playmate etymology

Etymology of "Playmate":

The word "playmate" is a combination of two Old English words:

  • "Play": From the Old English "plegan," meaning "to sport, frolic, or amuse oneself."
  • "Mate": From the Old English "gemata," meaning "comrade, companion, or partner."

Meaning and Origin:

A playmate is a person with whom one plays or associates with for enjoyment. The term typically refers to a child's companion, but it can also be used for adults who engage in recreational activities together.

The term "playmate" first appeared in the early 12th century, in reference to a child's companion. It was also used in the 14th century to describe a wife or a woman with whom a man had a casual relationship. In the 19th century, the term began to be used more narrowly to refer to a child's friend or companion for play.

In the 20th century, the term "playmate" gained a broader meaning, referring not only to children's companions but also to adults who engage in recreational activities together. This wider usage reflects the increasing importance of leisure activities in modern society.

Usage:

The word "playmate" is commonly used in everyday speech to describe a child's companion for play. It can also be used in a more general sense to refer to anyone with whom one enjoys spending time and engaging in recreational activities.

Examples:

  • "My daughter has a new playmate in her preschool class."
  • "My friends and I are going to a movie with our playmates."
  • "Our dogs are like playmates, they love to run and chase each other."

playmate relate terms

  • fere

    Etymology From Middle English feren from Old English feran from Proto Germanic feran

  • Fuhrer

    Etymology German Führer Meaning leader Origin The term Führer has its origi

  • mate

    Etymology The word mate has several possible etymologies From Spanish mate origin

  • meat

    Etymology The word meat comes from the Old English word mete which means food or

  • play

    Etymology The word play derives from the Middle English plaien which itself originat

  • plight

    Etymology Old French plite plight condition state Proto Germanic pliht duty

  • work

    Etymology The word work comes from the Old English word weorc which means to do t

  • card

    Etymology The word card derives from the Latin word charta which originally meant

  • field

    Etymology The word field derives from the Middle English word feld which itself is d

  • familiar

    Etymology Latin familiaris from familia meaning household Proto Indo European dʰh

  • comrade

    Etymology The word comrade derives from the Middle French word comrade which in turn

  • associate

    Etymology Definition The study of the origin and history of words Origin Greek et

  • fellow

    Etymology Fellow comes from Middle English felowe which in turn originated from Old

  • sand

    Etymology The word sand comes from the Old English word sand which is thought to be

  • Geronimo

    Etymology Geronimo is a name of Apache origin Meaning One who yawns Origin The nam

  • asthma

    Etymology of Asthma Greek asthma meaning panting shortness of breath Meaning o

  • sheepish

    Etymology The word sheepish derives from the Middle English word sheepisch which is

  • conflict

    Etymology The word conflict derives from the Latin word conflictus which means a st