g

gabble < middle english gab (= action of talking) < (?) old french gap / gab (= joke, bragging talk) (< scandinavian source) [by influence of scottish / english gab (= mouth)].

gaberdine < spanish gabardina < middle french galverdine < germanic source.

gable < middle english gable < old french gable (= facade, front) < old norse gafl (= gable) < (?) proto-germanic *gablaz (= top of roof).

Gabriel < ancient greek Γαβριήλ | Ghabhriēl < hebrew Gabhri el (= man of God) < gebher (= man) + El (= God).

gadget < (?) french gâchette (= catch-piece of a mechanism), a diminutive of gâche (= staple of a lock).

gage < middle english gage < old french gage (= pledge of battle, guarantee) < frankish *wadja- < proto-germanic *wadi-.

gain < middle french gagner < old french gaaignier (= to earn, capture, win) < frankish *waidanjan (= hunt) < proto-germanic *waithanjan (= hunt) < *waithjo- (= hunting).

gait < middle english gait < proto-germanic *gatwon (= a going).

galaxy < middle english galaxy < french galaxie < late latin galaxias < ancient greek γαλαξίας | ghalaxias < γαλαξίας [κύκλος] | ghalaxias [kyklos] (= milky circle) [in greek mythology, from the milk that was spread upon the sky from the breast of goddess Hēra while she was feeding the babe Hercules] < γάλα | ghala [gen. γάλακτος | galaktos) (= milk) < I.E. *g(a)lag- (= milk).

gale < gaile (= wind) < (?) 1. old norse gol (= breeze) or 2. old danish gal (= bad, furious).

Gallagher < irish Gallchobhar (= foreign-help).

gallant < middle english gallant < old french gallant (= amusing, courteous), present participle of galer (= rejoice) < (?) frankish *wala- (= good, well) < proto-germanic *wal-.

galleon < french galion < spanish galeón (= armed merchant ship), an augmentative of galea < medieval greek γαλαία | ghalaea (= galley).

gallery < middle english gallery < old french galerie (= a long portico) < medieval latin galeria < (?) galilea (= church porch) < (?) latin Galilaea (= Galilee) < hebrew Haggalil (= the District), a compressed form of Gelil haggoyim (= the District of nations).

galley < middle english galley < old french galee / galie (= boat, warship) < medieval latin galea < ancient greek γαλαία | ghalaea (= galley).

Gallic < latin Gallicus (= pertaining to Gaul) < latin Gallus (= Gaul) < celtic origin.

gallon < middle english gallon < old french galon < jalon (= a liquid measure), related to jale (= bowl) < medieval / vulgar latin galleta (= bucket, a measure of wine) < (?) gaulish galla (= vessel).

gallop < middle english gallop < old french galoper (= to gallop) < waloper < (?) frankish *wala hlaupan (= run well).

gallows < middle english gallows, plural of galwe < [1. old norse galgi (= gallows) or 2. old english g(e)alga (= gallows)] < proto-germanic *galgon (= pole).

galoshes < middle english galoshes < (?) 1. old french galoche (= overshoe) < late latin gallicula, a diminutive of gallica [solea] (= a Gallic [sandal]) or 2. vulgar latin *galopia < ancient greek καλοπόδιον | kalopodhion, a diminutive of καλόπους | kalopous (= shoemaker's last) < κάλον | kalon (= firewood) + πους | pous [gen. ποδός | podhos) (= foot).

galvanism < french galvanisme / italian galvanismo < italian [Luigi] Galvani, professor of anatomy [who discovered it].

gamble < middle english gammlen < gamenen (= to play, be merry) < old english gamenian (= to play, joke) < old english gamen (= joy, fun, game) or 2. gamel (= play games) < (?) middle english game < old english gamen.

game < middle english game < old english gamen (= joy, fun, game) < proto-germanic [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + *mann (= person).

gamma < ancient greek Γ, γάμμα | ghamma < phoenician gimel (= camel) [its shape is like the head with the neck of this animal].

gammon < middle english gambon < old french gambon (= ham) < gambe (= leg) < late latin gamba (= animal’s leg) < ancient greek καμπή | kampē (= bend, curve).

gamut < medieval latin gamma ut < ancient greek γάμμα | ghamma [a letter used in music notation] (< phoenician gimel (= camel)) + Ut [the first musical note, which today replaced by Do].

The notes of the musical scale took their names from the first syllables of this hymn for St. John the Baptist:

Ut queant laxis

Resonare fibris

Mira gestorum

Famuli tuorum,

Solve pollutis

Labiis reatum,

Sancte Iohannes.

gang < [old english gang (= a going, way) / old norse gangr (= group of men)] < proto-germanic *gangaz (= act of going).

gangster < american english gangster < gang (q.v.) + [suffix] -ster (< old english -istre < proto-germanic *-istrijon).

gap < middle english gap < old norse gap (= empty space) < germanic origin.

garage < french garage (= storing place) < garer (= to shelter, dock) < old french garir (= protect, save) < frankish *waron (= to guard) < proto-germanic *war- (= protect).

garbage < (?) old french garbe / jarbe (= sheaf of wheat, bundle of sheaves) < proto-germanic *garba-.

garble < middle english garble< anglo-french garbeler (= to sift) < medieval latin garbello [inf. garbellare] < arabic gharbal (= to sift).

garcon middle english garcon < old french garçun (= servant-boy) < gars (= boy, waiter) < frankish *wrakjo- < proto-germanic *wrakjon.

garden < middle english garden < old french gardin (= garden) < vulgar latin *gardinus [hortus] (= enclosed [kitchen garden]) < frankish *gardo < proto-germanic *gardan- (= enclose).

gardenia < modern latin gardenia < scottish [Alexander] Garden, American naturalist.

garderobe < middle english garderobe < old french garderobe (= wardrobe) < warder (= to guard) (< proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard) + robe (= garment) (< west germanic *raubo (= booty)).

gargle < middle french gargouiller (= to gurgle, bubble) < old french gargole (= throat, waterspout) < (?) garg- (imitative of throat sound) + *goule (= mouth) (< latin gula (= throat)).

garland < middle english garland < old french garlande (= garland) < (?) frankish *weron (= to adorn) < *wiara- / *weara- (= wire).

garlic < middle english garlek < old english garle(a)c (= garlic) < gar / ger (= spear) (< proto-germanic *gaisa-) + leac (= leek) (< proto-germanic *lauka-).

garment < middle english garment < old french garnement (= garment, clothes) < garnir (= fit out, adorn) < germanic source.

garner < middle english gerner < old french gernier < grenier (= storehouse) < latin granarium (= store-house for grain) < granum (= grain, seed).

garnish < middle english garnish < old french garnir (= provide, furnish) < frankish *warnjan < proto-germanic *warnon (= guard, provide).

garret < middle english garite < old french garite (= watchtower) < garir (= defend) < proto-germanic *warjan.

garrison < middle english garrison < old french garison (= defense, protection) < garir (= defend) < proto-germanic *warjan.

garrulous < latin garrulus (= talkative, chattering) < garrio [inf. garrire] (= to chatter).

garter < middle english garter < old french gartier (= band of the knee) < garet / jaret (= bend of the knee).

Gary < [old norse geiri / old danish geri (= spear)] < proto-germanic *gaisa- (= spear).

gas < dutch gas < ancient greek χάος | khaos (= empty space).

gash < middle english garce (= wound, incision) < old french garser (= to scarify, cut) < vulgar latin *charasso [inf. charassare] (= engrave) < ancient greek χαράσσω | kharassō (= engrave, carve).

gasoline < gasolene < gas (< dutch gas < ancient greek χάος | khaos (= empty space)) + ol- (< latin oleum (= oil)) + [suffix] -ine.

gasp < middle english gaspen (= open the mouth wide) < (?) 1. old norse geispa (= to yawn) or 2. danish gispe (= gasp).

gastric < modern latin gastricus < ancient greek γαστήρ | ghastēr [gen. γαστρός | ghastros) (= stomach).

gate < old english geat (= gate, door, passage) < proto-germanic *gatan.

gather < old english gadrian / gædrian (= unite, collect) < proto-germanic *gaduron (= bring together).

gauge < middle english gauge < anglo-french gauge < old french gauger (= calibrate, measure) < gauge (= gauging rod) < (?) frankish *galgo (= rod, pole for measuring).

Gaul < french Gaule < latin Gallia < Gallus (= Gaul).

gay < middle english gay (= merry, carefree, lascivious) < old french gai (= happy, joyful).

gaze < middle english gasen / gazen (= stare, look steadily) < (?) scandinavian origin.

gazelle < french gazelle < old french gazel < arabic ghazal.

gazette < french gazette < italian gazzetta / venetian gazeta (= little magpie, a small coin, newspaper), a diminutive of gazza (= magpie) [from its price or from the bird as a symbol of chattering].

gear < middle english gear (= fighting equipment) < (?) old norse gørvi (= apparel, gear) < proto-germanic *garwjan (= make, prepare).

geek < (?) geck (= fool, dupe) < 1. dutch gek or 2. low german geck.

geisha < japanese geisha < gei (= art) + sha (= person).

gel < a shortening of gelatin (q.v.) [(?) by influence of jell].

gelatine < french gélatine < italian gelatina < gelata (= jelly) < gelare (= to freeze, congeal) < latin gelo [inf. gelare] (= to congeal).

gelato < italian gelato (= frozen), past participle of gelare (= to freeze, congeal) < latin gelo [inf. gelare] (= to congeal).

gem < middle english gem < old french gemme < latin gemma (= jewel) < proto-italic *gebma- (= bud, sprout).

geminate < middle english geminate < latin geminatus, past participle of gemino [inf. geminare] (= to double), related to geminus (= twin).

Gemini < latin gemini, plural of geminus (= twin).

gender < middle english gender < old french gen(d)re (= kind, species) < latin genus [gen. generis] (= race, kind, species) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

gene < german Gen < ancient greek γενεά | ghenea (= generation) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

genealogy < middle english genealogy < old french genealogie < late latin genealogia (= tracing of a family) < ancient greek γενεαλογία | ghenealoghia (= the making of a pedigree) < γενεά | ghenea (= generation) + -λογία | -loghia (= study) (< λόγος | loghos (= a speaking) < λέγω | leghō (= speak)).

general < middle english general < old french general < latin generalis (= generic) < genus [gen. generis] (= race, kind, species) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

generate < latin generatus, past participle of genero [inf. generare] (= to beget, produce) < genus [gen. generis] (= race, kind, species) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

generous < middle french généreux < latin generosus (= of noble birth) < genus [gen. generis] (= race, kind, species) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

genesis < old english Genesis [first book of Old Testament] < latin genesis (= generation) < ancient greek γένεσις | ghenesis (= creation, generation) < γίγνομαι | ghighnomae (= be born) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

Geneva < latin Genava / Geneva / Genua < (?) 1. I.E. *gen- (= bend) [as a reference to its situation] or 2. janua (= gate) or 3. Janus, a Roman god, having two faces (cf. January).

Genevieve < french Geneviève < late latin Genovefa < (?) celtic origin.

genial < latin genialis (= pleasant, pertaining to marriage rites) < genius (= guardian spirit) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

genie < french génie < latin genius (= guardian spirit) [as a translate of arabic jinni (= spirit, demon)] < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

genius < middle english genius < latin genius (= guardian spirit, prophetic skill) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

Genoa < italian Genova < latin Genava / Geneva / Genua < (?) 1. I.E. *gen- (= bend) [as a reference to its situation] or 2. janua (= gate) or 3. Janus, a Roman god, having two faces (cf. January).

genocide < ancient greek γένος | ghenos (= race, kind) (< I.E. *gene- (= give birth) + -cide (= a killing) (< french -cide < latin caedo [inf. caedere] (= beat, slay)).

genome < genom < german genom < Gen (< ancient greek γενεά | ghenea (= generation)) + Chromosom (= chromosome) (< ancient greek χρώμα | khrōma (= color) (< χρως | khrōs (= skin)) + σώμα | sōma (= body) [so called because its substance stains readily with basic dyes]).

genre < french genre < old french gen(d)re (= kind, species) < latin genus [gen. generis] (= race, kind, species) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

gens < latin gens [gen. gentis] (= race, nation) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

gent(i)le < middle english gent(i)le < old french gentil / jentil (= high-born, noble, of good family) < medieval latin gentilis (= of noble birth) < latin gentilis (= of the same family) < gens [gen. gentis] (= race, nation) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

genus < latin genus [gen. generis] (= race, nation) < I.E. *gene- (= give birth).

geography < middle french géographie < latin geographia < ancient greek γεωγραφία | gheōghraphia < γεωγράφος | gheōghraphos (= geographer) < γη | ghē [gen. γεώς | gheōs] (= earth) + ghraphō (= draw, write).

geology < modern latin geologia < ancient greek γεωλογία | gheōloghia < γη | ghē [gen. γεώς | gheōs] (= earth) + -λογία | -loghia (= study) (< λόγος | loghos (= a speaking) < λέγω | leghō (= speak)).

geometry < middle english ge(o)metry / gemetrie < old french geometrie < latin geometria < ancient greek γεωμετρία | gheōmetria < γεωμέτρης | gheōmetrēs (= geometer) < γη | ghē [gen. γεώς | gheōs] (= earth) + μετρώ | metrō (= to measure).

George < french Georges < late latin Georgius < ancient greek γεωργός | gheōrghos (= farmer) < γη | ghē [gen. γεώς | gheōs] (= earth) + έργον | erghon (= work).

Gerald < old french Giralt < old high german Gerwald (= spear-wielder) < proto-germanic *girald < gar / ger (= spear) + waltan (= to rule).

Gerard < old french Gerart < germanic gar / ger (= spear) + hart (= hard).

germ < middle english germ < middle french germe (= bud, seed, fruit) < latin germen [gen. germinis] (= spring, sprout, bud).

German < latin Germanus.

germination < middle english germination < latin germinatio (= budding) < germino [inf. germinare] (= to sprout) < germen [gen. germinis] (= spring, sprout, bud).

Geronimo < italian / spanish Geronimo < ancient greek ‘Ιερώνυμος | ^HIerōnymos < ‘ιερός | ^hieros (= holy) + όνυμα | onyma (= name).

Gertrude < french Gertrude < old high german Geretrudis < gar / ger (= spear) + trut (= beloved).

gest < middle english gest < old french geste / jeste (= action, exploit) < medieval latin gesta (= actions, exploits) < gesta, neuter plural past participle of gero [inf. gerere] (= carry on, perform).

gesture < middle english gesture < medieval latin gestura (= bearing, behavior) < latin gestus (= carriage, gesture) < gestus, past participle of gero [inf. gerere] (= carry on, perform).

get < middle english get < old norse geta (= to obtain, reach, beget, learn) < proto-germanic *getan < I.E. *ghend- (= take, seize).

geyser < icelandic Geysir, a hot spring in the valley of Haukadal < old norse geysa (= to gush) < proto-germanic *gausjan < I.E. *gheus- < *gheu- (= to pour).

ghetto < italian ghetto (= part of a city restricted to Jews) < (?) 1. ghettare (= throw) < late latin *jecto [inf. jectare] < latin jacio [inf. jacere] (= throw) or 2. italian borghetto (= small section of a town) or 3. yiddish get (= deed of separation) < venetian getto (= foundry) [which was near the ghetto of Venetia] < Egitto (= Egypt) (< latin Aegyptus < ancient greek Αίγυπτος | Aeghyptos < akkadian Ha(t)-ka-ptah).

ghost < old english gast (= breath, spirit, life, human being) < proto-germanic *gaistaz (= spirit, ghost).

giant < middle english giant < old french geant < jaiant < vulgar latin *gagas [gen. gagantis] < latin gigas [gen. gigantis] < ancient greek Γίγας | Ghighas [gen. Γίγαντος | Gigantos] (= Giant, a giant demigod).

Gib < an abbreviation of Gilbert < 1. old french Guillebert < old high german Williberht (= bright will) or 2. old french Gilebert < Gisilbert (= bright pledge) < old high german gisil (= pledge) + beorht (= bright).

gibbet < middle english gibbet < old french gibet (= gallows), a diminutive of gibe (= club) < (?) frankish *gibb (= forked stick).

Gibraltar < arabic Jebel el Tarik (= Mountain of Tarik) < Tarik, a Saracen leader [who captured this place in 710].

gift < middle english gift < proto-germanic *geftiz < *geb- (= give) < I.E. *ghabh- (= give, receive).

gigantic < latin gigas [gen. gigantis] < ancient greek Γίγας | Ghighas [gen. Γίγαντος | Gigantos] (= Giant, a giant demigod).

gigolo < french gigolo < gigole (= tall and thin woman, dancing girl, prostitute) < (?) gigoter (= move the shanks, hop) < gigue (= shank) < old french giga < frankish *giga-.

Gilbert < 1. old french Guillebert < old high german Williberht (= bright will) or 2. old french Gilebert < Gisilbert (= bright pledge) < old high german gisil (= pledge) + beorht (= bright).

gild < old english gyldan (= to gild) < proto-germanic *gulthjan < *gultham (= gold) < I.E. *ghel-₍₂₎ (= to shine).

Giles < old french Gilles < latin Aegidius / Egidius < ancient greek αιγίδιον | aeghidhion (= kid) < αιξ | aex [gen. αιγός | aeghos] (= goat).

Gillian < french Juliane < late latin Juliana, female of Julianus (= of Julius) < latin Julius.

gillyflower < gilofre (= clove, gillyflower) [by influence of flower] < old french girofle (= clove) < latin caryophyllon < ancient greek καρυόφυλλον | karyophyllon (= clove, nut leaf) < κάρυον | karyon (= nut) + φύλλον | phyllon (= leaf).

gin < a shortening of geneva [by influence of Geneva, but there is no connection of this drink with the city] < dutch genever (= juniper, gin) [because the alcohol was flavored with berries of juniper] < old french genevre (= juniper) < vulgar latin *jeniperus < latin juniperus (= juniper, cedar).

ginger < middle english ginger < old english gingiber / gingifer < late latin gingiber < latin zingiberi < ancient greek ζιγγίβερις | ziggibheris < prakrit singabera < sanskrit srngaveram < srngam (= horn) + vera- (= body) [so called from the shape of its root] or 2. dravidian inchi-ver < inchi (= root).

gingerbread < middle english gingerbrar [by influence of bread] < old french ginginbrat (= ginger preserve) < medieval latin gingimbratus (= gingered) < late latin gingiber (see ginger).

ginseng < chinese jen-shen < jen (= man) + shen (= ?).

Gioconda < italian Gioconda, female of Giocondo < late latin jocundus (= pleasing, pleasant) < latin jucundus (= pleasant).

giraffe < giraffa < italian giraffa < arabic zarafa < (?) african source.

girl < middle english gyrle (= child) < (?) old english *gyrele < proto-germanic *gurwilon-, a diminutive of *gurwjoz.

girth < middle english girth < old norse gjorð (= belt, hoop) < proto-germanic *gertu-.

give < old english giefan < proto-germanic *geban {> dutch geven, german geben} < I.E. *ghabh- (= give, receive).

Giza < arabic Er-ges-her (= beside the high [i.e. the Great Pyramid]).

glace < french glacé, past participle of glacer (= to ice) < glace (= ice) < latin glacies (= ice).

glad < old english glæd (= bright, joyous, pleasant) < proto-germanic *gladaz.

glade < middle english glade (= open space in a wood) < (?) middle english glode < old norse glaðr (= bright) < proto-germanic *gladaz.

gladiator < latin gladiator (= swordsman) < gladius (= sword) < (?) gaulish source.

gladiolus < middle english gladiolus < latin gladiolus (= sword-lily) [because of its sword-shaped leaves], a diminutive of gladius (= sword).

Glagolitic < serbo-croatian glagolica (= glagolitic alphabet) < old church slavonic glagolu (= word) < I.E. *gal-gal- < *gal- (= to call, shout).

glamour < scottish glamour < gramarye (= magic, spell) < middle english grammar < old french gramaire (= grammar, magic incantation, spells) < latin grammatica (= grammar, philology) < ancient greek γραμματική [τέχνη] | ghrammatikē [tekhnē] (= [art] of letters) < γραμματική, female of γραμματικός | ghrammatikos (= of the letters, of learning) < γράμμα | ghramma (= letter) < γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

glance < middle english glance < glacen (= to graze, strike a glancing blow) < old french glacier (= make slippery) < glace (= ice) < french glacé, past participle of glacer (= to ice) < glace (= ice) < latin glacies (= ice).

gland < french glande < latin glandula (= gland of the throat, tonsil), a diminutive of glans [gen. glandis] (= acorn, nut),

glare < middle english glare (= shine brightly) < middle dutch / middle low german glaren (= to gleam) < proto-germanic *glaz-.

Glasgow < gaelic Glasgow < glas (= green) + cau (= hollow).

glass < old english glæs < proto-germanic *glasam (= glass) < I.E. *ghel-_[2] (= to shine).

glaze < middle english glaze < glasen (= fit with glass, make shine) < glas < old english glæs < proto-germanic *glasam (= glass).

gleam < old english glæm (= brilliant light, brightness, beauty) < proto-germanic *glaimiz.

glean < middle english glean < old french glener (= to glean) < late latin glenno [inf. glennare] (= collect).

glide < old english glidan (= vanish, slide) < proto-germanic *glidan (= to glide).

glimmer < middle english glimmer (= to shine brightly) < (?) middle dutch glimmen / middle low german glimmern < proto-germanic *glim-.

glimpse < middle english glimpse (= glisten, be dazzling) < (?) old english *glimsian (= shine faintly).

glint < scottish glint < glent < middle english glenten (= gleam, flash) < scandinavian source.

glisten < old english glisnian (= glisten, gleam) < proto-germanic *glis-.

glitter < middle english gliteren < glideren < scandinavian source.

gloat < (?) glout (= to gaze, stare) < scandinavian source.

globe < middle english globe < middle french globe < latin globus (= sphere, ball).

Gloria < latin gloria (= glory, fame, great honor).

glory < middle english gloire < old french glorie < latin gloria (= glory, fame, great honor).

gloss (= luster) < (?) scandinavian source.

gloss (= word as an explanation) < middle english glose < late latin glossa (= foreign word) < ancient greek γλώσσα | ghlōssa (= tongue, language) < I.E. *glogh- (= thorn, point).

glossary < middle english glossary < latin glossarium (= collection of glosses) < ancient greek γλωσσάριον | ghlōssarion, a diminutive of γλώσσα | ghlōssa (= tongue, language) < I.E. *glogh- (= thorn, point).

glove < old english glof < proto-germanic *galofo (= glove) < (?) [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + *lofi (= hand).

glow < old english glowan (= to glow) < proto-germanic *glo-.

glue < middle english glue < old french glu (= glue) < vulgar latin *glutis / late latin glus [gen. glutis] (= glue) < latin gluten (= glue, beeswax).

gluten < middle french gluten (= sticky substance) < latin gluto [gen. glutonis] (= overeater).

glutton < old french gloton < latin glutto [gen. gluttonis] (= overeater).

glycerin < glycerine < french glycérine < ancient greek γλυκερός | ghlykeros (= sugary) < γλυκύς | ghlykys (= sweet).

gnomic < french gnomique < late latin gnomicus (= didactic) < ancient greek γνωμικός | ghnōmikos < γνώμη | ghnōmē (= thought, judgment, opinion) < γιγνώσκω | ghighnōskō (= come to know) < I.E. *gno- (= know).

gnomon < latin gnomon < ancient greek γνώμων | ghnōmōn (= indicator) < γιγνώσκω | ghighnōskō (= come to know) < I.E. *gno- (= know).

go < old english gan (= walk, go away, happen) < west germanic *gaian {> dutch gaan, old high german gan, german gehen} < I.E. *ghe- (= to release, let go).

goal < (?) old english *gal (= obstacle, barrier).

goat < old english gat (= she-goat) < proto-germanic *gaito {> old norse geit, danish gjed, dutch geit, german Geiß} < I.E. *ghaid-o- (= kid, young goat).

god < old english god < proto-germanic *guthan {> old norse guð, dutch god, gothic guþ, old high german got, german Gott} < (?) 1. I.E. *ghut- (= that which is invoked) < *gheu(e)- (= to call, invoke) or 2. I.E. *ghu-to- (= poured) < *gheu- (= to pour, pour a libation).

gold < old english gold < proto-germanic *gulthan (= gold) {> old norse gull, danish guld, dutch goud, gothic gulþ, german Gold} < I.E. *ghel-₍₂₎ (= to shine).

golf < middle english golf < scottish gouf < middle dutch colve / colf (= stick, club) < proto-germanic *kulth.

Golgotha < latin Golgotha < ancient greek Γολγοθά | Gholghotha < aramaic gulgulta (= [place of the] skull).

Gondwana < sanskrit gondavana < vana (= forest) + Gonda (= fleshy navel, outie belly-button), a Dravidian people.

good < old english gōd (= excellent, fine, entire, beneficial, pious, virtuous) < proto-germanic *gōda- (= fitting, suitable) {> old norse goðr, dutch goed, german gut} < I.E. *ghedh- (= unite, be associated).

goof < american english goof (= stupid) < (?) english dialect goff (= foolish clown) < goffe < (?) 1. middle french goffe (= stupid) or 2. middle english goffen (= speak in a frivolous manner) < (?) old english gegaf (= buffoonery) / gaffetung (= scolding).

google (= to search on the Google search engine) [from 2000] < googol (= number represented by 1 followed by 100 zeroes) [from 1940] < (?) [Barney] Google, a comic strip character.

goose < old english gos < proto-germanic *gans- (= goose) {> old norse gas, german Gans} < I.E. *ghans-.

Gordian knot < Gordius < ancient greek Γόρδιος | Ghordhios, king of Phrygia in Asia Minor [who predicted the one to loosen that difficult knot would rule Asia, but Alexander the Great finally cut it with his sword].

gore (= thick, clotted blood) < old english gor (= dirt, dung) < germanic origin.

gore (= triangular piece of ground) < old english gara (= corner, point, cape) < proto-germanic *gaizon-.

gorge < middle english gorge < old french gorge (= throat, narrow passage) < late latin gurges (= gullet, throat, gulf).

gorgeous < middle english gorgeous < 1. middle french gorgias (= elegant, fashionable) < (?) gorgias (= necklace [with jewelry]) < old french gorge (= throat) < late latin gurges (= gullet, throat) or 2. ancient greek Γοργίας | Ghorghias (= Gorgias), famous orator and sophist (< γοργός | ghorghos (= quick)).

gorilla < ancient greek γορίλλαι | ghorillae, plural of female γορίλλα | ghorilla (= wild, hairy being in Africa [maybe chimpanzee]).

gospel < old english godspel (= good spell, evangel) [by influence of God] < gōd (= good) + spel (= story, message).

gossip < middle english gossip (= friend, neighbor) < old english godsibb (= sponsor, godparent) < God + sibb (= relative).

Goth < old english Gota < late latin Gothus < ancient greek Γότθος | Ghot-thos (= Goth) < gothic *Gutos.

gouache < french gouache < italian guazzo (= watercolor) < latin aquatio (= watering) < aquatus, past participle of aquor [inf. aquari] (= bring water for drinking) < aqua (= water) < I.E. *akwa- (= water).

gourmand < middle english gourmand < middle french gourmand (= glutton, overeater).

gourmet < french gourmet [by influence of middle french gourmant (= glutton)] < old french groume (= wine-taster, wine merchant’s servant).

gout < middle english gout < old french gote (= a drop, gout, rheumatism) < medieval latin gutta (= gout) < latin gutta (= a drop).

govern < middle english govern < old french governer (= steer, rule, command) < latin guberno [inf. gubernare] (= to steer, pilot, rule) < ancient greek κυβερνώ | kybhernō (= to steer, pilot, guide, govern).

grab < middle dutch / middle low german grabben (= to grab) < proto-germanic *grab- / *grap-.

grace < middle english grace < old french grace (= mercy, favor, thanks, virtue) < latin gratia (= favor, esteem, regard) < gratus (= pleasing).

grade < french grade (= degree) < latin gradus (= a step, pace) < gradior [inf. gradi] (= to walk, step).

graffiti < italian graffiti, plural of graffito (= a scribbling) < a diminutive of graffio (= a scratch, scribble) < graffiare (= to scribble) < ancient greek γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

graft < middle english graft < graff < old french graife (= grafting knife, stylus, pen) [because the pencil-shaped shoot is like a stylus] < latin graphium (= stylus) < ancient greek γραφείον | ghraphoeon (= stylus) < γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

grail < middle english gral (= the Holy Grail) < old french graal / greal (= Holy Grail, cup, dish) < medieval latin gradalis / gradale / grasale (= flat dish, shallow vessel) < (?) latin crater (= bowl) < ancient greek κρατήρ | kratēr (= large vessel for mixing wine with water) < κεράννυμι | kerannymi (= to mix).

grain < middle english grain < old french grain / grein (= seed, grain, berry) < latin granum (= grain, seed).

gram < gramme < french gramme < late latin gramma (= small weight) < ancient greek γράμμα | ghramma (= letter, small weight) < γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

grammar < middle english grammar < old french gramaire (= grammar, magic incantation, spells) < latin grammatica (= grammar, philology) < ancient greek γραμματική [τέχνη] | ghrammatikē [tekhnē] (= [art] of letters) < γραμματική, female of γραμματικός | ghrammatikos (= of the letters or learning) < γράμμα | ghramma (= letter) < γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

gramophone < ancient greek φωνή | phōnē (= voice, sound) + γράμμα | ghramma (= letter, something written) (< γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw)).

grampus < graundepose [by influence of grand] < middle english graspeys < anglo-french grampais < old french graspois / craspois (= whale, whale meat, seal) < medieval latin craspicis (= great fish, fat fish) < latin crassus (= thick) + piscis (= fish).

Granada < spanish Granada < 1. latin granatum (= pomegranate) < granum (= grain, seed) or 2. moorish karnattah (= hill of strangers).

grand < middle english grant < anglo-french graunt < old french grand / grant (= large, tall, great, powerful) < latin grandis (= big, great, full, strong).

grange < middle english grange < anglo-french graunge / old french grange (= barn, farm house) < medieval latin / vulgar latin granica (= barn for keeping grain) < latin granum (= grain, seed).

granite < french granit(e) < italian granito (= grained) < granire (= granulate, make grainy) < grano (= grain) < latin granum (= grain, seed).

grant < middle english graunt < old french graanter < creanter (= promise, confirm, authorize) < latin credens [gen. credentis], present participle of credo [inf. credere] (= believe, trust).

granular < late latin granulum (= granule, a little grain) < a diminutive of latin granum (= grain, seed).

grape < middle english grape < old french grape (= grape) < (?) graper (= steal, grasp, pick) < proto-germanic *krappon (= hook).

graphic < latin graphicus (= picturesque) < ancient greek γραφικός | ghraphikos (= of writing, of drawing, picturesque) < γραφή | ghraphē (= drawing, writing) < γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

graphite < german Graphit < ancient greek γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

grasp < middle english grasp < grapsen < old english *græpsan (= to touch, feel) < proto-germanic *grab- / *grap-.

grass < old english græ(r)s (= herb, grass, plant) < proto-germanic *grasan.

grate < middle english grate < old french grater (= to scrape, scratch) < frankish *kratton < proto-germanic *krattojan.

grateful < grate (= pleasant, agreeable) (< latin gratus (= pleasing, thankful)) + -ful(l) (< proto-germanic *fullaz (= full)).

gratify < middle english gratify < latin gratificor [inf. gratificari] (= do favor to, oblige) (< gratus (= pleasing)) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

gratis < middle english gratis < latin gratis (= for thanks, without recompense) < gratiis, ablative plural of gratia (= favor).

gratitude < middle english gratitude (= good will) < middle french gratitude / medieval latin gratitudo (= thankfulness) < latin gratus (= pleasing, thankful).

gratuity < french gratuité / medieval latin gratuitas (= free gift) < latin gratuitus (= spontaneous, voluntary) < gratus (= pleasing, thankful).

gratulation < middle english gratulacyon (= expression of thanks) < latin gratulatio (= a wishing joy, rejoicing) < gratulor [inf. gratulari] (= give thanks, show joy) < gratus (= pleasing, thankful).

grave (= sepulchre) < old english græf (= grave, ditch, trench) < proto-germanic *graba- / grafa-.

grave (= respected) < middle french grave < latin gravis (= heavy).

gravel < middle english gravel < old french gravele (= sand, gravel, sea-shore), a diminutive of grave (= sand, seashore) < (?) celtic *graw-.

gravity < old french gravité < latin gravitas (= weight, heaviness) < gravis (= heavy).

gray < old english græg (= gray) < proto-germanic *grewa- (= gray).

grease < middle english grease < anglo-french grece / old french gresse / craisse (= grease, fat) < vulgar latin *crassia (= grease) < latin crassus (= thick, fat).

great < old english great (= big, tall, thick) < west germanic *grauta- (= thick, coarse) {> dutch groot, german groß}.

greave < middle english greave < old french greve (= shin, armor for the leg).

greedy < old english grædig / gredig (= hungry) < proto-germanic *grædagaz < *græduz.

Greek < old english Grecas [plural] (= Greeks) < latin Graeci < ancient greek Γραικοί | Ghraikoe, a name used by Illyrians for the Greeks < Γραίοι | Ghraeoe, native name of the people in Epirus, or in a town of Boeotia, both regions of Greece.

green < old english grene / groene (= green, growing, living) < groeni < proto-germanic *grōni- {> old norse grænn, danish grøn, dutch groen, german grün} < I.E. *ghre- (= grow).

Greenland < old norse Groenland [named by its discoverer to attract settlers to go to an island with such a good name] < groene (= green, growing, living) + land (= ground, soil, territory) (< proto-germanic *landja-).

Greenwich < old english Gronewic / Grenewic (= green harbor / green trading place) < grene / groene (= green, growing, living) + wic (= house, village, town).

greet < old english gretan (= accost, salute, welcome) < west germanic *grotjan.

gregarious < latin gregarius (= of a flock, of the herd, common) < grex [gen. gregis] (= flock, herd).

Gregory < late latin Gregorius < ancient greek Γρηγόριος | Ghrēghorios < γρηγορώ | ghrēghorō (= be watchful, be awake).

grenade < middle french grenade [by influence of spanish granada] < grenate (= pomegranate) [from its similarity of the shape and the grains that look like the explosive parts of the bomb] < old french pome grenate < medieval latin pomum granatum (= apple with many grains, pomegranate) < latin pomum (= apple, fruit) + granatus (= having grains) (< granum (= grain, seed)).

Grenoble < latin Gratianopolis < [Flavius] Gratianus, a Roman emperor + ancient greek πόλις | polis (= town).

Greta < Gretchen (q.v.).

Gretchen < german Gretchen < Greta < a diminutive of Margaret < late latin Margarita < ancient greek μαργαρίτης [λίθος] | margharitēs [lithos] (= pearl [stone]).

grieve < middle english grieve (= make angry, enrage) < old french grever (= afflict, oppress) < latin gravo [inf. gravare] (= make heavy) < gravis (= weighty).

Griffith < welsh Gruffydd < (?) latin Rufus < rufus (= red).

grill < french gril < old french greil < graille (= grill, railings, fencing) < latin craticula (= gridiron, small griddle), a diminutive of cratis (= wickerwork).

grim < old english grimm (= cruel, savage) < proto-germanic *grimma-.

grimace < french grimace (= grotesque face, ugly mug) < germanic source.

grind < old english grindan (= crush, scrape) < proto-germanic *grindanan.

gringo < american spanish gringo (= foreigner) < spanish gringo (= foreign speech) < (?) griego (= greek).

gripe < middle english gripe < old english gripan (= grasp at, attack, take) < proto-germanic *gripan.

grippe < (?) french grippe (= seizure, influenza) < gripper (= to grasp, hook) < proto-germanic *gripanan.

Griselda < italian Grishelda < german Grishilda < old high german grisja hilda < grisja (= gray) + Hilda (= battle-maid) (< hild (= war, battle) < proto-germanic *hildiz (= battle).

grisly < old english grislic (= horrible) < grisan (= to fear) < germanic origin.

grit < old english greot (= sand, dust, gravel) < proto-germanic *greutan (= particles of crushed rock).

groan < old english granian (= to murmur, lament) < proto-germanic *grain-.

grocer < middle english grocer < anglo-french grosser / old french grossier < medieval latin grossarius (= wholesaler) < late latin grossus (= thick, dense, gross).

groom < middle english grome (= boy, young man, male servant) < (?) 1. old french grommet (= boy, young man in service) or 2. old english *grom(a).

groove < middle english groove (= cave, mine) < proto-germanic *grobo.

grope < old english grapian (= seize, touch, attain).

gross < middle english gross < old french gros (= big, thick, tall, strong, coarse) < late latin grossus (= thick, dense).

grotesque < middle french crotesque < italian grottesco (= of a cave) [from the paintings found in Roman ruins by excavations] < grotta (= cave) < cropta < latin crypta (= vault, cavern) < ancient greek κρύπτη | kryptē (= hidden place) < κρύπτω | kryptō (= hide).

ground < old english grund (= bottom, foundation, surface of the earth) < proto-germanic *grundu- (= deep place).

group < french groupe (= cluster, group) < italian gruppo (= group, knot) < proto-germanic *kruppaz (= round mass).

grove < old english graf (= grove, copse, small wood).

grow < old english growan (= to flourish, increase) < proto-germanic *gro-.

guarantee < middle english garrant < old french garant (= protector, warranty) < proto-germanic *war- (= to warn, guard).

guard < middle english guard / old french garder (= protect, preserve) < frankish *wardon < proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard).

Guatemala < american indian 1. Quauhtemellan (= land of the eagle) or 2. Uhatzmalha (= mountain where water gushes).

guess < middle english gessen (= perceive, find out) < proto-germanic *getan (= to get).

guest < old english gæst / giest (= a chance comer, stranger) < proto-germanic *gastiz.

guide < middle english guide < old french guider (= to lead, conduct) < guier < frankish *witan (= show the way) < proto-germanic *witanan (= look after, guard) < I.E. *weid- (= see).

guild < middle english yilde < a fusion of 1. old english gegield (= guild, brotherhood) + 2. gield (= service, payment, tribute) < proto-germanic *geldja- (= payment, contribution).

guillotine < french guillotine < [Joseph] Guillotin, a doctor [who invented this machine for execution].

guilt < old english gylt (= crime, sin, moral defect).

guise < middle english guise < old french guise (= fashion, manner) < frankish *wisa < proto-germanic *wison (= appearance, manner) < *wissaz < I.E. *weid- (= see).

guitar < french guitare < old french guiterre < guiterne < latin cithara < ancient greek κιθάρα | kithara (= cithara).

gulf < middle english gulf < old french golf (= gulf, whirlpool) < italian golfo (= gulf, bay) < late latin colfos < ancient greek κόλπος | kolpos (= gulf, bay).

gull < middle english gull < (?) old celtic *voilenno-.

gum (= soft tissues of the mouth) < old english goma (= palate, side of the mouth) < germanic source.

gum (= resin) < middle english gum < old french gome (= gum, resin) < late latin gumma < latin gummi < ancient greek κόμμι | kommi (= gum) < egyptian kemai.

gun < 1. middle english gunne < a shortening of Gunilda, female name < old norse Gunnhildr < gunnr (= war) + hildr (= battle) {> old high german Hilda (= battle-maid) [see, also, Griselda], another female name} or 2. (?) old norse gunnr (= battle).

gurgle < middle english gurgle < late latin gurgulio [inf. gurguliare] (= to gurgle, rumble).

guru < gooroo < hindi guru (= teacher, priest) < sanskrit guru-s (= honored, teacher) < guru- (= venerable) < I.E. *gwere-₍₁₎ (= heavy).

gush < middle english gush (= to rush out suddenly) < (?) old norse gusa (= to gush, spurt).

gust < (?) [1. old norse gustr (= a cold blast of wind) or 2. old high german gussa (= flood)] < proto-germanic *gustiz.

gusto < italian gusto (= taste) < latin gustus (= a tasting).

gut < old english guttas [plural] (= bowels, entrails) < proto-germanic *gut-.

guy (= small rope, chain, wire) middle english guy < old french guie (= a guide, crane) < guier < frankish *witan (= show the way) < proto-germanic *witanan (= look after, guard) < I.E. *weid- (= see).

guy (= fellow) < american english guy (= fellow) < british english guy (= poorly dressed person) < guy (= effigy of Guy Fawkes) < Guy [Fawkes], the leader of the Gunpowder Plot (5 November 1605) in England.

Guy < french Guy, related to italian Guido.

gymnasium < latin gymnasium (= school for gymnastics) < ancient greek γυμνάσιον | ghymnasion (= gymnastics school), in plural, (= bodily exercises) < γυμνάζω | ghymnazō (= to exercise, train) < γυμνός | ghymnos (= naked) [because the ancient Greek athletes used to be training naked].

gymnastic < latin gymnasticus < ancient greek γυμναστικός | ghymnastikos (= fond of or skilled in bodily exercise) < γυμνάζω | ghymnazō (= to exercise, train) < γυμνός | ghymnos (= naked) [because the ancient Greek athletes used to be training naked].

gynecology < gynaecology < french gynécologie < ancient greek γυναικός | ghynaekos, genetive of γυνή | ghynē (= woman) (< I.E. *gwen- (= woman)) + -λογία | -loghia (= study) (< λόγος | loghos (= a speaking) < λέγω | leghō (= speak)).

gypsum < middle english gypsum < latin gypsum < ancient greek γύψος | ghypsos (= chalk, cast, plaster) < (?) semitic origin.

Gypsy < gypcian < Egypcien (= Egyptian) [the “Little Egypt” was the supposed origin of this people] (< Egypt < old english Egipte < french Egypte < ancient greek Αίγυπτος | Aeghyptos < akkadian Ha(t)-ka-ptah, the name of the city Memphis < ha(t) (= temple) + ka (= soul) + Ptah (= [god] Ptah)).

gyration < gyre (= rotate) < latin gyrus (= circle, circular course, ring) < ancient greek γύρος | ghyros (= circle, ring).

gyro < modern greek γύρος | ghyros (= a kind of skewer sandwich) < ancient greek γύρος | ghyros (= circle, ring).

gyro(scope) < french gyroscope < ancient greek γύρος | ghyros (= circle, ring) + σκοπός | skopos (= watcher) (< σκέπτομαι | skeptomae (= watch, examine, think)).