down etymology

Etymology

The word "down" has origins in several Germanic languages:

• Old English: "dun"
• Old Saxon: "dun"
• Old High German: "dūn"

Meaning

• As a noun:
  • Fine, soft feathers of waterfowl or other birds, used for filling pillows, etc.
  • A soft, fluffy layer on surfaces, such as plants or fabrics.
• As a preposition or adverb:
  • In a downward direction.
  • To a lower level or position.
  • In or on a river or other body of water.
• As a verb:
  • To move or cause to move downward.
  • To defeat or overcome.

Origin

The Germanic word "dun" originally meant "brown" or "dark." It is related to the Proto-Indo-European word "*dʰews-," which also meant "dark" or "gray."

The word "down" in the sense of "feathers" likely originated because of the soft, fluffy quality of down feathers, which are often brown or gray in color. Over time, the word came to be used for other soft, fluffy substances as well.

The preposition and adverbial sense of "down" developed from the literal meaning of "downward direction." It is often used to indicate movement or position in relation to something else, such as "downstairs" or "down the river."

As a verb, "down" originally meant to "cause to fall" or "knock down." This sense developed from the physical act of knocking someone or something down. Over time, the word came to be used more figuratively, such as to "down" an opponent in a competition or to "down" a drink.

down relate terms

• dune

  Etymology The word dune is derived from Old English dūn pre Saxon Proto Germani

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• adown

  Etymology Old English ādūne adv Proto Germanic anduz down Meaning Adown

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• breakdown

  Etymology Break verb Originated from the Old English word brecan meaning to br

• crackdown

  Etymology The word crackdown is derived from the following sources Crack Originall

• downbeat

  Etymology The word downbeat is composed of two parts Down adjective Moving or

• recumbent

  Etymology The word recumbent comes from the Latin word recumbere which means to li

• valance

  Etymology The word valance comes from the Old French word valance which itself deri

• depress

  Etymology The word depress originates from the Latin verb deprimere which means to

• deject

  Etymology Deject comes from the Latin word dēicere meaning to cast down to throw

• civilize

  Etymology Middle English civiles from Latin civilis pertaining to a citizen from c

• play

  Etymology The word play derives from the Middle English plaien which itself originat

• devour

  Etymology Old French devourer Latin dēvorāre PIE gʷer to swallow devour Me