fearful etymology

Etymology

The word "fearful" comes from the Old English word "færfull," which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "fairhwaz." The Proto-Germanic word meant "dangerous," "terrible," or "awesome." The word "fear" is also derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fairhwaz."

Meaning

The word "fearful" means:

  • Full of fear or dread
  • Causing fear or dread
  • Impressive or awe-inspiring

Origin

The word "fearful" first appeared in the English language in the 12th century. It was originally used to describe something that was dangerous or terrible. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include something that was causing fear or dread. The word is now also used to describe something that is impressive or awe-inspiring.

Examples

  • The fearful storm raged for hours.
  • The fearful sight of the car accident made me shudder.
  • The fearful beauty of the mountains took my breath away.

fearful relate terms

  • fear

    Etymology Fear derives from the Middle English word fere meaning sudden fright or

  • full

    Etymology Sanskrit pratipaksha prati against paksha side Meaning Opponen

  • dire

    Dire Etymology Middle English from Old French dire from the Latin dicere to say to

  • dread

    Etymology Old English drædan to fear to be afraid Proto Germanic drad to fear

  • timorous

    Etymology Latin timōrus fearful timid Proto Indo European tim to fear M

  • frightful

    Etymology The word frightful comes from the Old English word frihtlic meaning full

  • eerie

    Etymology The word eerie is derived from the Middle English word eri which means fe

  • meticulous

    Etymology Origin of the Word The word meticulous originates from the Latin word met

  • schadenfreude

    Etymology German from Middle High German schadenfröude from Middle High German schad

  • adder

    Etymology Old English æddre from Proto Germanic addri from Proto Indo European h₂

  • ride

    Etymology The word ride comes from the Old English word rīdan which means to go on

  • brave

    Etymology The word brave derives from the Old French word brave which means handsom