put on etymology

Etymology

The word "put on" is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings. The etymology of the verb is as follows:

• put (verb): Middle English putten, from Old English pyttan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch potten, German putten
• on (preposition): Middle English on, from Old English on, of Germanic origin; related to German an, Dutch aan

Meaning

The meanings of the phrasal verb "put on" include:

• To place or attach (something) to one's body or to a part of one's body:
  • He put on his shoes.
  • She put on her glasses.
• To assume or adopt (a particular appearance, attitude, or behavior):
  • He put on a brave face.
  • She put on airs.
• To present or display (something):
  • The play put on a good show.
  • The concert put on a spectacular performance.
• To deceive or trick someone:
  • He put on a good act.
  • She put on false pretenses.

Origin

The earliest known use of the phrasal verb "put on" in the sense of "to place or attach something to one's body or to a part of one's body" dates back to the early 13th century. The other meanings developed over time, with the sense of "to assume or adopt a particular appearance, attitude, or behavior" emerging in the 14th century and the sense of "to present or display something" appearing in the 15th century.

put on relate terms

• parody

  Etymology Parodia Latin imitation or parody From parodē Greek parody satire

• lampoon

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• send up

  Etymology Prefix send from Old English sendan meaning to send dispatch Suffix up

• repose

  Etymology Old French reposer Late Latin reposāre Latin pausāre to pause to rest

• transpose

  Etymology The word transpose originates from the Late Latin term transponere which

• array

  Etymology The word array is derived from the Old French word arrai which means to

• charade

  Etymology From French charade from Late Latin carratum meaning a cartload of wood

• takeoff

  Etymology of Takeoff Takeoff is a compound word derived from two Old English words

• caper

  Etymology From Middle English capre from Old French capre fem capre masc bud