obey etymology

Etymology

  • Old French: obéir
  • Latin: obedire
  • Ob- (meaning "towards") + audire (meaning "to hear")

Meaning

Obey means to comply with the commands or requests of someone in authority or superior. It implies a sense of submission or deference to the person or authority giving the command.

Origin

The word "obey" ultimately derives from the Latin word "obaudire," which means "to listen attentively" or "to give ear to." This suggests that the original meaning of obey was to pay attention to and follow the instructions of someone in authority.

Over time, the meaning of obey has evolved to encompass a broader sense of compliance and submission. It is now used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Following laws or regulations: Obey the speed limit.
  • Complying with orders: Obey your commanding officer.
  • Showing respect or deference: Obey your parents.
  • Yielding to a higher power: Obey the laws of nature.

obey relate terms

  • disobedience

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense lack of obedience from Old French d

  • obey

    Etymology Old French obéir Latin obedire Ob meaning towards audire meaning t

  • disobedient

    Etymology The word disobedient is derived from the Middle English word disobedient w

  • obey

    Etymology Old French obéir Latin obedire Ob meaning towards audire meaning t

  • disobey

    Etymology of Disobey Middle English desobeien Old French desobéir Latin disobedir

  • obedience

    Etymology The word obedience comes from the Latin word obsequium which means a lis

  • obeisance

    Etymology Medieval Latin ōbēdientia obedience Latin ōbediō obey Old French ob

  • transparent

    Etymology Transparent comes from the Latin word transpārēns which is a present ac

  • recusant

    Etymology Meaning and Origin of Recusant Etymology The word recusant originates fr

  • appear

    Etymology The word appear comes from the Latin verb apparere meaning to become visi

  • follow

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It looks at how words have

  • mind

    Etymology Middle English minde from Old English mynd memory recollection remembran

  • listen

    Etymology The word listen comes from the Middle English word listnen which in turn c

  • tinsel

    Etymology The word tinsel derives from the Old French word estincelle meaning spar