great aunt etymology

Etymology:

The term "great aunt" is derived from a combination of the following words:

  • Great: From the Old English word "grēat," meaning "large" or "important."
  • Aunt: From the Latin word "amita," meaning "paternal aunt."

Meaning:

A great aunt is a female relative who is:

  • Related to you through your parents
  • Two generations older than you
  • The sister of one of your grandparents

Origin:

The usage of the term "great aunt" first appeared in the 17th century to distinguish between different generations of aunts. Prior to that, all aunts were simply referred to as "aunts."

In some cultures, the term "great aunt" is used to refer to a female relative who is three or more generations older than you, while the term "grandaunt" or "grand-aunt" is used to refer to a female relative who is two generations older than you. However, in the English language, the term "great aunt" is typically used for both relationships.

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