rhythm etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: rithme
  • Latin: rhythmus
  • Greek: ῥυθμός (rhythmos)

Meaning:

Rhythm refers to the regularly repeating patterns of movement, sound, or stress in a sequence.

Origin:

The word "rhythm" comes from the Greek word ῥυθμός (rhythmos), which means "a measured motion, a rhythmical beat, a cadence." This term is derived from the verb ῥέω (rheo), meaning "to flow." In ancient Greek, ῥυθμός referred to the measured flow or movement of dancers or musicians, emphasizing the regular and orderly patterns in their performances.

The word was adopted into Latin as rhythmus, and then into Old French as rithme. From Old French, it was loaned into English in the 14th century.

Over time, the meaning of "rhythm" has evolved beyond its original association with dance and music. Today, it is used to describe any kind of repeating pattern, whether in nature, art, or language.

rhythm relate terms

  • rhyme

    Etymology The word rhyme comes from the Old French word rime which in turn derives

  • reason

    Etymology The word reason derives from the Old French word raison which in turn ori

  • arrhythmia

    Etymology Greek a not without rhythmos measure rhythm ia suffix indicating

  • rhythm

    Etymology Old French rithme Latin rhythmus Greek ῥυθμός rhythmos Meaning

  • eurythmic

    Etymology Greek eurythmos rhythmic harmonious euroys wide broad rhythmos

  • rhythmic

    Etymology The word rhythmic is derived from the Greek word rhythmos which means mea

  • cycle

    Etymology The word cycle is derived from the Ancient Greek word κύκλος kyklos

  • rock

    Etymology The word rock originates from the Old English word rocc which meant a la

  • ride

    Etymology The word ride comes from the Old English word rīdan which means to go on

  • arise

    Etymology Old English arīsan ārīsan Proto Germanic uzrīsanan Proto Indo European

  • downbeat

    Etymology The word downbeat is composed of two parts Down adjective Moving or

  • abet

    Etymology Abet Middle English from Old French abeter from abeter infinitive of abet

  • beat

    Etymology The word beat has several origins Old English béatan to strike hit