clue etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "clūwe," meaning "a ball of yarn"
  • Middle English "clew," meaning "a ball of thread"
  • Ultimately from Proto-Germanic "klūþō," meaning "a lump"

Meaning:

A clue is a piece of information or evidence that helps to solve a problem, mystery, or puzzle. It is typically something that points the way or provides a direction to follow.

Origin:

The word "clue" originally referred to a ball of yarn or thread. In this context, a clue was used as a guide to find one's way through a maze or labyrinth. The metaphor of a thread or ball of yarn leading one out of a difficult situation has been applied to other contexts, leading to the modern meaning of "clue" as a piece of information that helps to solve a problem.

clue relate terms

  • clew

    Etymology The word clew comes from the Middle English word clewe which in turn deri

  • clay

    Etymology The word clay comes from the Old English word clæg pronounced like cleg

  • clue

    Etymology Old English clūwe meaning a ball of yarn Middle English clew meaning

  • clueless

    Etymology The term clueless is derived from the Middle English word clow meaning to

  • clue

    Etymology Old English clūwe meaning a ball of yarn Middle English clew meaning

  • hint

    Etymology Old English hynt Middle English hent Meaning A suggestion or clue that

  • Elohim

    Etymology Hebrew אֱלֹהִים Elohim Meaning God plural form Gods plural

  • emphasis

    Etymology The word emphasis comes from the Greek word ἐμφάσις emphasis which

  • lead

    Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

  • mark

    Etymology The name Mark is derived from the Proto Indo European root merk meaning

  • roll

    Etymology The Old English word rollen meant to roll or turn over It is derived from

  • sign

    Etymology The word sign comes from the Latin word signum which means mark token o