gerund etymology

Etymology

The word "gerund" comes from the Latin word "gerundivum," which means "to be done." It is derived from the present participle of the verb "gerere," which means "to carry out" or "to do."

Meaning

A gerund is a verbal noun that functions as a noun but retains some of the properties of a verb. It is formed by adding "-ing" to the base form of a verb. Gerunds can be used as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

Origin

The gerund originated in the Latin language as a form of the present participle that could be used as a noun. It was first borrowed into English in the 14th century and has been used extensively ever since.

Examples

Here are some examples of gerunds being used in sentences:

  • Running is my favorite form of exercise. (subject)
  • I enjoy listening to music. (object)
  • The teacher assigned reading as homework. (complement)

gerund relate terms

  • gest

    Etymology The word gest derives from the Old French word geste meaning deed exp

  • jest

    Etymology Old English gest Proto Germanic gast Proto Indo European gʰosti

  • gerundive

    Etymology Gerundive Late Latin gerundivus from gerere to bear carry out Meaning

  • gerund

    Etymology The word gerund comes from the Latin word gerundivum which means to be do

  • scherzo

    Etymology The term scherzo comes from the Italian word scherzare which means to jok

  • innuendo

    Etymology Early 17th century from Italian innuendo indication or hinting from past

  • inkling

    Etymology Middle English enke ink from Old French encre ancre Old French ancre f

  • profile

    Etymology The word profile comes from the Italian word profilo which in turn is der

  • sojourn

    Etymology Old French sojornee Late Latin subdiurnatus Latin sub meaning und

  • busy

    Etymology Middle English busye from Anglo Norman French busye ultimately from Old Fr

  • money

    Etymology The word money comes from the Latin word moneta which was the name of the

  • counsel

    Etymology of Counsel The word counsel originates from the Old French word conseil

  • contemplation

    Etymology From Middle English contemplacioun from Old French contemplacion from Latin