i

I < middle english i [later capitalized to avoid misreading in manuscripts, earlier with a dot upon it to distinguish it from other letters (m, n, u)] < old english ic / ich / ik < proto-germanic *ek {> old norse ek, norwegian eg, danish jeg, gothic ik, old high german ih, german ich} < I.E. *eg- (= I) {> sanskrit aham, latin ego, ancient greek εγώ | ego, hittite uk}.

ID < a shortening of identification.

i.e. < an abbreviation of latin id est (= it is, that is) < id, neuter of is (= it, this) + est (= is), third person, singular, of present tense of sum (inf. esse) (= be).

I.Q. < an abbreviation of Intelligence Quotient < a translation of german Intelligenz-quotient.

Ian < scottish Ian < middle english Jan / Jon (= John) < old french Jan / Jean / Je(h)an < medieval latin Johannes < late latin Joannes < ancient greek Ιωάννης | Iōannēs < hebrew Yohanan (= God is gracious) < Yah / Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God) + hanan (= he was gracious).

ice < old english is < proto-germanic *is- (= ice) {> old norse iss, dutch ijs, german Eis}.

iceberg < dutch ijsberg < ijs (= ice) + berg (= mountain).

icky < american english icky < (?) icky-boo (= sickly, nauseated) < [a baby talk of] sick.

icon < ikon < late latin icon < ancient greek εικών | oekōn (= image, portrait, image in a mirror, phantom image).

idea < middle english idea < latin idea (= platonic idea, archetype) < ancient greek ιδέα | idhea (= form, sort, mode) < stem ιδ- | idh- of ορώ | orō (= see) < I.E. *weid- (= see).

identity < middle french identité < medieval latin identitas [gen. identitis] (= sameness) < latin idem, neuter of isdem (= the same).

idiom < middle french idiome < late latin idioma (= a peculiarity in language) < ancient greek ιδίωμα | idhiōma (= peculiarity) < ιδιούμαι | idhioumae (= to appropriate to oneself) < ίδιος₍₁₎ | idhios (= personal, private).

idiot < middle english idiot < old french idiote (= uneducated person) < late latin idiota (= ignorant person) < latin idiota (= ordinary person) < ancient greek ιδιώτης | idhiōtēs (= private person, layman, ignorant person) < ίδιος₍₂₎ | idhios (= one's own).

idle < old english idel (= empty, vain, useless) < west germanic *idla-.

idol < middle english idol < old french idole (= idol, graven image, image of pagan god) < latin idolum (= image, form, image of a pagan god) < ancient greek είδωλον | oedhōlon (= mental image, phantom, material image, statue, pagan idol) < είδος | oedhos (= form, likeness, resemblance) < I.E. *weid- (= see).

if < old english gif (= if, whether, so) < proto-germanic *ja-ba.

igloo < canadian english igloo < eskimo iglu (= house, dwelling).

ignition < french ignition / medieval latin ignitio [gen. ignitionis] < latin ignio [inf. ignire] (= set on fire) < ignis (= fire).

ignore < french ignorer (= be unaware of) < latin ignoro [inf. ignorare] (= be unacquainted) < in- (= not) + old latin gnarus (= aware).

ill < middle english ill < old norse illr (= evil, bad, hard, difficult).

illegal < french illégal / medieval latin illegalis < latin in- (= not) + legalis (= of the law, legal) (< lex [gen. legis] (= rule, principle, law)).

illumination < middle english illumination (= spiritual enlightenment) < late latin illuminatio < latin illumino [inf. illuminare] (= to throw into light, light up, illustrate) < in (= into) + lumen [gen. luminis] (= light).

illusion < middle english illusion < old french illusion (= deceit, deception) < latin illusio (= a mocking, jeering, irony) < illudo [inf. illudere] (= play with, mock at) < in (= into) + ludo [inf. ludere] (= to play).

illustration < middle english illustration < old french illustration (= apparition, appearance) < latin illustratio (= enlightening, vivid representation) < illustro [inf. illustrare] (= light up, illuminate, make clear) < in (= into) + lustro [inf. lustrare] (= make bright).

image < middle english image < old french image (= image, likeness, figure) < imagene < latin imago [gen. imaginis] (= copy, imitation, picture) < imitor [inf. imitari] (= copy, imitate).

imagine < middle english imagine < old french imaginer (= sculpt, paint, decorate) < latin imaginor [inf. imaginari] (= form a mental picture, imagine) < imago [gen. imaginis] (= copy, imitation, picture) (< imitor [inf. imitari] (= copy, imitate)).

imitation < middle english imitation < old french imitacion < latin imitatio (= a copying, imitation) < imitor [inf. imitari] (= copy, imitate)

immediate < middle english immediate < old french immediat < late latin immediatus (= without anything between) < in- (= not) + mediatus (= in the middle) (< medius (= middle)).

immense < middle english immense < old french immense < latin immensus (= immeasurable, boundless) < in- (= not) + mensus, past participle of metior [inf. metiri] (= to measure).

immigrate < latin immigratus, past participle of immigro [inf. immigrare] (= remove, move in) < in (= into) + migro [inf. migrare] (= move).

immobile < middle english immobile < old french immoble (= immovable, motionless) < latin immobilis (= immovable) < in- (= not) + mobilis (= movable) (< moveo [inf. movere) (= move)).

immune < middle english immune < latin immunis (= untaxed, unburdened) < in- (= not) + munis (= performing services).

impact < latin impactus, past participle of impingo [inf. impingere] (= push into) < in (= into) + pango [inf. pangere] (= to fix, fasten).

imperator < latin imperator (= commander-in-chief, leader) < impero [inf. imperare] (= to command, requisition) < in (= into) + paro [inf. parare] (= arrange, prepare).

imperial < middle english imperial < old french imperial / emperial (= imperial, princely, strong) < latin imperialis (= of the empire, of the emperor) < imperium (= empire).

important < middle english important < medieval latin importans [gen. importantis] < importare (= be significant in) < latin importo [inf. importare] (= bring in, convey) < in (= into) + porto [inf. portare] (= to carry).

Inca < spanish Inga < quechea Inca (= lord, king).

incarnation < middle english incarnation < old french incarnacion < late latin incarnatio (= act of being made flesh) < incarno [inf. incarnari] (= be made flesh) < in (= into) + caro [gen. carnis] (= piece of flesh, flesh).

inch < middle english unche / old english ynce < latin uncia (= a twelfth part) < unus (= one).

incognito < italian incognito (= unknown) < latin incognitus (= unknown) < in- (= not) + cognitus, past participle of cognosco [inf. cognoscere] (= to get to know).

increase < middle english encresen < old french encreistre (= grow, increase) < latin incresco [inf. increscere] (= grow upon) < in (= into) + cresco [nf. crescere] (= grow).

indeed < middle english in dede (= in fact, in truth) < in (= into) + old english dæd (= action, event) (< proto-germanic *dethi-).

index < middle english index (= the forefinger) < latin index [gen. indicis] (= informer, forefinger, pointer, title, list) < indico [inf. indicare] (= point out) < in (= into) + dico [inf. dicare] (= proclaim).

India < old english India / Indea < latin India < ancient greek Ινδία | Indhia < Ινδός | Indhos (= Indus [river], an Indian) < old persian Hindu [the province of Sind] < sanskrit sindhu (= river).

indigo < indico (= a dye of blue powder) < spanish indico / dutch indigo < latin indicum (= indigo) < ancient greek ινδικόν | indhikon (= blue dye from India) < ινδικόν | indhikon, neuter of ινδικός | indikos (= of India, Indian) < Ινδία | Indhia < Ινδός | Indhos (= Indus [river], an Indian) < old persian Hindu [the province of Sind] < sanskrit sindhu (= river).

individual < middle english individual < medieval latin individualis < latin individuus (= indivisible) < in- (= not) + dividuus (= divisible) (< divido [inf. dividere] (= divide).

industry < middle english industry < old french industrie (= activity, aptitude) < latin industria (= diligence, activity) < industria, female of industrius (= active, diligent) < early latin indostruus (= diligent) < indu (= within) + struo [inf. struere] (= build).

inertia < latin inertia (= ignorance, inactivity) < iners [gen. inertis] (= unskilled, inactive) < in- (= not) + ars [gen. artis] (= art, skill).

infant < middle english infa(u)nt (= child) < latin infans [gen. infantis] (= young child, babe) < in- (= not) + fans, present participle of for [inf. fari] (= speak).

infantry < french infant(e)rie < italian infanteria / spanish infanteria (= army of foot soldiers) < infante (= a youth, foot soldier) < latin infans [gen. infantis] (= young child, babe) < in- (= not) + fans, present participle of for [inf. fari] (= speak).

infatuate < latin infatuatus, past participle of infatuo [inf. infatuare] (= make a fool of) < in (= in) + fatuus (= foolish, silly).

infect < middle english infect < latin infectus, past participle of inficio [inf. inficere] (= put in, stain, dye, corrupt, spoil) < in (= in) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

inferior < middle english inferior < latin inferior (= lower, farther down), comparative of inferus (= that is below) < infra (= below).

infernal < middle english infernal < old french enfernal / infernal (= of hell, hellish) < late latin infernalis (= of the lower regions) < infernus (= hell) < latin infernus (= the lower world) < infernus (= lower, lying beneath, underground) < infra (= below).

inferno < italian inferno < late latin infernus (= hell) < latin infernus (= the lower world) < infernus (= lower, lying beneath, underground) < infra (= below).

influence < middle english influence (= streaming power from the stars) < old french influence (= emanation from the stars) [in astrology] < medieval latin influentia (= a flowing in) < latin influens [gen. influentis], present participle of influo [inf. influere] (= flow into, stream in) < in (= into) + fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).

influenza < italian influenza (= influence of the stars, influenza, epidemic) < medieval latin influentia (= a flowing in) [in astrology] < latin influens [gen. influentis], present participle of influo [inf. influere] (= flow into, stream in) < in (= into) + fluo [inf. fluere] (= to flow).

inform < middle english inform < old french enformer / informer (= instruct, teach) < latin informo [inf. informare] (= to shape, train, educate) < in (= into) + formo [inf. formare] (= to form, shape) (< forma (= form, shape)).

infra (= under, below) < latin infra (= under, below, beneath).

ingot < middle english ingot (= mold in which metal is cast) < (?) in (= into) + old english goten, past participle of geotan (= to pour).

inhabit < middle english inhabit < old french en(h)abiter (= dwell in, live in) < latin inhabito [inf. inhabitare] (= dwell in) < in (= into) + habito [inf. habitare] (= to dwell) (< habeo [inf. habere] (= hold, have).

inhalation < latin inhalo [inf. inhalare] (= breathe upon) < in (= into) + halo [inf. halare] (= breathe).

initial < middle french initial < latin initialis (= initial, of the beginning) < initium, neuter past participle of ineo [inf. inire] (= go into, begin) < in (= into) + eo [inf. ire] (= go).

inject < latin injectus, past participle of injicio [inf. injicere] (= throw in, insert) < in (= into) + jacere (= to throw).

ink < middle english ink < old french enche / encre (= dark writing fluid) < enque < enca < late latin encaustum < late ancient greek έγκαυστον | egkafston, neuter of έγκαυστος | egkafstos (= burned in) < εγκαίω | egkaeō (= burn in) < εν | en (= in) + καίω | kaeō (= to burn).

inmate < in (= into, inside) + mate (= companion).

inn < old english inn (= lodging, dwelling, house) < (?) inne (= inside, within).

innocent < middle english innocent < old french innocent (= harmless, not guilty) < latin innocens [gen. innocentis] (= not guilty, harmless) < in- (= not) + nocens [gen. nocentis], present participle of noceo [inf. nocere] (= to harm).

Innuit < inupiaq [of Eskimo] inuit (= the people), plural of inuk (= man, person).

inquire < middle english anqueren / enqueren (= ask about) < old french enquerre (= ask, inquire about) < medieval latin inquero [inf. inquerere] (= seek after, search for) < latin in (= into) + quaero [inf. quaerere] (= ask, seek).

insane < latin insanus (= mad, insane, outrageous, extravagant) < in- (= not) + sanus (= well, healthy).

insect < latin insectum [animal] (= [animal] with a notched body) < insectum, neuter past participle of inseco [inf. insecare] (= cut into) < in (= into) + seco [inf. secare] (= to cut).

insert < latin insertus, past participle of insero [inf. inserere] (= to graft, implant) < in (= into) + sero [inf. serere] (= join together, arrange).

insist < french insister < latin insisto [inf. insistere] (= stand on, pursue, insist) < in (= into) + sisto [inf. sistere] (= take a stand) (< sto [inf. stare] (= to stand)).

insomnia < insomnie < latin insomnia (= sleeplessness) < insomnis (= sleepless) < in- (= not) + somnus (= sleep).

inspect < latin inspectus, past participle of inspicio [inf. inspicere] (= look at, observe, inspect) < in (= into) + specio [inf. specere] (= to look).

inspire < middle english enspiren (= to prompt, to induce) < old french enspirer < latin inspiro [inf. inspirare] (= breathe upon, inspire, inflame) < in (= into) + spiro [inf. spirare] (= to breathe).

install < middle english enstall (= place in an official stall) < old french installer / medieval latin installo [inf. installare] < latin in (= into) + medieval latin stallum (= stall) (< germanic source).

instant < middle english instant < old french instant (= near, immediate, urgent) < latin instans [gen. instantis], present participle of insto [inf. instare] (= stand near, urge) < in (= into) + sto [inf. stare] (= to stand).

instinct < middle english instinct (= a prompting) < old french instinct < latin instinctus (= instigation, impulse) < instingo [inf. instinguere] (= to incite, impel) < in (= into) + stingo [inf. stinguere] (= to prick).

institute < middle english institute (= establish in office, appoint) < latin institutus, past participle of instituo [inf. instituere] (= to set up, put in place, establish) < in (= into) + statuo [inf. statuere] (= to cause to stand, establish).

instruct < middle english instruct (= inform) < latin instructus, past participle of instruo [inf. instruere] (= to build, arrange, inform) < in (= into) + struo [inf. struere] (= to pile, build).

instrument < middle english instrument (= musical instrument) < old french enstrument / instrument (= device, musical instrument) < latin instrumentum (= tool, implement, means, furniture) < instruo [inf. instruere] (= to build, arrange, inform) < in (= into) + struo [inf. struere] (= to pile, build).

insulin < insuline < latin insula (= island) [because this hormone is secreted by the “islets” of Langerhans in the pancreas].

insult < middle french insulter (= to wrong, reproach) < latin insulto [inf. insultare] (= to assail, insult, revile) < insilio [inf. insilire] (= leap upon) < in (= into) + salio [inf. salire] (= to leap).

integer < latin integer (= untouched, whole, complete) < in- (= not) + tango [inf. tangere] (= to touch).

intelligence < middle english intelligence (= faculty of understanding, comprehension) < old french intelligence < latin intellegentia / intelligentia (= understanding, knowledge) < intelligens [gen. intelligentis], present participle of intelligo [inf. intelligere] (= understand) < inter (= between) + lego [inf. legere] (= choose, read).

inter < middle english inter (= bury) < enter < old french enterer < medieval latin interro [inf. interrare] (= put in the earth, bury) < latin in (= into) + terra (= earth).

interest < middle english interest (= legal right, concern, benefit) < old french interest (= damage, loss) < latin interest, third person of present tense of intersum [inf. interesse] (= be between, be of importance) < inter (= between) + sum [inf. esse] (= I am).

internal < middle english internal (= extending toward the interior) < medieval latin internalis < latin internus (= within, internal).

internet < inter-network [1984] < inter- (< latin inter (= between)) + network (< net + work).

interpret < middle english interpret < old french interpreter (= explain, translate) < latin interpretor [inf. interpretari] (= explain, expound) < interpres [gen. interpretis] (= agent, translator) < inter (= between) + (?) I.E. *per-₍₅₎ (= to traffic in, sell).

interrogate < middle english interrogate < latin interrogatus, past participle of interrogo [inf. interrogare] (= to ask, inquire) < inter (= between) + rogo [inf. rogare] (= to ask).

interrupt < middle english interrupt < latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpo [inf. interrumpere] (= break through, break off) < inter (= between) + rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break).

interval < middle english interval < old french intervalle (= interval, interim) < entreval < late latin intervallum (= a distance, an interval of time) < inter (= between) + vallum (= rampart, palisade, wall) (< vallus (= stake)).

interview < middle french entrevue < s’entrevoir (= to see each other) < entre- (< latin inter (= between)) + old french voir (= to see) (< latin video [inf. videre] (= see)).

introduce < middle english introduce (= bring into) < latin introduco [inf. introducere] (= to lead in) < intro (= inward) + duco [inf. ducere] (= to lead) < I.E. *deuk- (= to lead).

intrude < middle english intrude < latin intrudo [inf. intrudere] (= to force in) < in (= into) + trudo [inf. trudere] (= to thrust, push).

invade < middle english invade < latin invado [inf. invadere] (= go into, assault) < in (= into) + vado [inf. vadere] (= go, walk).

invention < middle english invencioun < old french invencion < latin inventio (= faculty of invention) < invenio [inf. invenire] (= come upon, invent, discover) < in (= into) + venio [inf. venire] (= come).

invert < middle french invertir < latin inverto [inf. invertere] (= upset, reverse, corrupt) < in (= into) + verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

invest < middle english invest (= clothe in) < latin investio [inf. investire] (= clothe in, cover) < in (= into) + vestio [inf. vestire] (= to dress).

investigate < latin investigatus, past participle of investigo [inf. investigare] (= trace out, search into, investigate) < in (= into) + vestigo [inf. vestigare] (= to track, trace) (< vestigium (= footprint, track)).

invictus < latin invictus (= unconquered, invincible) < in- (= not) + victus, past participle of vinco [inf. vincere] (= to conquer).

invincible < middle english invincible < old french invincible < latin invincibilis (= unconquerable) < in- (= not) + vincibilis (= conquerable) (< vinco [inf. vincere] (= to conquer)).

invitation < middle english invitation (= solicitation) < latin invitatio (= invitation, challenge) < invito [inf. invitare] (= invite, treat) < in (= into) + (?) I.E. *weie- (= pursue with vigor).

invoke < middle english invoke < old french envoquer / envochier / invoquer (= invoke, implore) < latin invoco [inf. invocare] (= call upon, implore) < in-(= upon) + voco [inf. vocare] (= to call).

involve < middle english involve (= envelop, surround) < old french involver < latin involvo [inf. involvere] (= roll into, envelop, surround) < in (= into) + volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).

iodine < french iode (= iodine) (< ancient greek ιοειδής | iooedhēs (= violet-colored) < ίον | ion (= the violet, dark blue flower) + είδος | oedhos (= form, likeness, resemblance)) + [suffix] -ine.

ion < ancient greek ιόν | ion, neuter present participle of είμι | oemi [inf. ιέναι | ienae] (= go) < I.E. *ei- (= go).

Iran < persian Iran < middle persian Ērān, genitive plural of Ēr- (= an Iranian) < old iranian *arya- (= Iranian) < indo-iranian *arya- (= (?) compatriot).

Iraq < (?) 1. arabic ‘araqa (= deeply rooted, well-watered) or 2. sumerian Uruk, an ancient town < uru (= city).

irate < latin iratus, past participle of irascor [inf. irasci] (= be angry) < ira (= anger, rage, passion).

Ireland < middle english Ireland < old english Iras (= inhabitant of Ireland) (< old norse irar < old irish Eriu (= Erin) < old celtic *Iveriu) + old english land / lond (= ground, soil, territory) (< proto-germanic *landja-).

Irene < french Irène < latin Irene < ancient greek Ειρήνη | Oerēnē (= peace).

iris < middle english iris < latin iris (= iris of the eye, iris plant, rainbow) < ancient greek ίρις | iris (= rainbow, iris of the eye, iris plant) < (?) I.E. *wei- (= to bend, twist).

Irish < middle english Irish < old english Iras (= inhabitant of Ireland) < old norse irar < old irish Eriu (= Erin) < old celtic *Iveriu.

Irma < german Erma < Ermendrud < ermen (= whole) + thrud (= strength).

iron < middle english iren / iron / yron < old english iren < isen < isern / isærn (= iron, iron weapon) < proto-germanic *isarn {> old norse isarn, middle dutch iser, german Eisen} < (?) celtic *isarnon < I.E. *is-(e)ro- (= powerful, holy) < I.E. *eis- (= strong).

irony < latin ironia < ancient greek ειρωνεία | oerōnoea (= dissimulation, assumed ignorance) < είρων | oerōn (= dissembler).

irrigate < latin irrigatus, past participle of inrigo [inf. irrigare] (= lead water to, refresh) < in (= into) + rigo [inf. rigare] (= to water, to moisten).

Irvin < Irvine / Irving (= green water).

Irwin < old english Eoforwine < eofor (= boar) + wine (= friend).

Isaac < late latin Isaac < ancient greek Ισαάκ | Isaak < hebrew Yitzhaq (= he laughs).

Isabel < provençal Isabel < late latin Elizabeth < ancient greek Ελισάβετ | Elisabhet < hebrew Elishebha (= God is abundant / God is an oath).

Isaiah < hebrew Yesha’yah(u) < yesh(u)a (= salvation) + Yah / Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God).

ISBN < International Standard Book Number [1969].

Islam < arabic islam (= submission [to God’s will]) < aslama (= he resigned, he submitted) < salima (= he was safe), related to salam (= peace).

island < middle english yland < old english i(e)gland (< ieg (= island) < proto-germanic *awjo (= thing on the water) < I.E. *akwa- (= water)) + old english land / lond (= ground, soil, territory) (< proto-germanic *landja-).

isle < middle english ile < old french ile < isle < latin insula (= island).

isolated < french isolé (= isolated) < italian isolato < latin insulatus (= made into an island) < insula (= island).

isotope < ancient greek ίσος | isos (= equal) + τόπος | topos (= place) [because the various forms of an element occupy the same place on the periodic table, although they have different atomic weights].

Israel < old english Israel < latin Israel < ancient greek Ισραήλ | Israēl < hebrew yisra’el (= he that striveth with God) < sara (= he fought, he contended) + El (= God).

issue < middle english issue (= an exit) < old french issue, female past participle of issir (= go out) < latin exeo [inf. exire] (= go out) < ex (= out) + eo [inf. ire] (= to go).

Istanbul < turkish Istanbul < medieval greek εις την Πόλιν | oes tēn Polin (= to the City [= Constantinou-polis]) < ancient greek εις | oes (= in, to) + την | tēn (= [female] the) + πόλιν | polin, accusative of πόλις | polis (= city).

it < old english hit < proto-germanic *khi- < I.E. *ko- (= this, here).

italic < latin italicus (= Italian) [because this type of printing first used in the edition of Virgil by printer Aldus Manutius in 1501 and dedicated to Italy] < Italia.

Italy < latin Italia < 1. old latin Vitalia (= land of cattles) < vitulus (= calf) or 2. illyrian source.

itch < middle english icchen < old english giccan (= to itch) < west germanic *jukkjan.

item < middle english item (= moreover, in addition) < latin item (= likewise, moreover).

iteration < middle english iteration (= a repeated saying or doing) < latin iteratio (= a repetition) < itero [inf. iterare] (= repeat) < iterum (= again).

Ivan < russian Ivan (= John) < ancient greek Ιωάννης | Iōannēs < hebrew Yohanan (= God is gracious) < Yah / Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God) + hanan (= he was gracious).

ivory < middle english ivory < anglo-french ivorie < old french ivurie < medieval latin eborium (= ivory) < latin eborium, neuter of eboreus (= of ivory) < ebur [gen. eboris] (= ivory) < african source.