english
beran
(= carry, bring, give birth to) < proto-germanic
*beranan).
aisle < middle english ele (= lateral division
of a church) < old french ele (= wing, side of a ship) < latin
ala
(= wing, armpit).
ajar < a jar < (?) scottish a
char (= turned a little way) < on char (= on the turn) < a- (= on, in) + middle english
char
(= a turn) (< old english cier (= a turn)).
a.k.a. < [1935] also known as.
akin < a- (= on, in) + kin (< middle english kin
< old english cynn (= family, sort, gender) < proto-germanic
*kunja-
(= family)).
Alan < old breton [Saint] Alan.
alarm < old french alarme
< italian all’ arme
(= to the arms!) < alle [< a (< latin ad
(= to)) + le (< latin ille
(= the))] + arme (< latin arma
(= weapons)).
Alaska < russian Aljaskat
< aleut alakshak (= big country, continent).
Albania < medieval
latin Albania < medieval
greek Αλβανία |
Albania < (?) 1. I.E. *alb
(= hill) or 2. I.E. *albho- (= white).
albatross < (?) spanish
/ portuguese albatross < alcatraz (= pelican, cormorant) < (?) 1. arabic
al-ghattas
< al
(= the) + ghattas (= sea eagle) or
2. portuguese alcatruz (= bucket of a water wheel) < arabic al-qadus
< al
(= the) + qadus (= machine for drawing
water, jar) (< ancient greek κάδος | kados (= jar)) [(?) as a reference to the pelican's pouch].
Albert < german Albert < old high german Adalbert
(= noble bright) < adal (= noble family) (< proto-germanic *athala-)
+ proto-germanic *berhta- (= bright).
album < latin album,
neuter of albus (= white) [a white board for public notices].
Alcatraz < spanish / portuguese alcatraz (= pelican, cormorant) < (?) 1. arabic
al-ghattas
< al
(= the) + ghattas (= sea eagle) or 2.
portuguese alcatruz (= bucket of a water wheel) < arabic al-qadus
< al
(= the) + qadus (= machine for drawing
water, jar) (< ancient greek κάδος | kados (= jar)) [(?) as a reference to the pelican’s pouch].
alchemy < middle english
alchemy
< old french alchimie < alquemie < medieval
latin alchimia < arabic al-kimiya < al
(= the) + kimiya (= chemistry) < ancient greek χημεία
| khēmoea (= chemistry) <
(?) a compound of Χημία | Khēmia (< egyptian Kmt
(= Egypt) < kmm (= I am black [(= fertile) soil])) + ancient greek
χυμός
| khymos (= juice) (< χέω
| kheō (= to pour, cast)).
alcohol < medieval latin alcohol
(= powdered ore of antimony) < arabic
al-kuhul
(= the kohl) [a metallic powder for darken the eyelids] < al (= the) + kahala
(= to stain, paint).
alderman < old english aldormann / ealdormonn
(= ruler, chief) < aldor / ealder (= patriarch) <
ald
(= old) + mann / monn (= man).
alert < french alerte
(= vigilant) < à l’ erte
(= on the watch) < italian
all’
erta (= to the height) < alle [< a (< latin ad
(= to)) + le (< latin ille
(= the))] + erta, female past participle of ergo [inf. ergere] (= raise up) (< latin erigo
[inf. erigere] (= raise)).
Alfred < old
english Ælfræd < ælf
(= elf) + ræd (= counsel).
algebra < medieval latin algebra < arabic [al-mukhtasar fi hisab] al-jabr
[wa al-muqabala] (= [the compendium on
calculation by] restoring [and balancing]), title of mathematician Al-Khwarizmi’s
book < al (= the) + jabr
(= reunion of broken parts) (< jabara
(= reunite)).
Algeria < arabic
al-Jazair
< al
(= the) + jazair, plural of jezira
(= island) [in reference to the islands
next to this city].
algorithm < french algorithme
[under mistaken connection with ancient greek αριθμός | arithmos (= number)] < old french
algorisme
(= the arabic numeral system) < medieval
latin algorismus < arabic al-Khwarizmi, famous mathematician
[cf. algebra].
alias < latin alias
(= at another time or way) < alius (= other, different).
alibi < latin alibi
(= elsewhere) < alius
(= other, different).
Alice < old french Aliz < old high german Adalhaid
< adal (= noble family) + heit
(= state, rank).
alien < old french alien
(= strange, foreign) < latin
alienus
(= foreign) < alius (= other, different).
alienate < latin alienatus, past
participle of alieno [inf. alienare]
(= estrange, set at variance) < alienus (= foreign) < alius
(= other, another).
alike < middle english aliche < old
english anlig (= similar, resembling) < an / on + like (< old
english lic (= body) < lik, a shortening of y-lik
< old english gelic (= similar)).
alimony < latin alimonia (= food, nourishment)
< aleo
[inf. alere] (= to nourish, support) +
[suffix] -monia (= action, state, condition).
Alison < french Alison
< Alice
< old french Aliz < old high german Adalhaid
(< adal (= noble family) + heit
(= state, rank)).
alive < middle english alive < old
english on life (= in living) < a- (= on, in) + lif (= life) (< proto-germanic
*leiban).
alkali < middle english alkali < medieval
latin alkali < arabic al-qaliy (= the ashes) <
al
(= the) + qala (= to roast in a pan).
all < old
english eall (= every, entire) <
proto-germanic *alnaz.
Allah < arabic Allah
< al-Ilah
< al (= the) + Ilah
(= God).
allege < middle english allege < anglo-french
aleger
/ old french eslegier (= to clear at law) < latin
ex
(= out of) + litigo [inf. litigare]
(= bring suit).
allegory < middle english allegory < old
french allegorie < latin allegoria < ancient
greek αλληγορία | allēgoria
(= figurative language) < άλλος | allos (= another) + αγορεύω | agorevō (= speak in the assembly) (< αγορά | agora (= public assembly)).
Allen < Alan < old breton [Saint] Alan.
allergy < german Allergie < ancient
greek άλλος | allos (= another) + έργον | ergon (= work).
alley < middle english alley < old
french alee (= path, way) < alee, female past participle of aler
(= go) < (?) latin ambulo [inf. ambulare] (= walk).
alligator < (a)ligarto
< spanish el lagarto [de Indias] (= the lizard [of Indies]) <
el
(= the) (< latin ille (= he, this)) + latin
lacerta
(= lizard).
allocate < medieval latin allocate, imperative
plural of alloco [inf. allocare]
< latin adloco
[inf. adlocare] (= allocate) < ad
(= to) + loco [inf. locare] (=
to place) (< locus (= a place)).
allot < middle english al(l)ot < old
french aloter (= divide by lots) < à (< latin ad
(= to)) + loter (= lot) (< germanic origin).
allow <
middle
english
allouen
(= commend, praise) < anglo-french alouer < old
french aloer (= to place, arrange) < latin alloco
[inf. allocare] < adloco
[inf. adlocare] (= allocate) < ad
(= to) + loco [inf. locare] (=
to place) (< locus (= a place)).
allude < middle french alluder < latin
alludo
[inf. alludere] < adludo
[inf. adludere] (= to play, joke) <
ad
(= to) + ludo [inf. ludere] (=
to play).
ally < middle english ally (= to join in
marriage) < old french alier (= combine, unite) < aliier
< latin alligo [inf. alligare] < adligo [inf. adligare] (= bind to) < ad (= to) + ligo [inf. ligare] (= to bind, tie the hands).
Alma Mater < latin Alma Mater (= nurturing mother) [a title given by Romans
to certain goddesses] < alma,
female of almus (= nurturing) < alo [inf. alere] (= nourish, support)) + mater
(= mother).
almighty < old english ælmihtig (= all-powerful)
< æl
(< eall (= entire) <
proto-germanic *alnaz) + mihtig (< mæhtig
(= having strength) < proto-germanic *mahtiga-).
almond < old french almande
< alemondle
(= almond) < vulgar latin *amendla < *amandula < latin amygdala,
plural of amygdalum < ancient
greek αμυγδάλιον | amygdalion
(= almond) < αμυγδάλη | amygdalē (= almond tree).
almost < old english eallmæst
< all + most.
alone < old english all
ana
(= all by oneself) < all
+ an
(= one).
along < old english andlang (= entire,
continuous) < proto-germanic *andi-, *anda-
(= against)) + lang (< old english lang (= long, tall) < proto-germanic
*langa-
(= long)).
aloud < middle english aloud < a-
(= on, in) + loud (< old english hlud (= noisy) < proto-germanic
*hludaz
(= heard)).
alpha < latin alpha < ancient greek άλφα | alpha < phoenician aleph (=
ox) < semitic eleph
(= ox) < (?) egyptian hieroglyph (of inverse A) as an ox’s head with horns.
alphabet < late latin alphabetum
< ancient greek αλφάβητος | alphabētos < άλφα | alpha [see alpha] + βήτα |
bēta (< phoenician beth (= house)).
Alps < french Alpes < latin Alpes
(= the Alps) < (?) 1. altus (= high) or 2. albus
(= white) or 3. celtic source.
also < old
english eallswa (= just as, so as) < eal swa < all + so.
altar < old english altar / alter
< latin altare [plural altaria] (= altar).
alter (= to change) < old french halterer
< medieval latin altero [inf. alterare] (= to change) <
latin alter (= the other).
alternate < latin alternatus,
past participle of alterno [inf. alternare]
(= do one after the other) < alternus
(= one after the other) < alter
(= the other).
altitude < middle english altitude < latin
altitudo
(= height) < altus (= high).
altruism < french altruisme < old
french altrui (= of the others) < latin alter
[gen. altri] (= other).
aluminum < french alumina, alumine
< latin alumen (= alum).
always < old english ealne
weg
(= all the time, perpetually) < all + way.
a.m. < an abbreviation
of latin ante meridiem (= before noon)
< ante
(= before) + meridiem, accusative of meridies (= noon) (< medius
(= middle) + dies (= day)).
am < old english eom
(= to be) < proto-germanic
*izm(i)- < I.E. *esmi-
< *es- (= to be).
amalgam < middle english amalgam < old
french amalgame < medieval latin amalgama (= alloy of
mercury) < (?) 1. ancient greek μάλαγμα | malagma (= softening substance) < μαλάσσω | malassō (= to soften) < μαλακός | malakos (= soft) or 2. arabic al-magham / al-madjma’a
(= emollient poultice for sores) < al (= the) + ancient greek
μάλαγμα | malagma.
Amanda < latin
amanda
(= pleasing), female gerundive of amo [inf. amare] (= to love).
amateur < french amateur
(= lover) < latin amator
(= lover, friend) < amatus,
past participle of amo [inf. amare] (= to
love).
amaze < middle english amased
(= stunned, dazed, foolish) < old
english amasod < [prefix] a- + *mæs (< a compound of amasod
(= amazed) + amasian (= confuse)).
ambassador < old french ambassateor
/ embassator
< latin ambactus (= servant, vassal) < celtic amb(i)actos
(= messenger, servant).
amber < middle english ambre [grice] (= [gray] amber) < old
french ambre [gris] (= [gray]
amber) < arabic ‘anbar (= ambergris, morbid
secretion).
ambient < latin ambiens
[gen. ambientis], present participle of
ambio
[inf. ambire] (= go around) < ambi- (= around) + eo [inf. ire] (= go).
ambiguous < latin ambiguus (= having double
meaning, doubtful) < ambigo [inf. ambigere] (= to wander, dispute about, contend) < ambi-
(= around) + ago [inf. agere] (= drive,
lead, act).
ambition < middle english ambition < old
french ambicion < ambitio [gen. ambitionis] (= a going around, desire for honor) < ambeo
[inf. ambire] (= go around) < ambi-
(= around) + eo [inf. ire] (= go).
amble < middle english amble < old
french ambler (= go steady) < latin ambulo [inf. ambulare] (= go about) < (?) ambi-
(= around) + -ulare (< I.E. *el-
(= go)).
ambulance < french ambulance
< [hospital] ambulant (= walking [hospital]) < latin ambulans [gen. ambulantis], present participle of ambulo [inf. ambulare] (= go about) < (?) ambi-
(= around) + -ulare (< I.E. *el- (= go)).
ambush < middle english embushen < old
french embuschier (= to hide, lay an ambush) < en- (= in) + busch
(= wood) (< frankish *busk (= bush, woods)).
Amelia < latin Amelia
(= laborious) < germanic
origin.
amen < late latin amen < ancient greek
αμήν | amēn < hebrew amen
(= truth) < semitic a-m-n
(= to be trustworthy, confirm).
America < modern latin
americanus
< italian Amerigo [Vespucci], an Italian geographer [who claimed first to have discovered
a new continent, not the India as Chr. Colombo believed, and call it New World]
< (?) gothic Amalrich (= work-ruler).
ammonia < modern latin ammonia < [sal] ammoniac (= [salt] ammoniac)
< ancient greek αμμωνιακόν [κόμμι] | ammōniakon [kommi] (=
ammoniac [gum]) < Αμμωνία | Ammōnia, a place in Libya < Άμμων [Ζεύς] | Ammōn [Zeus] (= Ammon [Jupiter]), an egyptian-greek
god [with a temple near this place] < egyptian Amun,
a god of Egypt.
ammunition < middle french la
munition < *l’ amunition < latin munitio
[gen. munitionis] (= a fortifying) <
munio
[inf. munire] (= fortify) < moenia
(= defensive walls).
amnesia < french amnésia < ancient
greek αμνησία | amnēsia (= forgetfulness) < α- | a- (= without) + stem μνη- | mnē- of μνώμαι | mnōmae (= remember).
amnesty < french amnistie < latin amnestia
< ancient greek αμνηστία | amnēstia (= forgetfulness) < άμνηστος | amnēstos (= forgetful) < α- | a- (= without) + μνήστις | mnēstis (= remembrance) (< stem μνη- | mnē- of μνώμαι | mnōmae (= remember)).
amok < malay amuk (= attacking
furiously).
among < old english amang
< old english onmang < ongemang (= among, during) < on gemang (= in the crowd) < on + gemengan (= mingle) < proto-germanic *mangjan
(= knead together).
amoral < ancient greek a- | a- (= without) + english moral (< latin
moralis
(= proper behavior) < latin mos [gen. moris] (= disposition) [plural mores] (= manners, customs)).
amount < old french amonter
(= rise, signify) < amont
(= upward, uphill) < a mont (=
to the mountain) < a
(< latin ad (= to) + mont (< latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain)).
amphibian < ancient greek αμφίβιος | amphibios (= living a double life) < αμφί | amphi (= of
both kinds) + βίος | bios (= life).
amphitheatre < middle english amphitheater
< latin amphitheatrum < ancient greek
αμφιθέατρον | amphitheatron
< αμφί | amphi (= on both sides) + θέατρον | theatron (= theater) (< θεώμαι | theōmae (= be seen, behold) <
θέα | thea (= view)).
ample < middle english ample < old
french ample (= large, wide) < latin amplus
(= large, spacious) < proto-italic *amlo- (= seizable).
amplify < old french amplifier
< latin amplifico
[inf. amplificare] (= enlarge) < amplus (= large) + facio
[inf. facere] (= make, do).
amputate < amputation < latin amputatus,
past participle of amputo [inf. amputare]
(= cut off, cut around) < ambi- (= around) + puto
[inf. putare] (= to prune, cut).
Amsterdam < dutch
Amstel,
a river (< germanic ama (= current) + stelle
(= place)) + [suffix] -dam [in place names].
amuse < old french amuser
(= fool, tease, hoax) < a
(< latin ad (= to)) + muser (= ponder, stare fixedly).
an(a)emia < french anaemia
< ancient greek αναιμία | anaemia (= lack of blood) < άναιμος | anaemos (= bloodless) < α(ν)- | a(n)- (= without) + ‘αίμα | haema (= blood).
an(a)esthesia < ancient greek αναισθησία | anaesthēsia (= lack of sensation) < α(ν)- | a(n)- (= without) + αισθητός | aesthētos (= tangible) (< αισθάνομαι | aesthanomae (= feel)).
analogy < old french analogie < latin
analogia
< ancient greek αναλογία | analogia (= proportion) <
ανάλογος | analogos (= proportional) <
ανά | ana (= upon) + λόγος | logos (= a speaking) (< λέγω | legō (= speak)).
analysis < medieval latin analysis < ancient
greek ανάλυσις | analysis (= loosening,
solution) < αναλύω | analyō (= unloose, analyze) < ανά | ana (= up) + λύω | lyō (= unfasten).
anarchy < french anarchie < medieval
latin anarchia < ancient greek αναρχία | anarkhia (= lack of a leader)
< άναρχος | anarkhos (= rulerless) < α(ν)- | a(n)- (= without)
+ άρχω | arkhō (= to lead, rule).
anathema < latin anathema (= the curse of
excommunication) < ancient greek ανάθεμα | anathema (= a thing accursed) < ανάθημα | anathēma (= a thing set up to the gods) < ανατίθημι | anatithēmi (= devote, dedicate) < ανά | ana (= up) + τίθημι | tithemi (= to put).
anatomy < old french anatomie < late
latin anatomia < ancient greek ανατομή | anatome (= dissection) < ανατέμνω | anatemnō (= dissect) <
ανά | ana (= up)
+ τέμνω | temnō (= to cut).
ancestor < middle english ancestre
/ antecessour < old french ancestre
/ ancessor
(= ancestor, forefather) < late
latin antecessor (= predecessor) < latin antecessus,
past participle of antecedo [inf. antecedere]
(= to precede) < ante
(= before) + cedo [inf. cedere] (=
go).
anchor < old english ancor
< latin ancora (= an anchor) < ancient greek άγκυρα
| angkyra (= anchor, hook).
ancient < older auncyen
< old french ancien
(= old, ancient) < vulgar
latin *anteanus < latin ante (= before).
and < old
english and / ond (= thereupon, next) < proto-germanic
*unda
< I.E. *en
(= in).
Andalusia < spanish Andalusia
< arabic al Andalus < al (= the) + Andalus (< (?) late latin
*Vandalicia
(= the country of Vandals) < latin Vandali (= Vandals), a germanic
tribe [settled in southern Spain] < (?) proto-germanic *wandljaz (= wanderer)).
Andrew < old french Andreu
< late latin Andreas
< ancient greek Ανδρέας
| Andreas < ανήρ | anēr [gen. ανδρός |
andros] (= man).
android < modern latin androides
< ancient greek ανήρ | anēr [gen. ανδρός | andros] (= man, human) + είδος | oedos (= form).
Andy < a shortening of
Andrew
(q.v.).
anemia < anaemia
< french anaemia < ancient greek
αναιμία | anaemia (= lack of blood) <
άναιμος | anaemos (= bloodless) < α(ν)- | a(n)- (= without) + ‘αίμα | haema (= blood).
anesthesia < anaesthesia
< ancient greek αναισθησία | anaesthēsia (= lack of sensation) < α(ν)- | a(n)- (= without) + αισθητός | aesthētos (= tangible) (< αισθάνομαι | aesthanomae (= feel)).
angel < old english engel
/ old french angele < late latin angelus < ancient greek άγγελος
| anggelos (= messenger).
anger < old norse angr (=
distress, sorrow) < proto-germanic
*angaz
(= painful).
angle < old french angle
< latin angulus (= angle, corner).
Angle < old
english Angle < latin
Angli
< Angul,
a region (today, Holstein) [so called for its shape like a hook or for their fishing
with hooks] < latin angulus (= angle).
Angus < scottish
Angus,
related to irish Aonghus < celtic oen
(= one) + old irish gus (= ability, strength).
animal < latin animal
(= living being) < animalis (= animate, living) < anima
(= breath, soul).
animate < latin animatus,
past participle of animo [inf. animare] (=
give breath to) < anima
(= breath, soul).
Anna < latin Anna < ancient greek Άννα
| Anna < hebrew Hannah
(= grace).
annihilate < medieval latin
annihilatus,
past participle of annihilo [inf. annihilare]
(= reduce to nothing) < latin
adnihilo
[inf. adnihilare] < ad
(= to) + nihil (= nothing).
anniversary < medieval latin anniversarium
< latin anniversarius (= returning annually) <
annus
[gen. anni] (= year) + versus, past participle of verto
[inf. vetrere] (= turn).
announce < old french anoncier
< latin annuntio
[inf. annuntiare] < adnuntio
[inf. adnuntiare] (= make known) < ad (= to) + nuntio
[inf. nuntiare] (= report) (<
nuntius
(= messenger)).
annoy < middle english anoien
/ annuien
(= harm, hurt) < anglo-french
anuier
/ old french anuier (= be troublesome to) < late
latin inodio [inf. iniodiare]
(= make loathsome) < latin
[est] in odio (= [it is] hateful) < in (= into) + odium
(= hatred).
annual < old french annuel
(= yearly) < medieval latin annualis (= yearly) < latin
annalis
< annus
(= year).
Annuit Coeptis (words on the Great Seal of the U.S.A.)
< latin [audacibus] annue coeptis
(= [favor (my)] daring undertakings), a phrase from poet Virgil (with a change of
annue to annuit) < annuo [inf. annuere] (= agree to) (< adnuo [inf. adnuere] < ad (= to) + nuo [inf. nuere] (= to nod)) + coeptus,
past participle of coepio [inf. coepere]
(= begin) (< cum (= with) + ap(i)o [inf. ap(i)ere] (= happen
on).
anode < ancient greek άνοδος
| anodos (= way upward) < άνω | anō (= upward) + ‘οδός | hodos (= way).
anonymous < late latin anonymus < ancient
greek ανώνυμος | anōnymos (= without a name) <
α(ν)- | a(n)- (= without) + όνυμα | onyma (= name).
anorexia < ancient greek ανορεξία | anorexia < α(ν)- |
a(n)- (= without) + όρεξις | orexis (= appetite, desire) (<
ορέγω | oregō (= to desire)).
another < middle english another < old
english an (= one) + other (< old english oþer
(= second, further) < proto-germanic *anthera-).
answer < old english andswaru
(= response) < and-
(= against) + -swaru (= affirmation) (< swerian (= swear)).
ant < middle english ampte
< old english æmette
(= ant) < germanic *emaitjon
< a compound of *e- (= off, away) + *mai- (= cut).
antagonize < ancient greek ανταγωνίζομαι | antagonizomae
(= to struggle against) < αντί | anti (= against) + αγωνίζομαι | agonizomae (= to contend for a prize) (< αγών | agōn (= a contest, trial) <
άγω | agō (= drive, lead, act)).
Antarctica < antarctic
< middle english antartyk < old french
antartique
< medieval latin antarcticus < ancient greek ανταρκτικός | antarktikos (< αντί | anti (= against, opposite) + αρκτικός | arktikos (= arctic, of the constellation
Bear [= Ursa major]) < άρκτος | arktos (= bear)).
antenna < latin antenna
/ antemna
(= sail yard).
anthem < old english antefn
/ ontemn (= a composition
sung in alternate parts) < late
latin antefana < ancient
greek αντίφωνα | antiphōna,
plural of αντίφωνον | antiphōnon (= verse response) < αντί
| anti (= versus) + φωνή | phōnē
(= voice).
anthology < latin anthologia
< ancient greek ανθολογία | anthologia (= flower collection,
collection of poems) < άνθος |
anthos (= flower) + -λογία | -logia (= collection) (< -λόγος | -logos (= collector) < λέγω | legō (= collect, speak)).
anthropology < modern latin anthropologia
< ancient greek άνθρωπος | anthrōpos (= human being) + -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).
antibiotic < french antibiotique
< ancient greek αντί | anti (= against) + late latin
bioticus
(= of life) (< ancient greek βιοτικός | biotikos (= pertaining to life) < βίος | bios (= life)).
anticipate < latin anticipatus,
past participle of anticipo [inf. anticipare]
(= take ahead of time) < anti / ante (= before) + capio
[inf. capere] (= take, hold).
antidote < middle french antidot < latin
antidotus
/ antidotum (= a remedy against poison) < ancient greek
αντίδοτον [φάρμακον] |
antidoton [pharmakon] (= [drug] given as a remedy) < αντιδίδωμι | antididōmi
(= give instead of) < αντί | anti (= against) (see anti-) + δίδωμι | didōmi (= give).
antique < middle french antique
(= old) < late latin anticus
< latin antiquus
(= ancient, old) [cf. ante (= before)].
antiseptic < ancient greek αντί | anti (= against) + english septic (< latin
septicus
(= pertaining to putrefaction) < ancient greek σηπτικός | sēptikos
(= characterized by putrefaction) < σήπω | sēpō (= make rotten).
Anthony < latin Antonius
< (?) etruscan origin.
anxious < latin anxius (= solicitous, uneasy)
< ango
[inf. angere] (= to squeeze, cause
distress).
any < old english
ænig
(= anyone) < proto-germanic
*ainagas
(= one, unique).
Apache < (?) american
indian 1. apachewatche (= man of
war) or 2.‘epache (= people).
apart < middle english apart < old
french a part (= to the side) < a (< latin ad
(= to)) + part (< latin
pars [gen. partis] (= part, piece)).
apartheid < afrikaans apartheid
(= separateness) < dutch apart (= separate) + [suffix] -heid
( = -hood).
ape < old english ape,
female of apa (= monkey) < proto-germanic
*apan.
aperitif < french apéritif
< latin aperitivus < aperio [inf. aperire] (= to open).
apiary < latin apiarium
(= beehive) < apiarius (= of bees) <
apis
(= bee).
apocalypse < middle english apocalypse
< late latin apocalypsis (= revelation) < ancient
greek αποκάλυψις | apokalypsis
< αποκαλύπτω | apokalyptō
(= to uncover) < από | apo (= off, from) + καλύπτω | kalyptō (= to cover).
apo koinu < ancient greek
από
κοινού
| apo koenou (= in common) < από | apo (= from) + κοινός | koenos [gen. κοινού | koenou] (= common).
apology < late latin apologia < ancient greek απολογία
| apologia (= a speech in defense) < απολογούμαι | apologoumae (= speak in one's defense) < απόλογος | apologos (= speech, account) < από | apo (= from, off) + λόγος | logos (= a speaking) (< λέγω | legō (= speak)).
apostle < old english apostol
< late latin apostolus
< ancient greek απόστολος | apostolos (= messenger, envoy)
< αποστέλλω | apostellō
(= send forth) < από
| apo (= off, from) + στέλλω
| stellō (= send).
apparatus < latin apparatus (= equipment,
preparation) < apparo [inf. apparare]
< adparo
[inf. adparare] (= make ready) < ad
(= to) + paro [inf. parare] (=
prepare).
apparel < middle english apparel < old
french apareillier (= prepare) < vulgar latin *appariculo
[inf. appariculare] < 1. latin
apparo
[inf. apparare] < adparo
[inf. adparare] (= make ready) < ad
(= to) + paro [inf. parare] (=
prepare) or 2. vulgar latin *adpariculo [inf. adparticulare] (= put things together) <
latin ad (= to) + particula (= little part) (< a
diminutive of pars [gen. partis] (=
piece, part)).
appeal < anglo-french apeler
(= call upon, accuse) / old french apeler (= make an appeal)
< latin appello
[inf. apellare] (= accost, appeal to)
< adpello
[inf. adpellare] (= prepare) < ad (= to) + pello
[inf. pellere] (= beat, push).
appear < old french aparoir
/ aperer
(= come forth) < latin appareo
[inf. apparere] < adpareo
[inf. adparere] (= appear) < ad (= to) + pareo
[inf. parere] (= come forth, be visible).
appease < middle english appease < anglo-french
apeser
/ old french apaisier (= pacify) < a
paisier (= bring to peace) < a (< latin ad
(= to)) + pais (= peace) (< latin pax [gen. pacis] (= peace)).
append < old french apendre
(= belong, hang) < latin
appendo
[inf. appendere] < adpendo
[inf. adpendere] (= cause to hang, weigh
out) < ad (= to) + pendo
[inf. pendere] (= hang, weight).
appendix < latin appendix
(= addition, continuation) < appendo [inf. appendere] < adpendo [inf. adpendere] (= cause to hang) <
ad
(= to) + pendo [inf. pendere] (=
hang).
appetite < anglo-french appétit
/ old french apetit < latin appetitus (= appetite) < adpetitus, past participle
of adpeto
[inf. adpetere] (= desire) < ad (= to) + peto
[inf. petere] (= go to, seek out).
applause < latin applausus,
past participle of applaudo [inf. applaudere]
(= approve by clapping hands) < latin
adplaudo
[inf. adplaudere] < ad (= to) + plaudo
[inf. plaudere] (= to clap).
apple < old english æppel
(= apple, fruit) < proto-germanic
*ap(a)laz
< I.E. *ab(e)l- (= apple).
apply < old french aploier
(= apply, use, attach) < latin
applico
[inf. applicare] < adplico [inf. adplicare]
(= join, connect) < ad
(= to) + plico [inf. plicare] (=
fold).
appoint < middle english appoint < anglo-french
appointer
/ old french apointier (= make ready, arrange) <
apointer
(= duly, fitly) < à point (= to the point) <
a-
(< latin ad (= to)) + point (= point) (< latin
punctum
(= small hole)).
apportion < middle french apportionner < old
french aporcioner (= share out) < a- (< latin ad
(= to)) + portioner (= to divide into portions) (< portion
(= share) < latin portio [gen. portionis] (= share, part) < *partio < pars
[gen. partis] (= piece, part)).
appreciate < late latin appretiatus,
past participle of appretio [inf. appretiare]
< adpretio
[inf. adpretiare] (= set a price to) < ad (= to) + pretium
(= price).
apprehend < middle english apprehend < latin
apprehendo
[inf. apprehendere] (= take hold
of) < ad (= to) + pre(he)ndo [inf. pre(he)ndere]
(= to seize) (< prae- (= before) + -hendo [inf. -hendere] (= to seize)).
apprentice < middle english apprentice
< old french aprentiz (= learning) < aprendre
(= learn, teach) < latin apprehendo [inf. apprehendere] (= take hold of)
< ad
(= to) + pre(he)ndo [inf. pre(he)ndere] (= to seize) (< prae-
(= before) + -hendo [inf. -hendere]
(= to seize)).
approach < anglo-french approcher
/ old french aprochier < late latin appropio [inf. appropiare] < adpropio [inf. adpropiare] (= go nearer to) <
latin ad (= to) + propio [inf. propiare] (= come nearer) (< prope (= near)).
appropriate < late latin appropriatus,
past participle of approprio [inf. appropiare]
< adproprio
[inf. adpropiare] (= make one’s own) < latin ad
(= to) + proprio [inf. propiare]
(= take as one's own) < proprius
(= one’s own).
approve < old french aprover
< latin approbo
[inf. aprobare] < adprobo [inf. adprobare] (= regard as good) < ad (= to) + probo
[inf. probare] (= try, test) (< probus (= honest, genuine)).
approximate < late latin approximatus,
past participle of approximo [inf. approximare]
< adproximo
[inf. adproximare] (= come near to) < latin ad
(= to) + proximo [inf. proximare]
(= come near) < proximus
(= nearest), superlative of prope (= near).
apricot < french abricot < catalan abercoc < portuguese albricoque < arabic al-birquq
< ancient greek βερίκοκ(κ)ον | berikok(k)on <
latin praecox [persicum] (=
early-ripening [peach]) < praecox [gen. praecocis] < prae (= in front) + coquo
[inf. coquere] (= to cook).
April < old french avril
< latin Aprilis
< 1. aperio [inf. aperire] (= open) or 2. (?) etruscan
Apru
< ancient greek Αφρώ | Aphrō < Αφροδίτη | Aphroditē, the goddess of love.
apt < middle english apt < old french
ate
(= suitable) < latin aptus (= fit, proper) < aptus,
past participle of *apo [inf. apere] (=
to join, tie to).
aptitude < middle english aptitude < late
latin aptitudo (= fitness) < latin aptus (= fit, proper) <
aptus,
past participle of *apo [inf. apere] (=
to join, tie to).
aqualung < latin aqua (= water) + lung
(< old english [plural] lungen < proto-germanic
*lunganjo-
(= lung)).
aquarelle < french aquarelle
< italian acquerella
(= water-color), a diminutive of acqua (= water) < latin aqua
(= water) < I.E. *akwa- (= water).
aquarium < latin aquarium
(= water-carrier) < aquarius
(= pertaining to water) < aqua (= water) < I.E. *akwa-
(= water).
Aquarius < latin aquarius (= water
carrier) < aqua (= water).
Arab < old french Arabi < latin Arabs
< ancient greek
Άραψ
| Araps [gen. Άραβος |
Arabos) < arabic ‘arab (= (?) inhabitant of the desert).
arbiter < middle english arbiter < old
french arbitre (= arbiter, judge) < latin arbiter
(= a judge, mediator) < ad (= to) + beto / bito [inf.
betere / bitere] (= walk, go).
arc < middle english arc < old french arc
(= bow, arch) < latin arcus (= bow, arch) < proto-italic
*arkwo-
(= bow).
arcade < french arcade
< (?) italian arcata (= arch of a bridge) < arco (= arc) < latin arcus
(= bow, arch).
arch < old french arche
< latin arcus
(= bow, arch).
archaeology < french archéologie
< ancient greek αρχαιολογία | arkhaeologia < αρχαίος | arkhaeos (= ancient) (< αρχή | arkhē (= a beginning)) + -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).
archbishop < old english ærcebiscop < late latin archiepiscopus
< ancient greek αρχιεπίσκοπος | arkhiepiskopos < άρχω | arkhō (= be the first, rule) + επίσκοπος
| episkopos (= bishop) (< επί |
epi (= upon) + σκοπός | skopos (= watcher) (< σκέπτομαι |
skeptomae (= watch, examine, think))).
architecture < middle french architecture
< latin architectura < architectus
(= master builder) < ancient greek αρχιτέκτων | arkhitektōn (= master builder) < άρχω | arkhō (= to lead, rule) + τέκτων | tektōn (= builder).
archives < french archif
< late latin archivum
(= written record) < ancient greek αρχείον |
arkhoeon (= town hall, public building) < αρχή | arkhē (= a beginning, government) < άρχω | arkhō (= be the first, lead, rule).
arduous < latin arduus (= high, steep).
are < old english earun
/ aron
< proto-germanic *ar-
< I.E. *es- (= to be).
area < latin area
(= level ground, open space) < (?) areo (= become dry).
arena < latin harena
(= sand, sandy place, place of combat) < (?) etruscan origin.
aria < italian
aria
< latin aer
(= air) < ancient greek
αήρ | aēr [gen. αέρος |
a-eros] (= air, mist, haze).
arid < french aride (= dry) < latin
aridus
(= dry) < areo [inf. arere] (=
be dry).
Aries < latin aries (= ram).
arise < old english arisan (= get up) < a-
(= on, in) + rise (< risan (= rise) < proto-germanic
*us-rīsanan
(= go up).
Argentina < latin argentinus
(= of silver) < argentum
(= silver).
argot < french argot
[the jargon of Paris rogues and thieves] <
middle french argot (= group of beggars) < (?) old french argoter
(= cut off the stubs left in pruning).
argue < old french arguer
< latin arguo [inf. arguere] (= to check, prove, declare).
aristocracy < middle french aristocracie
< late latin aristocratia < ancient greek
αριστοκρατία | aristokratia
(= aristocracy) < άριστος | aristos (= best of its kind, noblest) + κράτος | kratos (= rule, power).
arithmetic < middle english arsmetike
< old french arsmetique < latin arithmetica
< ancient greek αριθμητική [τέχνη] | arithmētikē [tekhnē] (= counting
[art]) < αριθμητική, female of αριθμητικός | arithmētikos (= arithmetical) < αριθμός | arithmos (= number).
ark < old english earc < latin
arca
(= large box, chest).
arm (= upper limb) < old english
earm < proto-germanic *armaz
< I.E. *ar-
(= fit together).
arm (= weapon) < middle english armes
[plural] < old french armes
[plural] < latin arma
[plural] (= weapons) < I.E.
*ar(ə)mo- < *ar-
(= fit together).
Arnold < old high german
Arenwald
< arn (= eagle) + wald
(= power).
aroma < middle english aroma < latin
aroma
(= sweet odor) < ancient greek άρωμα | arōma (= sweet herb).
arrange < arengen
(= set a line of battle) < old french arengier
(= put in battle order) < a- (<latin
ad
(= to)) + rangier (= set in a row) (<
rang
(= rank)).
array < old french areyer
< areer
(= put in order) < vulgar
latin *arredo [inf. arredare]
(= put in order) < latin
ad
(= to) + *redum (< frankish *ræd-
(= ready)).
arrest < old french arester
(= stay, stop) < vulgar latin
*arresto
[inf. arrestare] (= stop) < latin ad
(= to) + resto [inf. restare] (=
stop) (< re- (= back) + sto [inf. stare] (= stand)).
arrive < anglo-french ariver
/ old french ariver (= come to land) < vulgar latin *arripo
[inf. arripare] (= touch the shore) < latin ad
ripam
(= to the shore) < ad
(= to) + ripa (= shore).
arrogate < latin arrogatus,
past participle of arrogo [inf. arrogare]
< adrogo
[inf. adrogare] (= claim for oneself) < ad (= to) + rogo
[inf. rogare] (= ask, request).
around < middle english around < on
round < a- (= on, in) + round (< anglo-french rounde
< vulgar latin *retundus < latin rotundus
(= circular)).
arouse < a- (= on, in) + middle english
rouse
(< (?) old french r(e)user
(= stir up, awake)).
arrow < old english arwan
< earh
(= arrow) < (?) old norse ör [gen. örvar].
arsenal < italian arzenale < arabic dar as-sina’ah
(= workshop) < dar
(= house) + sina’ah (= art, craft).
art < old french art
< latin ars
[gen. artis] (= work of art, craft) <
I.E. *ar(ə)-ti- < *ar-
(= fit together).
arthritis < latin arthritis < ancient
greek αρθρίτις [νόσος] | arthritis [nosos] (= [disease]
of the joints) < αρθρίτις, female of αρθρίτης | arthritēs (= pertaining to
joints) < άρθρον | arthron (= a joint).
Arthur < medieval latin Art(h)urus
< (?) welsh arth (= bear).
article < old french article
< latin articulus
(= part, member), a diminutive of artus (= a joint) < I.E.
*ar(ə)-tu- < *ar-
(= fit together).
artificial < middle english artificial
< old french artificial < latin artificialis
(= belonging to art) < artificium (= a work of art, skill) <
artifex
[gen. artificis] (= artist, craftsman)
< ars
[gen. artis] (= art) + facio
[inf. facere] (= do, make).
as < old
english alswa (= quite so).
ascend < middle english ascend < latin
ascendo
[inf. ascendere] (= climb up, rise) <
ad
(= to) + scando [inf. scandere]
(= climb).
ascetic < ancient greek ασκητικός | askētikos (= of hermits) <
ασκητής | askētēs (= monk, hermit) <
ασκώ | askō (= to exercise, train).
ash < old
english æsce (= ash) < proto-germanic
*askon
< I.E. *as-
(= burn).
ask < old english ascian
< ahsian < proto-germanic *aiskojanan
< I.E. *ais-
(= wish).
Ashley < Ashley / Ashleigh
< old english æsc (= ash tree) (< proto-germanic *askaz) + leah (= open field).
Asia < latin Asia < ancient greek Ασία | Asia < (?) 1. akkadian asu
(= sunrise) or 2. sanskrit usa (= sunrise).
aspect < latin aspectus
(= sight, view, appearance) < aspectus,
past participle of aspicio [inf. aspicere]
< adspicio
[inf. adspicere] (= look at, observe)
< ad (= to) + specio
[inf. specere] (= look).
aspire < old french aspirer
< latin aspiro
[inf. aspirare] < adspiro
[inf. adspirare] (= breathe upon) < ad (= to) + spiro
[inf. spirare] (= breathe).
assassin < medieval french / italian
Assassini < Assissini < arabic hashishin
[a nickname for the Nizari Ismaili sect in Lebanon, who had the reputation of intoxicating
themselves by hashish for murdering the opposing leaders] < hashishin,
plural of hashishiyy (= hashish).
assault < old french as(s)aut < vulgar latin *adsaltus (= attack) < ad (= to) + latin
saltus
(= a leap) (< salio [inf. salire] (=
to jump)).
assemble < old french assembler
(= join, gather) < latin
assimulo
[inf. assimulare] (= gather) < adsimulo
[inf. adsimulare] (= liken, compare, copy)
< ad (= to) + simulo
[inf. simulare] (= make like) (<
similis
(= similar).
assert < latin assertus, past participle
of assero
[inf. asserere] < adsero
[inf. adserere] (= to claim,
appropriate) < ad (= to) + sero [inf. serere] (= join together, put in a row).
assess < middle english assess < anglo-french
assesser
< medieval latin assesso [inf. assessare] (= fix a tax upon) < latin assessus,
past participle of assideo [inf. assidere]
< adsideo
[inf. adsidere] (= to sit beside,
serve) < ad (= to) + sedeo [inf. sedere] (= to sit).
assets < anglo-french assetz < old
french assez (= sufficiency, satisfaction) < vulgar latin *ad satis (= to sufficiency) <
latin ad (= to) + satis (= enough).
assign < middle english assign < old
french assigner (= assign) < latin assigno [inf. assignare] < adsigno [inf. adsignare] (= mark out, assign) < ad
(= to) + signo [inf. signare]
(= make a sign) (< signum (= mark, sign)).
assimilate < middle english assimilate <
latin assimilatus, past participle of assimilo [inf. assimilare] < assimulo [inf. assimulare] < adsimulo [inf. adsimulare] (= copy, imitate) < ad
(= to) + simulo [inf. simulare]
(= make similar) (< similis (= similar)).
assist < middle english assisten
(= help, aid) < old french
assister
(= help) < latin assisto
[inf. assistere] < adsisto
[inf. adsistere] (= stand by) < ad (= to) + sisto
[inf. sistere] (= stand still) (<
sto
[inf. stare] (= stand)).
associate < latin associates,
past participle of associo [inf. associare]
< adsocio
[inf. adsociare] (= join with) < ad (= to) + socio
[inf. sociare] (= unite with) (<
socius
(= companion, ally)).
assort < middle english assort < old
french assorter (= to assort, match) < a- (< latin
ad
(= to)) + sorte (= category) (< latin sors [gen. sortis] (= share, category)).
assume < latin assumo
[inf. assumere] < adsumo
[inf. adsumere] (= take up, take besides) < ad (= to) + sumo
[inf. sumere] (= take) (<
sub
(= under) + emo [inf. emere] (= take)).
assure < middle english assure < old
french asseurer (= to calm, render sure) < vulgar latin
*assecuror
[inf. assecurari] < ad
(= to) + securus (= safe, secure).
asthma < middle english asma < latin
asthma
< ancient greek άσθμα | asthma (= shortness of breath).
astonish < middle english astonien < old french estoner
(= stun, daze) < vulgar latin
*extono [inf. extonare] < latin
ex
(= out) + tono [inf. tonare] (=
to thunder).
astound < middle english astound < middle english
asto(u)ned, past participle of aston(i)en (= to stun) < old french
estoner
(= to stun, daze) < vulgar latin *extono [inf. extonare]
< latin ex (= out) + tono [inf. tonare] (= to thunder).
astray < middle english o strai (= lost) < old
french estraie, past participle of estraier (= wander) < estree (= route) < 1. latin via
strata (= paved road) < via (= road) + strata, female past
participle of sterno [inf. sternere] (= lay down) or 2. vulgar
latin *estra(va)go [inf. estra(va)gare]
(= wander outside) < extra (= outside) + vagor
[inf. vagari] (= to wander).
astrology < middle english astrology (= foretelling
based on stars’ moving) <
latin astrologia (= astronomy) < ancient greek αστρολογία | astrologia
(= astronomy) < άστρον | astron (= star) + -λογία
| -logia (= study) (< λόγος
| logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).
astronaut < ancient greek άστρον | astron (= star) + ναύτης | naftēs (= sailor) (< ναυς | nafs (= ship)).
astronomy < middle english astronomy < old
french astronomie (= astronomy, astrology) < latin astronomia
< ancient greek αστρονομία | astronomia < αστρονόμος | astronomos (= star-regulating) < άστρον | astron (= star) + νόμος | nomos (= rule, law).
asylum < middle english asylum < asile
< latin asylum (= sanctuary) < ancient
greek άσυλον | asylon (= refuge) < άσυλον, neuter of άσυλος | asylos (= inviolable) < α- | a- (= without) + συλώ | sylō (= to seize).
at < old english æt < proto-germanic *at
< I.E. *ad-
(= to, at, near).
atelier < french atelier
(= workshop) < old french
astelier
(= woodpile) < astele
(= piece of wood, splinter) < (?) late latin hastella (= thin stick), a
diminutive of hasta (= spear, shaft).
atheist < french athéiste < ancient
greek άθεος | atheos (= denying the gods, godless)
< α- | a- (= without) + θεός | theos (= god).
athlete < latin athleta
(= wrestler, athlete) < ancient
greek αθλητής | athlētēs (=
prizefighter) < αθλώ | athlō (= contest
for a prize) < άθλος | athlos (= feat,
deed).
atmosphere < atmosphaera < modern
latin atmosphaera < ancient greek ατμός | atmos (= vapor, steam) + σφαίρα | sphaera (=
sphere).
atom < latin atomus
(= indivisible particle) < ancient greek άτομος
| atomos (= uncut) < α- | a- (= without) + τόμος
| tomos (= a cutting) (<
τέμνω
| temnō (= cut)).
atrocious < latin atrox [gen. atrocis] (= fierce, savage).
atrophy < french atrophie < late
latin atrophia < ancient greek ατροφία | atrophia (= a wasting away) <
άτροφος | atrophos (= ill-fed,
un-nourished) < α- | a- (= without) + τροφή | trophē (= nourishment) (< τρέφω | trephō (= to fatten)).
attach < old french atachier
(= fasten) < estachier (= attach, fix) <
a- (< latin ad (= to)) + (?) frankish *stak(k)on (= a post, stake).
attack < french attaquer
< italian attaccare
[battaglia] (= join [battle]) < a- (< latin ad
(= to)) + vulgar latin *stacco
[inf. staccare] (< frankish
* stak(k)on (= a post, stake)).
attempt < old french atempter
< atenter
(= try, test) < latin attempto
[inf. attemptare] < adtempto
[inf. adtemptare] (= try, attack, assail)
< ad (= to) + tempto
[inf. temptare] (= try).
attention < old french attencion
< latin attentio (= attention) < attendo [inf. attendere] (= give heed to) <
ad
(= to) + tendo [inf. tendere] (=
stretch).
attenuate < latin attenuatus, past
participle of attenuo [inf. attenuare]
(= make thin, diminish) < ad (= to) + tenuo [inf. tenuare] (= make thin) (< tenuis
(= thin)).
attitude < french attitude
< italian attitudine
(= disposition, posture) < late
latin aptitudo [gen. aptitudinis]
(= fitness) < latin aptus (= joined, fitted).
attorn < old french atorner
(= turn to, attribute) < a-
(< latin ad (= to) + tourner (= turn) (<
latin torno [inf. tornare] (=
turn on a lathe) < tornus
(= lathe) < ancient greek
τόρνος
| tornos (= lathe)).
attract < latin attractus,
past participle of attraho [inf. attrahere]
< adtraho
[inf. adtrahere] (= draw, pull) < ad (= to) + traho
[inf. trahere] (= pull).
attribute < latin attributus,
past participle of attribuo [inf. attribuere]
< adtribuo
[inf. adtribuere] (= assign to, commit)
< ad (= to) + tribuo
[inf. tribuere] (= assign, give).
auberge < french auberge < old french alberge
< herberge
(= military station) < frankish
*heriberga.
aubergine < french aubergine < catalan alberginera < arabic
al-badinjan
(= the eggplant) < persian badin-gan < sanskrit vatigagama.
auction < latin auctio
[gen. auctionis] (= increment, public
sale) < augeo [inf. augere] (=
to increase).
audio < latin audio
[inf. audire] (= hear, listen).
audition < middle french audicion
(= hearing [in a court of law]) < latin auditio [gen. auditionis] (= a hearing) < audio [inf. audire] (= hear, listen).
Audrey < Aldreda < Etheldreda
< old english Æðelðryð < æðele (= noble) + ðryð (= strength, might).
augment < middle english augment < old
french augmenter (= increase) < late latin augmento
[inf. augmentare] (= to increase) <
latin augmentum (= growth) < augeo [inf. augere] (= to increase).
augur < latin augur (= interpreter of omens)
< (?) old latin *augos [gen. augeris] (= increase).
August < latin Augustus,
in honor of emperor Augustus Caesar < augustus (= venerable) < augur (= augurer, diviner).
aunt < anglo-french aunte
/ old french ante < latin amita (= paternal aunt), a diminutive
of *amma
(= mommy).
aurora < latin Aurora,
the goddess of dawn.
auspicious < latin auspicium
(= divination by observing the birds’ flight) < auspex [gen. auspices] (= interpreter of birds’ omens)
< I.E. *awi-spek- < *awi-
(= bird) + *spek- (= observe).
austere < old french austere
(= strict, severe, cruel) < latin austerus (= dry, harsh, sour) < ancient greek αυστηρός
| afstēros (= bitter, harsh, strict).
Austin < old french Aousten
< Augustine
< latin Augustinus, a diminutive of Augustus
(= venerable) < augur
(= augurer, diviner).
austral < latin australis (= southern) < auster (= south wind, south).
Australia < modern latin
[Terra] Australis (= southern
[land]) < latin australis
(= southern) < auster
[gen. austris] (= south wind, south).
Austria < medieval latin [Marchia] austriaca (= eastern [borderland])
[from the german point of view, cf. german Österreich < old high
german ostar (= eastern) + reich (= kingdom)] < latin auster [gen. austris] (= east, [later] south).
authentic < middle english autentik
< old french autentique
< medieval latin authenticus < ancient greek αυθεντικός | afthentikos (= original) <
αυθέντης
| afthentēs (= one acting on one's own
authority).
author < middle english auctor
/ auto(u)r < old french auct(e)or < latin auctor (= producer, father, founder)
< auctus,
past participle of augeo [inf. augere] (=
to increase).
autism < german Autismus < ancient
greek αυτός | aftos (= self) + [suffix] -ismus
(= action, state).
autograph < french autographe < late
latin autographum < ancient greek αυτόγραφον | autographon,
neuter of αυτόγραφος | autographos (= written with one's own hand) < αυτός | aftos (= self) + γράφω | graphō (=
write, draw).
automatic < ancient greek αυτόματος |
aftomatos (= acting of one's own will, self-moving)
< αυτός | aftos (= self) + -ματος | -matos (= thinking).
autonomy < ancient greek αυτονομία | aftonomia (= independence) <
αυτόνομος | aftonomos (= independent) <
αυτός | aftos (= self) + νόμος | nomos (= rule, law).
autopsy < modern latin autopsia < ancient
greek αυτοψία | aftopsia (= a seeing with
one's own eyes) < αυτόπτης | aftoptēs (= eyewitness) < αυτός | aftos (= self) + stem οπ- | -op of ‘ορώ | horō (= see).
autumn < middle english autumpne
< old french autumpne
/ automne
< latin autumnus
< auctumnus
(= autumn).
auxiliary < latin auxiliaris
(= aiding) < auxilium (= aid, help), related
to auctus, past participle of augeo [inf. augere] (= to increase).
avail < middle english availen
< old french a-
(< latin ad (= to) + valoir (= be worth) (<
latin valeo [inf. valere] (=
be strong)).
avatar < sanskrit avatarana
(= descent [of a deity to the earth in incarnate form]) < ava- (= off, down) + tarati (= [he] crosses over).
avenge < middle english avenge < anglo-french
avenger
/ old french avengier < a- (< latin ad
(= to)) + vengier (= take revenge) (< latin vindico
[inf. vindicare] (= to claim, avenge)).
avenue < middle french avenue
< old french avenue
(= arrival) < avenu, past participle of avenir (= come to, arrive) < latin advenio
[inf. advenire] (= come to, reach) < ad (= to) + venio
[inf. venire] (= come).
average < french avarie
< italian avaria (= damage to ship) < arabic
‘awariya
(= damaged merchandise).
avert < middle english avert < old french
avertir
(= turn, direct) < latin averto [inf. avertire] (= turn away) < ab (= off, away) + verto
[inf. vertere] (= to turn).
aviation < french aviation
< latin avis (= bird) < I.E. *awi-
(= bird).
avocado < spanish avocado
[by influence of folk etymology of spanish avocado (= lawyer) (<
latin advocates)] < aguacate < nahuatl (of Aztecs) ahuakatl (= avocado).
avoid < anglo-french avoider
< old french esvuidier (= empty out) < es- (< latin ex (=
out) + vuidier (= be empty) (< voide (= empty, vast) < latin vocivus
(= empty) < latin vacivus
< vacuus (= vacant)).
await < middle english awaiten < old french
awaitier
(= to watch, observe) < a- (< latin ad
(= to)) + waitier (= to watch) (< frankish *wahton < proto-germanic
*waht-).
awake < a merger of: 1. middle english awaken
(< old english awæcnan < onwæcnan (= to awake, arise)
< a
(= on, in) + wacan (= to arise)) + 2. middle english awakien
(< old english awacian (= to awaken, arise) < a
(= on, in) + wacian (= to be awake, watch)).
award < anglo-french awarder < old french eswarder
(= decide, judge) < es- (< latin ex (=
out) + warder (= watch).
aware < old english gewær
(= vigilant) < proto-germanic
*ga-waraz
< [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + *waraz
(= wary, cautious).
away < old english aweg
< on
weg (= on from a place) < a-
(= on, in) + weg (= road) (< proto-germanic *wega- (= way)).
awe < middle english aue
(= fear, terror) < aghe
< (?) proto-germanic *agiz-
(= fear, pain)).
awk < old norse afugr
(= turned backwards, contrary) < proto-germanic
*afug-
(= off, away).
awkward < awk
(= back-handed) (< old norse
afugr
(= contrary)) + [suffix] -ward (< old english -weard (= turn toward) < proto-germanic *werda- (= turn)).
axe < old english ces
(= axe, pickaxe, hatchet) < proto-germanic *akusjo
< I.E. *agw(e)si- (= axe).
axis < latin axis
(= axle, pivot) < I.E. *aks-
(= axis).
azimuth < old french azimut < arabic as-sumut,
plural of as-samt (= the way, direction).
Azores < (?) portuguese açores,
plural of açor (= vulture).
Aztec < spanish Azteca < nahuatl aztecatl
(= coming from Aztlan).
azure < old french azur
/ asur
< medieval latin lazur(i)
< persian lazaward (= the stone lapis lazuli) < Lajward, a place in Turkestan,
where this stone was collected.
