shallow etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English sceald (shallow)
  • Proto-Germanic skeldwaz (shallow)
  • Proto-Indo-European *skel- (to cut, split)

Meaning:

  • Not deep; extending a short distance from the surface.

Origin:

The word "shallow" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *skel-, which means "to cut" or "split." This root is also the source of other English words such as "scald" and "shell."

In Old English, the word "sceald" was used to describe water that was not deep enough to cover the feet. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include other things that were not deep, such as soil, knowledge, or emotions.

Today, the word "shallow" is often used to describe something that is superficial or lacking in depth. For example, a shallow person may be someone who is only interested in appearances, while a shallow argument may be one that is based on weak evidence.

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