impetus etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: impetus ("attack, onset, assault")
  • Proto-Indo-European: *h₂ep- ("to succeed, to attain")

Meaning:

  • A sudden, powerful force or emotion that urges someone to do something
  • The initial momentum or driving force behind an action
  • A strong motivation or incentive

Origin:

The word "impetus" entered the English language from Latin in the 16th century. Its etymology traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root h₂ep-, which referred to achieving or attaining something. In Latin, *impetus specifically came to mean an assault or attack, implying a forceful effort towards a goal.

Over time, the word's meaning evolved to include a more general sense of a strong urge or motivation. It is often used in contexts where someone is driven to take action by an internal or external force.

impetus relate terms

  • impeach

    Etymology The word impeach originates from Old French empeechier and dates back to th

  • impetus

    Etymology Latin impetus attack onset assault Proto Indo European h₂ep to

  • impetigo

    Etymology Latin impetigo Greek ἔμπηγμα empēgma an eruption on the skin

  • impetus

    Etymology Latin impetus attack onset assault Proto Indo European h₂ep to

  • drift

    Etymology The word drift comes from the Middle English word drifen which means to

  • impulse

    Etymology The word impulse comes from the Latin word impulsus which means a drivin

  • whip

    Etymology of Whip The word whip originates from the Old English word hweopan which m

  • local

    Local Etymology Local etymology refers to the origins and evolution of words within a spe

  • coast

    Etymology The word coast is derived from the Old French word coste meaning rib

  • force

    Etymology The word force originates from the Latin word fortis which means strong

  • drive

    Etymology The word drive has its roots in Old English deriving from the verb drīfan

  • discreet

    Etymology of Discreet The word discreet originates from the Latin word discretus

  • subsequent

    Etymology Latin subsequens meaning following or coming after From the prefix s