metaphoric etymology

Etymological Roots

The term "metaphoric etymology" is derived from the Greek words:

• "metapherein": meaning "to transfer"
• "etymon": meaning "true sense"

Meaning and Origin

Metaphoric etymology is a linguistic phenomenon that assigns a figurative or symbolic meaning to a word based on its historical or perceived origin. It involves transferring the meaning of one word or concept to another based on a perceived connection or similarity.

Process

Metaphoric etymology typically occurs when:

1. A word has multiple potential origins or etymologies.
2. One or more of these origins suggests a figurative or symbolic connection.
3. The perceived connection becomes the dominant or accepted meaning of the word.

Examples

• Serendipity: Originally derived from the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip," where the princes had a knack for making lucky discoveries. The word has come to mean "the ability to find fortunate or unexpected occurrences."
• Cupboard: Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "cupborde," which literally meant "board for cups." Over time, the term expanded to refer to any piece of furniture used for storage.
• Nightmare: Originally derived from the Old English word "mare," meaning "female demon." The belief was that nightmares were caused by a demon sitting on a sleeping person's chest.

Significance

Metaphoric etymology:

• Adds depth and nuance to language by revealing hidden meanings and connections.
• Can provide insights into the cultural and historical context of words.
• Shapes the way words are used and understood in different languages.

metaphoric relate terms

• metaphor

  Etymology The word metaphor comes from the Greek word μεταφορά metaphorá whi

• meta

  Etymology The word meta is derived from the Ancient Greek prefix μετα meta

• stonewall

  Etymology The term Stonewall has its origins in the name of Thomas Stonewall Jackson

• anthology

  Etymology Anthology derives from the Greek word anthología which is a compound noun

• thrill

  Etymology The word thrill is derived from the Old English word þrillan which means

• Singapore

  Etymology and Meaning The name Singapore comes from the Malay language and has two par

• flourish

  Etymology The word flourish comes from the Old French word floriss flourish bloom

• insular

  Etymology Latin insula island Proto Indo European s ey to tie Meaning and

• stifle

  Etymology Old English stefelan Proto Germanic stuflijaną Proto Indo European

• pluck

  Etymology Middle English plukken from Old English pluccian probably from a Proto Ge

• reprobate

  Etymology From Middle English reprouable c 1400 from Anglo Norman French reprouvabl

• akimbo

  Etymology From the Kongo Bantu language word nkumbu meaning one that is bent M