deadline etymology

Etymology

deadline (n.) early 1900s, originally in journalism, from dead (adj.) + line (n.). The term may be from earlier press usage for the literal "deadline" between two newspapers' rival offices; or perhaps from a literal "dead line" on a racetrack where horses that failed to reach it would be disqualified.

Meaning and Origin

A deadline is a point in time by which a task or project must be completed. The term is often used in a sense of urgency, as in "the deadline is approaching" or "we must meet the deadline."

The word deadline was first used in the early 1900s, in the context of journalism. At the time, it referred to the literal line that separated the type set by two rival newspapers. If a newspaper article ran past this line, it would be cut off and not printed.

The term deadline has since been extended to refer to any point in time by which a task or project must be completed. It is often used in a sense of urgency, as in "the deadline is approaching" or "we must meet the deadline."

The word deadline is a reminder of the importance of time management. When we have a deadline, we must focus our efforts on completing the task or project on time. It can also be a source of stress, as we may feel pressure to complete the task or project to the best of our ability.

However, meeting a deadline can also be a source of satisfaction. When we complete a task or project on time, we can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

deadline relate terms

  • dead

    Etymology Old English dead Proto Germanic dauðaz Proto Indo European dʰew Mea

  • line

    Etymology The word line originates from the Old French word ligne which in turn deri

  • linen

    Etymology Old English lin en noun linen adjective Proto Germanic linam nou

  • queue

    Etymology Middle English quewe from Old English cweu cwa Germanic kwezō Proto In

  • lines

    Etymology Old English lin Proto Germanic linijaz Proto Indo European linam Me

  • journalism

    Etymology The word journalism comes from the Middle French word journalisme which i

  • pinot

    Etymology The etymology of the word pinot is uncertain but there are several theories

  • point

    Etymology The word point comes from the Latin word punctum which means a prick a d

  • curfew

    Etymology Middle English curfeu from Anglo Norman French cuvrefeu from Medieval Lati

  • hail

    Etymology The word hail comes from the Proto Germanic root hagul meaning hailstone

  • ghetto

    Etymology The term ghetto etymology is derived from two words Ghetto A segregated

  • comprehensive

    Etymology Comprehensive is derived from the Latin phrase comprehendere which means

  • glitch

    Etymology Originally a sudden involuntary movement of a muscle or group of muscles

  • zilch

    Etymology and Origin The word zilch originated in the German language where it was fir

  • staple

    Etymology The word staple derives from the Old English word stapol which means a po