cradle etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "cradel"
  • Proto-Germanic "kradu"
  • Proto-Indo-European "kar-" (to swing, turn)

Meaning:

  • A bed or container for a baby or young child

Origin:

The origin of the word "cradle" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "kar-," which means "to swing or turn." This root is also found in other words related to rocking or swinging, such as "creak" and "crank."

In the Proto-Germanic period, the root "kradu" gave rise to the word "cradel," which originally referred to a type of cradle that was suspended from the ceiling and swung back and forth. Over time, the word "cradle" came to be used more broadly to refer to any type of bed or container for a baby or young child.

The word "cradle" has been used in English since the 12th century. In addition to its primary meaning, it has also taken on a figurative meaning, referring to the birthplace or origin of something. For example, the "cradle of civilization" is the region where civilization first developed.

cradle relate terms

  • cart

    Etymology The word cart comes from the Middle English word carte which ultimately d

  • cradle

    Etymology Old English cradel Proto Germanic kradu Proto Indo European kar to sw

  • tumbrel

    Etymology French tombereau meaning dung cart From Vulgar Latin trubulus meaning dra

  • rocker

    Etymology The word rocker has its origins in the late 16th century where it was primar

  • provenance

    Etymology Latin proveniens stem of provenire meaning coming from Meaning Prov

  • rock

    Etymology The word rock originates from the Old English word rocc which meant a la

  • incunabula

    Etymology Latin incunabula plural meaning cradles Meaning In book history

  • telegram

    Etymology The word telegram is derived from the Greek words tele τῆλε meani

  • course

    Etymology The word course comes from the Old French word curs which means a running

  • source

    Etymology The word source derives from the Old French word source which in turn come

  • trough

    Etymology The word trough is derived from the Middle English word trogh which in tur