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fable < middle english fable < old french fable (= story, tale, fiction) < latin fabula (= story, tale, drama) < for [inf. fari] (= to speak).
fabric < middle english fabric < middle french fabrique < fabriquer < latin [inf. fabricare] (= make, build) < fabrica (= workshop) < faber [gen. fabris] (= workman for hard materials, smith).
face < middle english face < old french face < vulgar latin *facia < latin facies (= appearance, form) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
facile < middle english facile < middle french facile < latin facilis (= easy) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
facinorous < latin facinorosus < facinus (= a deed) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
fact < medieval latin fact (= state, condition) < latin factum (= event, occurrence) < factum, neuter past participle of facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
factory < middle french factorie < late latin factorium (= mill) < latin factor (= maker) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
fade < middle english fade < old french fader (= become weak) < fade (= pale, weak) < (?) vulgar latin *fatidus < a blending of latin fatuus (= silly) + vapidus (= flat).
faggot < middle english faggot / fag(g)ald < old french fagot (= bundle of sticks) < italian fagotto (= bundle of sticks), a diminutive of vulgar latin *facus < 1. latin fascis (= bundle of wood) or 2. ancient greek φάκελος | phakelos (= bundle).
fail < middle english fail < old french falir (= miss, run out) < vulgar latin *fallio [inf. fallire] < latin fallo [inf. fallere] (= to trip up).
fair < old english fæger (= pleasant, beautiful, good) < proto-germanic *fagraz.
fairy < middle english fairie < old french faerie (= fairyland, magic) < fae (= fay) < latin fata (= the Fates), plural of fatum (= destiny, fate).
faith < middle english fai(th) / fei(th) < old french feid / foi (= belief) < latin fides (= belief, trust) < fido [inf. fidere] (= to trust).
fake < a slang word from (?) 1. feague (= spruce up) < german fegen (= polish, clear out) or 2. latin facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
falafel < arabic falafil (= crunchy).
falcate < latin falcatus (= hooked, curved) < falx [gen. falcis] (= curved blade, sickle).
falcon < middle english faucon < old french faucon < late latin falco [gen. falconis] (= falcon) < latin falx [gen. falcis] (= curved blade, sickle).
fall < old english feallan (= to drop, fail, die) < proto-germanic *fallanan.
fallow < old english fealu (= reddish yellow) < proto-germanic *falwa-.
false < old english false < old french fals / faus (= false, mistaken) < latin falsus, past participle of fallo [inf. fallere] (= deceive).
fame < middle english fame < old french fame < latin fama (= talk, rumor) < I.E. *bha-(2) (= speak).
family < middle english family < latin familia (= family servants, members of a household) < famulus (= servant, slave).
famine < middle english famine < old french famine < vulgar latin *famina < latin fames (= hunger, starvation).
famous < middle english famous < anglo-french famous < latin famosus (= much talked) < fama (= talk, rumor) < I.E. *bha-(2) (= speak).
fan (= ventilator) < old english fann < latin vannus (= cradle).
fan (= devotee) < american english fan, a shortening of fanatic [(?) by influenced of fancy (= follower)] < latin fanaticus (= inspired by a god, enthusiastic) < fanum (= temple).
fanatic < latin fanaticus (= inspired by a god, enthusiastic, mad) < fanum (= temple).
fancy < middle english fantsy < fantasy < old french fantaisie / phantasie < latin phantasia < ancient greek φαντασία | phantasia (= power of imagination) < φαντάζω | phantazō (= make visible) < φαίνομαι | phaenomae (= appear).
fanfare < french fanfare (= a sounding of trumpets) < fanfarer (= blow a fanfare) < (?) 1. imitative origin or 2. arabic farfar (= chatterer) < imitative origin.
fantastic < middle english fantastic < middle french fantastique < medieval latin fantasticus < late latin phantasticus < ancient greek φανταστικός | phantastikos (= able to imagine) < φαντάζω | phantazō (= make visible) < φαίνομαι | phaenomae (= appear).
fantasy < middle english fantasy < old french fantaisie / phantasie < latin phantasia < ancient greek φαντασία | phantasia (= power of imagination) < φαντάζω | phantazō (= make visible) < φαίνομαι | phaenomae (= appear).
far < middle english fer < old english feor (= to a great distance, long ago) < proto-germanic *ferro.
farce < middle english farce < middle french farce < old french farcir (= to stuff) < latin farcio [inf. farcire] (= to stuff).
fare < old english faran (= to travel, wander) < proto-germanic *faranan (= go).
farm < middle english farm < old french ferme (= a rent, lease) < medieval latin firma (= fixed payment) < latin firmo [inf. firmare] (= to fix, settle) < firmus (= strong, stable).
Faroese < faroese Føroyar (= sheep-islands) < før (= sheep) + oyar, plural of oy (= island).
Farrell < irish Fearghail (= man of valor).
fart < old english feortan < I.E. *perd- < imitative origin.
fascinate < middle french fasciner < latin fascinatus, past participle of fascinare (= bewitch, enchant) < fascinus (= a charm, spell, witchcraft) < (?) ancient greek βάσκανος | bhaskanos (= slander, witchcraft).
fascist < italian [partito nazionale] fascista (= faccist [national part]) < fascio (= bundle, group) < latin fasces (= bundle of rods with an axe), plural of fascis (= bundle).
fashion < middle english fasoun < old french façon / fachon / fazon (= face, pattern, design) < latin factio [gen. factionis] (= a making) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
fast (= quick) < old english fæst (= steadfast, constant) < (?) proto-germanic *fastu- (= firm, fast).
fast (= abstain from food) < old english fæstan (= to fast, make firm) < proto-germanic *fastanan (= to hold, guard).
fat < old english fætt (= fat, obese) < fætt, past participle of fættian (= to stuff) < proto-germanic *faitida (= fatted) < *faitjan (= to fatten) < *faita- (= fat).
Fata Morgana < italian Fata (< latin fata, neuter plural of fatum (= oracle, fate) < fatum, neuter past participle of for [inf. fari] (= to speak)) + Morgana (< anglo-french Morgan [le Fay], the sister of King Arthur, in poetry, located in Calabria of Italy < welsh Morgan (= sea-dweller)).
fate < middle english fate < old french fate < latin fata, neuter plural of fatum (= oracle, destiny, fate) < fatum, neuter past participle of for [inf. fari] (= speak).
father < old english fæder < proto-germanic *fader {> old norse faðir, dutch vader, old high german fatar, german vater} < I.E. *pəter- (= father) {> old irish athir, ancient greek πατήρ | patēr, latin pater, old persian pita, sanskrit pitar}.
faucet < middle english faucet < old french fausset (= breach, spigot) < (?) 1. latin fauces, plural of faux (= pharynx) or 2. fausser (= to damage) < late latin falso [inf. falsare] < falsus, past participle of fallo [inf. fallere] (= deceive).
fault < middle english faute < old french faute < falte (= opening, failure, lack) < vulgar latin *fallita (= a falling) < latin falsus, past participle of fallo [inf. fallere] (= deceive).
fauna < late latin Fauna, a rustic goddess of fertility < latin Faunus, a rustic god of the countryside.
favor < middle english favor < old french favor (= favor, partiality) < latin favor (= good will, inclination) < faveo [inf. favere] (= show kindness).
fax < [1948] a shortening of facsimile < latin fac simile (= make similar) < fac, imperative of facio [inf. facere] (= make, do) + simile, neuter of similis (= like, resembling).
Fay < 1. middle english fei / old french fei (= faith) or 2. fay (= fairy).
faze < american english faze < (?) middle english feeze (= frighten, alarm) < old english fesian / fysian (= drive away) < proto-germanic *fausjan.
F.B.I. < Federal Bureau of Investigation [1935].
fear < middle english fere < old english fær (= sudden danger, peril) < proto-germanic *feraz (= danger).
feasible < middle english feasible < anglo-french faisible < old french faisable (= possible) < faire (= make) < latin facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
feast < middle english feast < old french feste (= religious festival, holiday) < latin festa (= holidays), neuter plural of festus (= festive, merry).
feat < middle english feat < anglo-french fet < old french fait (= action) < latin factum (= event) < factum, neuter past participle of facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
feather < old english feðer < proto-germanic *fethro < I.E. *pet-ra- < *pet- (= to rush, to fly).
feature < middle english feature < anglo-french feture < old french faiture (= action, form) < latin factura (= a formation) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
February < middle english February < latin februarius [mensis] (= [month] of purification) [in reference to expiatory rites when this month was the last month of the ancient Roman calendar] < februo [inf. februare] (= to purify) < februa (= expiatory rites), plural of februum (= expiatory offerings).
federal < french fédéral < latin foedus [gen. foederis] (= covenant, alliance).
fee < middle english fee < a merger of 1. old english feoh (= cattle, livestock money) (< proto-germanic *fehu) + 2. anglo-french fee (< old french fieu < fief (= possession, payment) < germanic origin).
feeble < middle english feeble < old french feble (= weak) < latin flebilis (= lamentable) < fleo [inf. flere] (= weep, cry).
feed < old english fedan (= nourish) < proto-germanic *fodjan < I.E. *pa- (= to feed).
feel < old english felan (= perceive, touch) < proto-germanic *foljanan.
felicitate < late latin felicitatus, past participle of felicito [inf. felicitare] (= make happy) < latin felicitas (= happiness) < felix [gen. felicis] (= fruitful, happy).
Felix < latin felix [gen. felicis] (= happy).
fellow < middle english fellow < old english feolaga (= partner) < old norse felagi < fe (= money) + lag (< proto-germanic *lagam < I.E. *legh- (= to lay).
felony < middle english felony < old french felonie (= evil, crime) < gallo-roman *fellonia < medieval latin fello [gen. fellonis] (= evil-doer).
felt < old english felt < west germanic *feltaz (= beaten, compressed wool) < proto-germanic *felt- (= to beat).
female < middle english female < old french femelle < medieval latin femella (= a female) < latin femella (= girl), a diminutive of femina (= woman, female) < I.E. *dhe(i)- (= to suck).
feminine < middle english feminine < old french femenin < latin femininus (= feminine) < femina (= woman, female) < I.E. *dhe(i)- (= to suck).
feng shui < chinese feng shui < feng (= wind) + shui (= water).
Ferdinand < germanic Ferdinand < (?) proto-germanic *fardi-nanth- (= adventurer) < (?) *fardiz (= journey) + *nanthiz (= risk).
Fergus < gaelic Fearghus / old irish Fergus (= man-ability) < latin vir (= man) + old irish gus (= ability) (< celtic *gustu- (= choice)).
ferial < middle english ferial < old french ferial / medieval latin ferialis < latin feriae (= holidays).
ferine < latin ferinus (= of wild animals) < fera (= wild animal).
ferment < middle english ferment < old french fermenter < latin fermento [inf. fermentare] (= to leaven) < fermentum (= substance for fermentation, leaven) < (?) *fervimentum < fervo [inf. fervere] (= to boil).
fern < old english fearn (= fern) < proto-germanic *farno-.
ferocious < latin ferox [gen. ferocis] (= fierce) < ferus (= wild).
Ferris wheel < [George] Ferris, an American engineer [who designed it in Chicago in 1893] (< Ferrers < Ferrières, place in Normandy).
ferrous < latin ferreus (= made of iron) < ferrum (= iron).
ferry < old english ferian (= to carry, transport) < proto-germanic *farjan (= to ferry).
fertile < middle english fertile < middle french fertil < latin fertilis (= fruitful, productive) < fero [inf. ferre] (= to bear).
fervor < middle english fervor < old french fervor (= heat, passion) < latin fervor (= a boiling, passion) < fervo [inf. fervere] (= to boil).
festival < middle english festival [day] < old french festival < medieval latin festivalis (= of a church holiday) < latin festum (= holiday), neuter of festus (= festive, merry).
festive < latin festivus (= joyous) < festum (= holiday), neuter of festus (= festive, merry).
fetch < middle english fecchen < old english feccan (= to bring, take) < fetian / fatian (= bring near) < (?) proto-germanic *fetan.
fetish < fatisso < portuguese feitiço (= charm, sorcery) < latin facticius (= artificial) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
feud < middle english fede (= hostility) < [(?) via old french fede / faide (= war, hostility)] < proto-germanic *faihitho.
feudal < medieval latin feudalis < feudum (= feudal estate) < vulgar latin fevum (= estate) < germanic origin.
fever < feaver < old english fefor / fefor (= fever) < latin febris (= fever).
few < old english feawe [plural] (= not many) < proto-germanic *fawaz < I.E. *pau-(1) (= few, little).
fiance / fiancee < french fiancé / fiancée, past participle of fiancer (= to betroth) < fiance (= a promise) < fier (= to trust) < vulgar latin *fido [inf. fidare] (= to trust) < latin fidus (= faithful).
fiasco < french [faire] fiasco (= [turn out] a failure) < italian [far] fiasco (= “[make] a bottle”, [turn out] a failure) < fiasco (= bottle) < late latin flasco (= bottle).
fiber < middle english fibre < medieval latin fibre < latin fibra (= fiber, filament).
fiction < middle english ficcioun < old french ficcion (= dissimulation, invention) < latin fictio (= a fashioning) < fingo [inf. fingere] (= to form).
fidelity < middle english fidelity < middle french fidélité < latin fidelitas) (= faithfulness) < fidelis (= faithful) < fides (= faith).
field < old english feld (= plain, open land) < (?) old english folde (= earth, land) < proto-germanic *felthan (= flat land).
fierce < middle english fierce < old french f(i)ers < f(i)er (= strong, wild, proud) < latin ferus (= wild, savage).
fig < old french figue < old provençal figa < vulgar latin *fica < latin ficus (= fig, fig tree).
fight < old english feohtan (= to combat, attack, win) < proto-germanic *fe(u)hta.
figure < middle english figure < old french figure (= shape, body, symbol) < latin figura (= shape, form).
file (= papers in order) < middle english file < old french filer (= string documents on a thread) < fil (= thread) < latin filum (= thread, string) < I.E. *gwhis-lom < *gwhi- (= thread).
file (= metal tool for smoothing) < old english feol (= file) < proto-germanic *fihalo (= cutting tool) < (?) I.E. *peig- (= to cut).
fill < old english fyllan (= fill up, complete) < proto-germanic *fulljanan (= to fill) < *fullaz (= full).
fillet < middle english fillet < old french filet (= thread), a diminutive of fil (= thread) < latin filum (= thread, string).
film < old english filmen (= membrane, thin skin) < west germanic *filminjan < proto-germanic *fello(m) (= animal hide).
filter < middle english filter < old french feutre (= felt, carpet) < medieval latin filtrum (= felt) < west germanic *filtiz.
filth < old english fylð (= uncleanness, foulness) < proto-germanic *fulitho < *fulo- (= foul).
final < middle english final < old french final (= last) < late latin finalis (= final) < finis (= end).
finance < middle english finance < old french finance (= end, payment expense) < finer (= to end, settle a debt) < fin (= perfected) < latin finis (= limit, end).
find < old english findan (= come upon, discover) < proto-germanic *findan (= come upon).
fine < middle english fine < old french fin (= perfected) < latin finis (= limit, end).
finger < old english finger / fingor (= finger) < proto-germanic *fingraz (= finger) < (?) I.E. *penkwe- (= five).
finish < middle english finish < old french fenir (= stop) < latin finio [inf. finire] (= to limit, to end) < finis (= limit, end).
Finn < old english finnas < old norse finnr.
fire < old english fyr (= fire) < proto-germanic *fūr- {> old norse fürr, dutch vuur, german Feuer} < I.E. *perjos < *paewr- (= fire).
firm < middle english ferm < old french ferm (= strong, steadfast) < latin firmus (= strong, stable).
first < old english fyrst, superlative of fore < proto-germanic *furista- (= foremost) {> dutch vorst, danish første, german Fürst} < I.E. *pre-isto-, superlative of *pre- < *per-(1) (= forward).
fish < old english fisc < proto-germanic *fiskaz {> old norse fiskr, middle dutch visc, german Fisch} < (?) I.E. *pisk- (= a fish).
fissile < latin fissilis (= shlashed) < fissus, past participle of findo [inf. findere] (= to split).
fist < old english fyst (= clenched hand) < west germanic *fusti- < proto-germanic *funhstiz < (?) I.E. *penkwe- (= five).
fit < middle english fit (= proper) < (?) fit (= an equal opposite).
five < old english fif < proto-germanic *fimfe {> old norse fimm, dutch vijf, german fünf} < I.E. *penkwe- (= five) {> latin quinque (> italian cinque, french cinq, spanish cinco), ancient greek πέντε | pente}.
fix < middle english fix < (?) old french *fixer (= to fix) < fixe (= fixed) < latin fixus (= fixed, fast, settled) < figo [inf. figere] (= to fix, fasten).
fjord < norwegian fiord < old norse fjörðr (= an inlet, estuary) < north germanic *ferthuz (= ford).
flag < middle english flag < (?) flag (= flap about loosely) < (?) flacken / flakken (= to flap, flutter) < (?) old norse flaka (= to flicker, flutter) < (?) imitative origin.
flagrant < middle english flagrant < latin flagrans [gen. flagrantis], present participle of flagro [inf. flagrare] (= to burn) < proto-italic *flagro- (= burning).
flake < middle english fla(u)ke / flagge < (?) 1. old english *flacca (= flakes of snow) or 2. old norse flak (= flat piece) < proto-germanic *flakaz (= flat).
flame < middle english flam(m)e / fla(u)me / fla(u)mbe < anglo-french fla(u)mbe (= flame) < latin flammula (= small flame), a diminutive of flamma (= flame) < I.E. *bhleg- (= to shine) < *bhel-(1) (= to shine, burn).
flannel < middle english flaunneol < (?) 1. related to middle english flanen (= sackcloth) or 2. welsh gwlanen (= woolen cloth) < gwlan (= wool) < celtic *wlana.
flap < middle english flappe (= a blow, slap) < (?) imitative origin.
flash < middle english flashen / flasken (= sprinkle, splash) < (?) imitative origin.
flat < middle english flat < old norse flatr (= flat) < proto-germanic *flata-.
flavor < middle english flavor < old french flaor (= smell, odor) < (?) vulgar latin flator (= odor) < latin flator (= blower) < flo [inf. flare] (= to blow).
flea < old english flea < proto-germanic *flauhaz.
fleet < old english fleot (= ship, raft) < fleotan (= to float, swim) < proto-germanic *fleutanan.
flesh < old english flæsc (= flesh, meat, body) < proto-germanic *flaiska- / *fleiski-.
fletcher < middle english fletcher < old french flechier (= maker of arrows) < fleche (= arrow) < (?) proto-germanic *fleug-ika-.
flexible < middle english flexible < middle french flexible < latin flexibilis (= flexible) < flecto [inf. flectere] (= to bend).
flight (= act of flying) < old english flyht < proto-germanic *flukhtiz < proto-germanic *flugti- < I.E. *pleu- (= to flow).
flight (= act of fleeing) < middle english flihht < proto-germanic *flugti- < I.E. *pleu- (= to flow).
flit < middle english flitten / flytten / flutten < old norse flytja (= remove, bring) < proto-germanic *flutjan- (= to float).
float < old english flotian < proto-germanic *flotan (= to float).
flock (= crowd) < old english flocc (= group, company).
flock (= tuft of wool) < middle english flock < (?) old french floc < latin floccus (= tuft of wool, lock of hair).
flood < old english flōd < proto-germanic *floduz (= flowing water).
floor < old english flor < proto-germanic *floruz (= floor).
flora < latin Flora (= goddess of flowers) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
Florence < latin Florentia {> italian Fiorenze / Firenze}, female of Florentius (= blooming) [so called from the many gardens of this city] < florens [gen. florentis], present participle of floro [inf. florere] (= to flower) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
florescence < modern latin florescentia < latin florescens [gen. florescentis], present participle of floresco [inf. florescere] (= begin to blossom) < floro [inf. florere] (= to flower) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
florin < middle english florin < old french florin < italian fiorino (= little flower) [from the image of a lily, the symbol of Florence, which was stamped on its gold coin] < fiore (= flower) < latin flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
Florida < spanish [Pascua] florida (= flowering [Easter]) [because it was discovered on Easter of 1513] < latin floridus (= flowery) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
flourish < middle english flourish < old french florir (= to blossom, flower) < latin floro [inf. florere] (= to flower) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
flour < middle english flo(u)r / flo(e)r / floyer / flowre < old french flor (= flower, fine flour) < latin flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
flow < old english flowan < proto-germanic *flowan (= to flow) < I.E. *pleu- (= to flow).
flower < middle english flo(u)r / flo(e)r / floyer / flowre < old french flor (= flower, fine flour) < latin flos [gen. floris] (= flower) {> italian fiore} < I.E. *bhel-(3) (= to thrive, bloom).
Floyd < Lloyd < welsh Llwyd (= gray).
flu < a shortening of influenza < italian influenza (= epidemic) < medieval latin influentia (= an astrological influence, a flowing in) < latin influens [gen. influentis], present participle of influo [inf. influere] (= to flow into) < in (= into)) + fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).
fluctuation < middle english fluctuation < old french fluctuacion < latin fluctuatio (= a wavering) < fluctuo [inf. fluctuare] (= move in waves) < fluctus, past participle of fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).
fluent < latin fluens [gen. fluentis], present participle of fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).
fluff < floow (= wooly substance) < (?) flemish vluwe < french velu (= hairy) < latin vellus (= fleece) < latin villus (= tuft of hair).
fluid < middle english fluid < middle french fluide < latin fluidus (= flowing) < fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).
fluor < latin fluor (= a flowing) < fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).
flute < middle english flute < old french flaut(e) < old provençal flaut < (?) latin flo [flare] (= to blow).
fly (= to soar through air) < old english fleogan (= to fly) < proto-germanic *fleugan (= to fly) < I.E. *pleuk- < *pleu- (= to flow).
fly (flying insect) < old english fleoge (= a fly) < proto-germanic *fleugon (= flying insect) < I.E. *pleu- (= to flow).
foal < old english fola (= colt) < proto-germanic *fulon < I.E. *pulo- (= young of an animal) < *pau-(1) (= little).
foam < middle english fom(e) < old english fam (= foam) < west germanic *faimo-.
focus < latin focus (= hearth, fireplace).
foe < old english gef(e)a (= enemy) < fah (= hostile) < proto-germanic *faihaz.
fog < foggy (= full of thick mist) < (?) scandinavian sourse.
foie-gras < french [pâté de] foie gras (= [pie of] fat liver) < gras (= fat) + foie (= liver).
foil < middle english foile < old french foil / fueill(e) (= leaf, sheet) < latin folia, plural of folium (= leaf).
fold < old english f(e)aldan (= wrap up) < proto-germanic *falthan / *faldan.
folio < middle english folio < late latin folio (= leaf, sheet) < latin folio, ablative of folium (= leaf).
folk < old english folc (= people, tribe, nation) < proto-germanic *fulka- {> dutch volk, german Volk}.
folklore < old english folc (= people, tribe, nation) (< proto-germanic *fulka-) + lore (< old english lar (= knowledge) < proto-germanic *laisti-).
follow < middle english folwen < old english folgian / fylg(i)an (= to accompany, follow after) < proto-germanic *fulgojanan < (?) *full + gan (= full-going).
fond < middle english fold < fonned, past-participle of fon(ne) (= be foolish) < middle english fonne (= fool, stupid).
font (= set of characters) < middle french fonte (= a casting) < fonte, female past participle of fondre (= to melt) < latin fundo [inf. fundere] (= to melt, cast).
font (= water basin) < old english font < latin fons [gen. fontis] (= fountain).
food < middle english foode / fode < old english foda (= food, fuel) < proto-germanic *fodon < germanic *fod- (= food) < I.E. *pat- < *pa- (= to feed).
fool < middle english fool < old french fol (= mad, bellows) < medieval latin follus (= foolish) < latin follis (= bellows, leather bag [vulgar latin “empty-headed”]) < I.E. *bhel-(2) (= to blow).
foot < old english fot < proto-germanic *fōts {> swedish fot, danish fod, dutch voet, german Fuß} < I.E. *ped- (= foot) {> latin pes [gen. pedis], ancient greek πους | pous [gen. ποδός | podhos]}.
for < old english for < proto-germanic *fur (= before, in) {> german für} < I.E. *per-(1) (= forward).
forage < middle english forage < old french forrage (= fodder) < fuerre (= hay, straw) < frankish *fodr (= food) < proto-germanic *fodram.
forbid < old english forbeodan < for- (= away) (< proto-germanic *fur (= before, in)) + beodan (= to command).
force < middle english force < old french force < vulgar latin *fortia {> italian forza, spanish fuerza} < latin fortia, neuter plural of fortis (= strong).
ford < old english ford < proto-germanic *furdu-.
fore < old english fore < proto-germanic *fura (= before) < I.E. *prae- < *per-(1) (= forward).
foreign < middle english ferren / foran / foreyne < old french forain (= strange, external) < medieval latin foraneus (= exterior) < latin foris / foras (= out of doors, outside) < I.E. *dhwer- (= door).
forensic < latin forensis (= of a forum) < forum (= public place).
forest < middle english forest < old french forest (= woodland) < (?) medieval latin forestis silva (= outside wood) < latin foris (= outside) + silva (= wood, forest).
forfeit < middle english forfet < old french forfait / forfet (= crime), past participle of forfaire (= transgress) < for- (= outside) (< latin foris (= outside)) + faire (= do) (< latin facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
forge < middle english forge < old french forge (= smithy) < faverge < latin fabrica (= workshop, smith’s shop) < faber [gen. fabri] (= workman for hard materials, smith).
forget < old english forgietan < for- (= away) (< proto-germanic *fur (= before, in)) + gietan (= to grasp).
forgive < old english forgiefan < for- (= away, completely) (< proto-germanic *fur (= before, in)) + giefan (= give).
fork < old english forca, force < latin furca (= pitchfork, cooking fork).
forlorn < middle english forloren, past participle of forlesan (= to lose) < old english forleosan (= to lose, abandon) < for- (= away, completely) (< germanic *fur (= before, in)) + leosan (= to lose) (< proto-germanic *lausa- (= to loosen).
form < middle english fo(u)rme < old french fo(u)rme (= appearance, shape) < latin forma (= figure, appearance, shape).
formic < latin formica (= ant).
formula < latin formula (= small form, method), a diminutive of forma (= figure, appearance, shape).
fornication < middle english fornication < old french fornicacion (= fornication, prostitution) < late latin fornicatio < fornico [inf. fornicari] (= to fornicate) < latin fornix [gen. fornicis] (= arch, vaulted chamber, brothel).
forte < italian forte (= strong) < latin fortis (= strong).
forth < old english forð (= forward, farther), perfective of fore < proto-germanic *furtha- (= forward) < I.E. *prae- < *per-(1) (= forward).
fortify < middle english fortify < old french fortifiier (= fortify, strengthen) < late latin fortifico [inf. fortificare] (= strengthen) < latin fortis (= strong) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
fortitude < middle english fortitude < middle french fortitude < latin fortitudo (= strength, force) < fortis (= strong).
Fortran < [1956] formula + translation.
fortune < middle english fortune < old french fortune < latin fortuna (= chance, good luck, fate) < fors [gen. fortis] (= chance, luck).
forty < middle english feowerti < old english feowertig < feower (= four) + tig (= group of ten).
forum < middle english forum < latin forum (= marketplace, public place) < foris / foras (= out of doors, outside) < I.E. *dhwer- (= door).
forward < old english forewearde (= toward the front) < fore (< proto-germanic *fura (= before) < I.E. *prae- < *per-(1) (= forward)) + -ward (< -weard (= toward) < proto-germanic *werda- < I.E. *werto- (= to turn) < *wer-(2) (= to turn).
fosse < middle english fosse < old french fosse (= ditch, grave) < latin fossa (= ditch, trench) < fossa [terra] (= dug [earth]) < fossa, female past participle of fodio [inf. fodere] (= to dig).
fossil < french fossile < latin fossilis (= dug up) < fossus, past participle of fodio [inf. fodere] (= to dig).
foster < old english *fostrian (= nourish) < proto-germanic *fostra-.
foul < old english ful (= rotten, unclean) < proto-germanic *fulaz.
found (= establish) < middle english found < old french fonder (= establish, set) < latin fundo [inf. fundare] (= lay the foundations) < fundus (= bottom, foundation).
found (= cast metal) < middle english found < old french fondre (= pour out, melt) < latin fundo [inf. fundere] (= to cast, melt).
fountain < middle english fountain < old french fontaine (= natural spring) < medieval latin fontana (= fountain, spring) < latin fontana, female of fontanus (= of a spring) < fons [gen. fontis] (= spring of water).
four < old english feower < proto-germanic *fedwores {> swedish fyra, danish fire, dutch vier, german vier} < I.E. *kwetwer- (= four) {> latin quattuor (> italian quarto, french quatre), ancient greek τέσσερα | tessera}.
fox < old english fox < proto-germanic *fuhsaz (= fox) {> old norse foa, dutch vos, german Fuchs} < proto-germanic *fuh- < I.E. *puk- (= tail).
fractal < french fractal < latin fractus, past participle of frango [inf. frangere] (= to break).
fragile < middle french fragile < fragilis (= easily broken) < frango [inf. frangere] (= to break).
fragment < middle english fragment < latin fragmentum (= fragment, remnant) < frango [inf. frangere] (= to break).
fragrant < middle english fragrant < latin fragrans [gen. fragnantis], present participle of frangro [inf. fragrare] (= smell strongly) < proto-italic *fragro-.
frail < middle english frail < old french fraile / frele (= weak, sickly) < latin fragilis (= easily broken).
frame < old english framian (= to profit, avail) < fram (= active, bold) < fram (= forward).
franc < middle english frank < french franc < medieval latin Francorum [Rex] (= [King] of the Franks) [a phrase inscribed on these coins].
franchise < middle english fraunchise < old french franchise (= freedom, right, privilege) < franchir (= to free) < franc (= free, Frank).
Francis < french François < old french Franceis (= noble, free, French) < medieval latin Franciscus (= Frankish) < Francus (= Frank) < frankish *Frank.
France < old english France < old french France < medieval latin Francia < Francus (= Frank) < frankish *Frank.
frangible < middle english fragible < old french frangible < medieval latin frangibilis < latin frango [inf. frangere] (= to break).
Frank < old english franc (= freeman, noble, Frank) < medieval latin Francus < frankish *Frank.
Franklin < middle english Frankeleyn < anglo-french fraunclein (= freeholder) < old french franc (= free, Frank).
frantic < middle english frantic < frentik < frenetik (= crazy) < old french frenetike (= crazy) < latin phreneticus (= delirious) < ancient greek φρενητικός | phrenētikos (= of insanity) < φρενίτις [νόσος] | phrenitis [nosos] (= mental [disease], insanity) < φρην | phrēn [gen. φρενός | phrenos] (= mind, reason).
frappe < american english frappe < french frappé < frappé, past participle of frapper (= to chill, beat) < old french fraper (= to strike).
fraternity < middle english fraternity < old french fraternité < latin fraternitas (= brotherhood) < fraternus (= brotherly) < frater (= brother) < I.E. *bhrater- (= brother).
frau < german Frau (= woman, wife) < middle high german vrouwe (= lady, mistress) < old high german frouwa (= mistress, lady) < proto-germanic *frowo (= lady), female of *frawan (= lord).
fraud < middle english fraud < old french fraude (= deception, fraud) < latin fraus [gen. fraudis] (= a cheating, deceit).
fraught < middle english fraught (= to load a ship) < fraughten < fraught (= a load, cargo) < fraght (= a load) < middle dutch / middle low german vracht, vrecht.
fray < middle english fray < old french fraiier / froiier (= scrape) < latin frico [inf. fricare] (= to rub).
freak (= sudden turn of mind) < (?) related to middle english friken (= move nimbly) < old english frician (= to dance).
freak (= brave man) < scottish freik < middle english freke (= brave man, warrior) < old english freca (= bold man, warrior) < frec (= bold).
freckle < middle english freckle / frecken < old norse freknur [plural] (= freckles).
Frederick < french Frédéric < german Friedrich < old high german Fridurih < proto-germanic *frithu-rik < *frithu- (= peace) + *rik- (= rule).
free < old english freo (= not in bondage, noble, joyful) < proto-germanic *friaz (= beloved, not in bondage) {> dutch vrij, german frei} < I.E. *priy-a- (= beloved) < *pri- (= to love).
freeze < freese / friese < middle english fresen < old english freosan (= turn to ice) < proto-germanic *freusan (= to freeze) < proto-germanic *freus-.
freight < middle english freight < fraght (= a load, cargo) < middle dutch / middle low german vracht, vrecht.
French < middle english frensh / frenche < old english frencisc (= of the Franks, French) < Franc (= Frank) < medieval latin Francus < frankish *Frank.
frenetic < middle english frenetik < old french frenetike (= crazy) < latin phreneticus (= delirious) < ancient greek φρενητικός | phrenētikos (= of insanity) < φρενίτις [νόσος] | phrenitis [nosos] (= mental [disease], insanity) < φρην | phrēn [gen. φρενός | phrenos] (= mind, reason).
freon (= chlorofluorocarbons, CFC) < freeze + [suffix] -on.
frequent < middle english frequent < old french frequent < latin frequens [gen. frequentis] (= often, repeated).
fresh < middle english fresh / fersh (= unsalted, sweet, pure) < old english fersc (= unsalted) < proto-germanic *friskaz.
fret < middle english fret < (?) old french frete (= ring, ferule).
friar < middle english friar < old french frere (= brother, friar) < latin frater (= brother).
friction < middle french friction < latin frictio (= a rubbing) < frico [inf. fricare] (= to rub).
Friday < old english frigedæg (= Frigga’s day) < *Frigu (= Frigga), a germanic goddess of married love + dæg (< proto-germanic *dages- (= day)).
fridge < a shortening of middle english refrigerator < latin refrigeratio (= a cooling) < refrigero [inf. refrigerare] (= to cool down) < re- (= again) + frigero [inf. frigerare] (= make cool) (< frigus [gen. frigoris] (= cold)).
Friedrich < german Friedrich < old high german Fridurih < proto-germanic *frithu-rik < *frithu- (= peace) + *rik- (= rule).
friend < old english freond < proto-germanic *frijojands (= lover, friend) {> dutch vriend, german Freund} < I.E. *priy-ont- (= loving), present-participle of *pri- (= to love).
frieze < middle french frise (= a ruff) < medieval latin frisium (= embroidered border) < frigium < (?) latin Phrygium (= Phrygian, phrygian style) < Phrygia, a country in Asia Minor [known for its embroidery].
fright < middle english fright / freiht < old english fryhto < fyrhtu (= fear) < proto-germanic *furkhtaz (= afraid).
frigid < latin frigidus (= cold) < frigo [inf. frigere] (= be cold).
fringe < middle english fringe < old french frenge (= thread, border) < vulgar latin *frimbia < late latin fimbria < latin fimbriae [plural] (= fibers, threads).
frisbee < [Mrs.] Frisbie's [Pies], a bakery in Bridgeport of Connecticut [where the prototype was modeled on pie tins (1957)].
Fritz < german Fritz < Friedrich < old high german Fridurih < proto-germanic *frithu-rik < *frithu- (= peace) + *rik- (= rule).
frivolous < middle english frivolous < latin frivolus (= silly, empty), a diminutive of *frivos (= broken) < frio [inf. friare] (= break).
frog < old english frogga, a diminutive of frosc / forsc / frox (= frog) < I.E. *preu- (= to hop).
frolic < frolic (= joyous, merry) < middle dutch vrolyc (= happy) < vro- (= merry) + lyc (= like).
from < old english fram < proto-germanic *fra (= forward, away from) < I.E. *pro-mo- < *pro < *per-(1) (= forward).
front < middle english front < old french front (= forehead) < latin frons [gen. frontis] (= forehead, brow) < I.E. *bhront- < *bhren- (= to project).
frost < old english forst / frost < proto-germanic *frustaz (= frost) < *freusanan (= to freeze).
frown < middle english frown < old french frognier (= frown, scowl, snort) < (?) gaulish *frogna (= nostril).
fructify < middle english fructify < old french fructifiier (= bear fruit) < late latin fructifico [inf. fructificare] (= bear fruit) < latin fructus (= fruit) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
frugal < middle french frugal < latin frugalis < frugi (= useful, proper), dative of frux [gen. frugis] (= fruit, value) < fruor [inf. frui] (= reap the fruits of, use, enjoy).
fruit < middle english fruit < old french fruit < latin fructus (= fruit, crops, produce) < fruor [inf. frui] (= reap the fruits of, use, enjoy).
fruition < middle english fruition < old french fruition < late latin fruitio (= enjoyment) < fruor [inf. frui] (= reap the fruits of, use, enjoy).
frumentaceous < late latin frumentaceus (= of grain) < frumentum (= grain, corn) < fruor [inf. frui] (= reap the fruits of, use, enjoy).
frustrate < middle english frustrate < latin frustratus, past participle of frustror [inf. frustrari] (= to deceive, make vain) < frustra (= in vain).
fry < middle english fry < old french frire (= to fry) < latin frigo [inf. frigere] (= to fry, roast).
fuchsia < german [Leonhard] Fuchs, a German botanist (< fuchs (= fox) < proto-germanic *fuh- < I.E. *puk- (= tail)).
fucus < latin fucus (= focus).
fuel < middle english fe(u)el < old french foaille (= fuel for heating) < medieval latin focalia (= right of cutting fuel) < latin focalia (= wood for fuel), neuter plural of latin focalis (= of a hearth) < focus (= hearth, fireplace).
fugitive < middle english fugitive < old french fugitif / fuitif (= absent) < latin fugitivus (= fleeing) < fugo [inf. fugere] (= to flee, fly, run away).
fugue < fuge < italian fuga (= flight) < latin fuga (= act of fleeing, a running away) < fugo [inf. fugere] (= to flee, fly, run away).
full < old english full < proto-germanic *fullaz (= full).
fulminate < middle english fulminate < latin fulminatus, past participle of fulmino [inf. fulminare] (= lighten, thunder) < fulmen [gen. fulminis] (= lightning flash).
fume < middle english fume < old french fum (= smoke, vapor) < latin fumus (= smoke, steam).
fumigation < middle english fumigation < latin fumigatio (= a smoking) < fumigo [inf. fumigare] (= to smoke) < fumus (= smoke, steam, fume) + ago [inf. agere] (= drive, lead, act).
fun < fun (= to cheat, hoax) < (?) middle english fonnen (= befool).
function < middle french fonction < latin functio (= performance, execution) < fungor [inf. fungi] (= perform, execute).
fund < french fond (= bottom, floor, ground) < latin fundus (= bottom, foundation).
fundament < middle english fundament < old french fondement (= bottom, foundation) < latin fundamentum (= foundation) < fundo [inf. fundare] (= to found).
funeral < middle english funeral < medieval latin funeralia (= funeral rites) < late latin funeralia, neuter plural of funeralis (= of a funeral) < latin funus [gen. funeris] (= funeral, burial rites, death).
fungus < latin fungus (= mushroom, fungus).
funicular < funicle (= small cord) < latin funiculus (= a slender rope), a diminutive of funis (= cord, rope).
funk (= depression, ill-humor) < (?) scottish / english funk (= become afraid) < (?) flemish fonck (= perturbation, distress).
funky < funky (= old, musty, repulsive) [in jazz slang (= earthy, deeply felt), later (= fine, stylish)] < funk (= bad smell) < (?) funk (= blow smoke upon) < french funkière (= to smoke) < old french fungier (= give off smoke) < latin fumigo [inf. fumigare] (= to smoke).
funnel < middle english funell / fonel < middle french fonel < late latin fundibulum < latin infundibulum (= a funnel in a mill) < infundo [inf. infundere] (= pour in) < in (= into) + fundo [inf. fundere] (= to pour).
fur < middle english fur < (?) old french fo(u)rrer (= cover, cover with fur) < fuerre (= sheath) < frankish *fodr < proto-germanic *fodram (= sheath).
furbish < middle english furbish < old french forbir (= to polish) < proto-germanic *furbjan.
furcate < medieval latin furcatus (= furcated) < latin furca (= a two-pronged fork).
furious < middle english furious < old french furios / furieus (= furious, livid) < latin furiosus (= mad) < furia (= rage, passion, fury).
furl < (?) middle french ferler (= to furl) < old french ferliier (= chain, tie up) < (?) fer (= firm) (< latin firmus (= strong)) + -lier (= to bind) (< latin ligo [inf. ligare] (= to tie)).
furlough < vorloffe (= leave of absence) < dutch verlof (= permission) < middle dutch ver- (= for, completely) + laf / lof (= permission) (< proto-germanic *laubo-).
furnace < middle english furnace < old french fornais (= oven) < latin fornax [gen. fornacis] (= oven).
furnish < middle english furnish < old french furnir / fornir (= accomplish, equip) < vulgar latin *fornio [inf. fornire] < *fromio [inf. fromire] < west germanic *frumjan (= forward movement) < proto-germanic *fram- (= forwards).
furniture < middle french fourniture < old french forneture (= act of furnishing) < furnir / fornir (= accomplish, equip) < vulgar latin *fornio [inf. fornire] < *fromio [inf. fromire] < west germanic *frumjan (= forward movement) < proto-germanic *fram- (= forwards).
furor < middle english furor < middle french fureur < latin furor (= rage, madness).
furrow < middle english furwe / forowe / forgh / furch < old english furh (= furrow) < proto-germanic *furkh-.
further < old english furðor / forðor < (?) furðum + [suffix] *-eron- / *-uron- (compare inner, outer).
furtive < middle french furtif < latin furtivus (= stolen, hidden) < furtum (= theft, a stolen thing) < fur [gen. furis] (= thief).
fury < middle english fury < old french furie / fuire (= rage) < latin furia (= rage, madness).
fuse < italian fuso (= sprindle) < latin fusus (= sprindle).
fusion < middle french fusion < latin fusio (= an outpouring) < fusus, past participle of fundo [inf. fundere] (= to pour, melt).
fuss < (?) 1. force < old french force < vulgar latin *fortia < latin fortis (= strong) or 2. danish fjas (= foolery, nonsense) or 3. echoing origin.
fustian < middle english fustian < old french fustaigne / fustagne < medieval latin fustaneum < (?) 1. latin fustis (= staff, stick of wood, cotton) or 2. egyptian Fostat, a town [where this cloth was first manufactured].
fusty < middle english fusty < french fusté (= fusty) < old french fuste / fuist (= stick, wine cask) < latin fustis (= staff, stick of wood).
futile < middle french futile < latin fut(t)ilis (= vain, worthless) < fundo [inf. fundere] (= to pour, melt).
future < middle english future < old french futur (= future) < latin futurus (= the future) < futurus, future participle of sum [inf. esse] (= I am).