erect etymology

Etymology

• Latin: erectus - "upright, raised"
• Proto-Indo-European: reg-/rek- - "to stretch out"

Meaning

Verb:

• To raise something upright or into a vertical position
• To set up or establish something
• To cause to stand upright or erect

Adjective:

• Standing upright or erect
• Perpendicular to the ground
• Raised or extended upwards

Origin

The word "erect" comes from the Latin word erectus, meaning "upright, raised." This Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root reg-/rek-, which means "to stretch out." The same root has given rise to other words in English, such as "rectify," "rectangular," and "stretch."

The word "erect" has been used in English since the 14th century. In the early days of its use, it was primarily used to refer to the physical act of raising something upright. However, over time, it has come to be used in a more figurative sense, such as when we speak of "erecting a building" or "erecting a statue."

erect relate terms

• alert

  Etymology The word alert comes from the Latin word alterāre which means to alter

• erect

  Etymology Latin erectus upright raised Proto Indo European reg rek to stretc

• erect

  Etymology Latin erectus upright raised Proto Indo European reg rek to stretc