fanatic etymology

Etymology:

  • Late Middle English: from Latin fanaticus, from Greek phanatikos, from phanai ('to show') + -tikos (-'ic').

Meaning and Origin:

The word "fanatic" has undergone a shift in meaning over time. Originally, it referred to those who made inspired prophecies or claimed to be divinely inspired. The word is related to the Greek word "phanai," which means "to show" or "to appear." Thus, a fanatic was someone who exhibited divine revelation or enthusiasm.

In the 17th century, the meaning of "fanatic" began to shift to a more negative connotation. It came to be used primarily to describe religious zealots or those who held extreme or irrational beliefs. This sense of the word has persisted to the present day.

Today, "fanatic" refers to someone who is excessively or unreasonably zealous about something, particularly a cause or belief. It can also refer to someone who is greatly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity. In modern usage, the word often has a negative connotation, implying a lack of reason or judgment.

fanatic relate terms

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  • fanatic

    Etymology Late Middle English from Latin fanaticus from Greek phanatikos from phanai

  • fancy

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  • fanaticism

    Etymology The word fanaticism comes from the Latin word fanaticus which means fren

  • fiend

    Etymology The word fiend is ultimately derived from the Proto Germanic root fainijaz

  • braid

    Etymology Middle English brade from Old English bregdan to twist weave Germanic

  • partizan

    Etymology Late Latin partisanus from Latin pars meaning part side Meaning A s

  • partisan

    Etymology The word partisan comes from the French word partisan which in turn comes

  • theater

    Etymology The word theater originates from the Greek word theatron which is compose

  • handsome

    Etymology The word handsome originated in the 13th century from the Middle English wor

  • obstreperous

    Etymology The word obstreperous comes from the Latin word obstreperus meaning noi

  • problem

    Etymology Greek πρόβλημα problema obstacle question Latin problema di

  • hyperbole

    Etymology The word hyperbole comes from the Greek word hyperbolē which means overt