attrition etymology

Etymology

The word "attrition" is derived from the Latin word "attritio," which means "rubbing together" or "grinding down." It is related to the verb "atterere," which means "to rub or wear away."

Meaning

Attrition refers to the gradual reduction in the size or quantity of something through repeated exposure to friction. In various contexts, it can have different specific meanings:

• Physical abrasion: The wearing away of a material due to rubbing against another surface.
• Emotional erosion: The gradual loss of interest, motivation, or commitment over time.
• In business and labor: The loss of employees due to resignation, retirement, or discharge.
• In religion: A term used to describe the process of gradually coming to repentance or belief.

Origin

The Latin word "attrition" was first used in English in the 14th century to describe the physical wear and tear of materials. Over time, it acquired additional meanings, including the emotional and religious senses.

In the context of attrition as a force that reduces something over time, the word is often used to describe a process that is slow, gradual, and often imperceptible. It can be applied to both physical and metaphorical concepts, such as the erosion of a coastline or the fading of a relationship.

attrition relate terms

• contrition

  Etymology and Meaning of Contrition Etymology Old French contricion contrit Latin c

• contrite

  Etymology Latin contritus past participle of conterere to rub together crush grind

• attrit

  Etymology Attrit derives from the Latin word attritus the past participle of the verb

• attrition

  Etymology The word attrition is derived from the Latin word attritio which means ru

• sorrow

  Etymology The word sorrow comes from the Old English word sorg which in turn derives

• decrease

  Etymology Middle English decressen from Old French decroistre from Late Latin decr

• regret

  Etymology Old French regretter Late Latin regretari meaning to murmur complain Po

• friction

  Etymology Middle English via Anglo Norman French from Late Latin fricātiō n from th

• repentance

  Etymology The word repentance comes from the Latin word poenitentia which itself or

• camera

  Etymology The word camera is derived from the Latin word camera meaning room or c

• diligent

  Etymology Latin diligens present participle of diligere to love to appreciate to f

• baptize

  Etymology Origin Greek βαπτίζω baptizō Meaning to dip plunge or immerse