compensatory etymology

Meaning:

Compensatory etymology is a type of folk etymology in which a word or phrase is given a new etymology that aligns better with its current meaning or form. It is often used to make a word appear more logical, respectable, or virtuous.

Origin:

The term "compensatory etymology" was coined by the linguist Otto Jespersen in the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin word "compensatio," meaning "compensation" or "substitute."

Process:

Compensatory etymologies can arise through a variety of mechanisms, including:

• False cognates: People may mistakenly associate a word with a similar-sounding word in another language, leading to a new etymology.
• Popular etymology: People may reinterpret a word's meaning or form based on their own knowledge or assumptions.
• Folkloric or religious beliefs: Cultural narratives can influence the creation of new etymologies that align with those beliefs.

Examples:

• Knight: Originally derived from Old English "cniht," meaning "servant" or "boy." Later, a compensatory etymology connected it to Old High German "knecht," meaning "warrior," giving it a more heroic connotation.
• Champagne: Originally a wine from the Champagne region of France. A popular etymology claims it is derived from the Latin phrase "campa mania," meaning "open fields," which refers to the region's flat vineyards.
• Hindu: Originally derived from the Persian word "hindu," meaning "river." A compensatory etymology later connected it to the Sanskrit word "sindhu," meaning "ocean," giving it a more majestic connotation.

Importance:

Compensatory etymologies play a role in the evolution of language by providing new meanings and associations for words. They can also shed light on cultural values and beliefs, as well as the ways in which people interact with language.

compensatory relate terms

• compensate

  Etymology Middle English compensaten from Latin compensare to weigh out together bal

• yield

  Etymology Old English ġieldan meaning to pay render submit surrender Meaning

• society

  Etymology The word society comes from the Latin word societas which means associat

• tragedy

  Etymology The word tragedy comes from the Ancient Greek word τραγωδία trago

• Rubicon

  Etymology The word Rubicon is derived from the Latin phrase rubico flumine which mea

• patent

  Etymology The word patent originates from the Latin term patens meaning open or exp

• stoop

  Etymology The word stoop has Old English origins deriving ultimately from the Proto Ge

• please

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words and their meaning

• praise

  Etymology of Praise Origin Old French preisier 12th century Relation to Other Lan

• Zeus

  Etymology Derived from the Proto Indo European root Dyeus meaning sky father or sh