downhill etymology

Etymology

The word "downhill" originated from Middle English "dounhil," which itself came from Old English "dúnhil," meaning "hill down which something descends." It is composed of the following elements:

• "dún" (Old English): hill, down
• "hyll" (Old English): hill

Meaning

"Downhill" has two primary meanings:

1. Sloping downward: A downward slope or incline.
2. Deteriorating or declining: A situation or condition that is becoming worse or less favorable over time.

Origin

The term "downhill" was first used in the context of a geographical slope or inclination. It originated from the concept of a hill that descends or goes down. Over time, the word's usage expanded to include the figurative sense of a situation or condition that is deteriorating or declining. This extended usage is often associated with negative connotations, as it implies a gradual or steady decline in quality or status.

Examples

• Geographical: "The road took a steep downhill turn, making it difficult to drive."
• Figurative: "His health has been going downhill ever since his accident."
• Sports: "The skier navigated the downhill course with great skill."

downhill relate terms

• down

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

• down

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

• hill

  Etymology Hill is derived from Old English hyll or hill which is cognate with Old Sa

• skid

  Etymology Skid originates from the Old English word scīdan meaning to cut divide or

• coast

  Etymology The word coast is derived from the Old French word coste meaning rib

• fall

  Etymology Middle English fallen Old English feallan Proto Germanic fallaną Meani

• descent

  Etymology The word descent comes from the Old French word descendre which in turn d

• decline

  Etymology The word decline originates from the Old French word decliner which in tur

• declination

  Etymology The word declination derives from the Latin declinare meaning to bend down t

• declension

  Etymology Latin declinātiōn noun a bending an inclining from declīnāre to b

• disappoint

  Etymology Middle English disapoynten from Old French despointer desappointer Old Fr

• machine

  Etymology of Machine The word machine originates from the Greek term mekhane which

• boggle

  Etymology The word boggle has two etymological origins Origin 1 From the Middle En