high etymology

Etymology

The word "high" derives from the Middle English word "hie," which traces its roots back to the Old English "hēah," meaning "lofty" or "exalted." The term has cognates in Old Norse, Old Frisian, and Old Saxon.

Meaning

"High" has several meanings, including:

  • Physical height: Taller than average; extending vertically upwards.
  • Elevated: Situated at a great elevation above sea level or the ground.
  • Superior: Exceeding others in quality, value, or rank.
  • Intense: Great in degree, amount, or force.
  • Intoxicated: Under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Excited: Experiencing a state of heightened emotion or energy.

Origin

The Indo-European root of "high" is heǵʰos, which meant "high" or "upwards." This root appears in various forms across Indo-European languages, such as:

  • Sanskrit: उच्चा (uccha)
  • Ancient Greek: υψηλός (hypsēlos)
  • Latin: altus
  • Old Irish: árd
  • Welsh: uchel

Usage

"High" is a versatile word with a wide range of applications. It can be used to describe physical characteristics, emotions, substances, or situations. For example:

  • A tall building towers high above the surrounding buildings.
  • The airplane flew high in the sky.
  • She has a high opinion of herself.
  • The intensity of the pain was unbearable.
  • He was high on marijuana.
  • She was in high spirits after winning the competition.

high relate terms

  • high handed

    Etymology The word highhanded is derived from the Middle English word heigh handed

  • high

    Etymology The word high derives from the Middle English word hie which traces its ro

  • heap

    Etymology The word heap has its origins in the following languages Old English he

  • height

    Etymology The word height comes from the Middle English word heighte which in turn

  • higher

    Etymology The word higher originates from the Old English term hēahra which means

  • haught

    Etymology The word haught is derived from the Middle English word haught which in tu

  • pontifical

    Etymology The word pontifical is derived from the Latin word pontifex which literall

  • junior

    Etymology The word junior comes from the Latin word iūnior which means younger

  • tide

    Etymology The word tide originates from the Old English word tid which means time

  • gear

    Etymology The word gear is derived from the Middle English word gere which ultimatel

  • rage

    Etymology The word rage comes from the Old French word rage which in turn comes from

  • elation

    Etymology of elation Late Middle English elacioun 15th century From Old French elac