preen etymology

Etymology of "Preen":

The word "preen" comes from the Old English word "preonian," which means "to clean or dress oneself." It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "*prewonjaną," which has a similar meaning.

Meaning of "Preen":

To preen means:

• To clean or groom oneself with great care
• To make oneself look neat and attractive
• To smooth one's feathers (in the case of birds)

Origin of "Preen":

The origin of the word "preen" likely lies in the behavior of birds. Birds preen themselves by using their beaks to smooth and clean their feathers. This behavior helps them maintain their feathers in good condition, which is essential for flight and insulation.

Over time, the word "preen" came to be used metaphorically to describe the act of grooming or tidying oneself in a meticulous or excessive manner. It can also be used to refer to the act of trying to improve one's appearance or reputation.

Examples of Usage:

• The bird preened its feathers meticulously before taking flight.
• She spent hours preening her hair and makeup before the ball.
• The politician was constantly preening his image in the media.

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