full fledged etymology

Etymology

"Full-fledged" is an adjective composed of three elements:

  • "Full": Middle English from Old English ful, from Proto-Germanic *fullaz ("full")
  • "-fledged": Middle English from Old English gefleoged, past participle of fleogan ("to fly")

Meaning

"Full-fledged" means having attained the full development, size, or maturity of an adult or having all the necessary qualifications or attributes for a particular role or position.

Origin

The term "full-fledged" likely originated as a metaphorical extension of the literal meaning of "fledged." In ornithology, a "fledged" bird has developed fully developed feathers and is capable of flying independently. By analogy, "full-fledged" came to be used to describe individuals or things that have reached their full development or capability.

The first recorded use of "full-fledged" in this figurative sense is from the early 1800s. It quickly became a popular expression, appearing in literature, journalism, and other forms of writing.

Usage

"Full-fledged" is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Describing individuals who have reached maturity or achieved a high level of skill or experience
  • Referring to organizations or institutions that have a complete range of services or functions
  • Characterizing ideas or concepts that have been fully developed and articulated

Examples

  • "The company is now a full-fledged multinational corporation."
  • "She was a full-fledged member of the team and contributed valuable insights."
  • "The article presented a full-fledged argument for the need for educational reform."

full fledged relate terms

  • fledged

    Etymology Middle English fledged from Old English fleogan to fly Proto Germanic f

  • fledge

    Etymology The word fledge comes from the Old English word flēogan which means to f

  • full

    Etymology Sanskrit pratipaksha prati against paksha side Meaning Opponen

  • aftermath

    Etymology of Aftermath The word aftermath originates from Middle English c 1425 s

  • plenipotentiary

    Etymology Latin plēnus full potēns powerful Meaning Having full autho

  • saturate

    Etymology Latin satur adj compare to saturare v to fill to satisfy Proto Indo

  • supply

    Etymology Middle English supplien from Old French suplir supllier from Latin supp

  • frightful

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

  • chuck

    Etymology From a diminutive form of Charles originally a Germanic name meaning free m

  • replete

    Etymology The word replete comes from the Latin word repletus which is the past part

  • Nice

    Etymology The word nice is derived from the Old French word nice which itself comes

  • costume

    Etymology From Old French costume from Late Latin consuetudo meaning custom usage

  • giddy up

    Etymology The phrase giddy up originated in the mid 16th century It is a corruption of