headlong etymology

Etymology:

The word "headlong" is derived from two Old English words:

• "heafod" (meaning "head")
• "long" (meaning "forward")

Meaning:

Headlong means:

• Rushingly or impetuously, without forethought or caution
• With the head foremost
• Precipitously or recklessly

Origin:

The term "headlong" first appeared in the late 14th century, originally as an adverb meaning "with the head forward." By the 16th century, it had acquired its current adverbial and adjectival meanings.

The word's etymology reflects its literal meaning: a person or thing that is "headlong" is moving forward with their head first, without regard for caution. The absence of any modifiers, such as "down" or "up," indicates that the motion is simply forward, without specifying a particular direction.

Usage:

Headlong is commonly used in various contexts, including:

• Describing hasty or impulsive actions: "He rushed headlong into the fray."
• Depicting reckless or careless behavior: "The driver drove headlong into the oncoming traffic."
• Referring to a rapid descent or plunge: "The hiker tripped and fell headlong down the mountain."

headlong relate terms

• head

  Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

• sidelong

  Etymology The word sidelong is derived from the Old English word sidelinges which me

• sidle

  Etymology and Origin The word sidle comes from the Middle English word sidlen which

• long

  Etymology The word long comes from the Proto Indo European root leng meaning to stre

• darkling

  Etymology The word darkling is derived from the Old English word deorcung meaning h

• grovel

  Etymology The word grovel comes from the Middle English word grovelen which itself i

• sidle

  Etymology and Origin The word sidle comes from the Middle English word sidlen which

• precipitate

  Etymology Late Latin praecipitat praecipitatus past participle of praecipitare to h

• precipice

  Etymology The word precipice is derived from the Latin word praecipitium which means

• precipitation

  Etymology precipitare Latin to fall rush down prae Latin prefix before down

• precipitant

  Etymology The word precipitant originates from the Latin verb praecipitare meaning

• hasty

  Etymology Late Middle English from Middle English haste hastif from Anglo Norman Fre

• evil

  Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d