fine etymology

Etymology:

The word "fine" comes from the Latin word "finis," meaning "boundary" or "end." It entered the English language in the 13th century through the Old French word "fin."

Meaning:

"Fine" has multiple meanings, including:

  • Excellent or satisfactory in quality: "The painting was of fine workmanship."
  • Thin or delicate: "Her hair was fine and silky."
  • Sharp or keen: "He had a fine sense of hearing."
  • Highly refined: "He had fine manners."
  • Small or slight: "He made some fine adjustments to the engine."
  • A monetary penalty: "He was fined for speeding."

Origin:

The concept of "boundary" or "end" is the original meaning of "finis" in Latin. As the word evolved through French and into English, it gradually acquired the additional meanings related to quality, delicacy, sharpness, and refinement.

The monetary usage of "fine" originated in medieval England, where it referred to a payment made to settle a dispute or compensate for a wrong. This meaning has continued to the present day, where "fines" are typically imposed for violations of laws or regulations.

fine relate terms

  • finish

    Etymology Etymology is derived from Greek words etymon true meaning and logos st

  • finance

    Etymology of Finance The word finance originates from the Old French word finer m

  • fine

    Etymology The word fine comes from the Latin word finis meaning boundary or end

  • finicky

    Etymology Origin Late Middle English adjective perhaps ultimately from Frankish fini

  • pretty

    Etymology Old English prættig Middle English prettie Meaning Physically attra

  • refine

    Etymology Origin Old French raffiner derived from the Late Latin raffinare meaning

  • mulct

    Etymology and Meaning of Mulct Origin The word mulct comes from the Latin word mu

  • belles lettres

    Etymology The word belles lettres comes from the French belles lettres meaning beau

  • simnel

    Etymology Middle English symenel from Old French cymenel simenel likely from Med

  • amerce

    Etymology Middle English amercien from Anglo Norman French amercier from Old French

  • aplenty

    Etymology The word aplenty is derived from the Old English phrase in plente which me

  • penalty

    Etymology The word penalty is derived from the Late Latin term poena which means p