slender etymology

Etymology:

The word "slender" is derived from the Old English word "slender," which in turn may have come from the Proto-Germanic root "*slindaz," meaning "smooth" or "graceful."

Meaning:

The word "slender" has two primary meanings:

  • Thin or narrow in diameter: Describing something that is not wide or thick.
  • Graceful and slim: Describing someone or something that is attractive and elegant.

Origin:

The word "slender" is thought to have originated in the early medieval period in England. It was first recorded in written form around the 13th century. The word gradually evolved over time, gaining its current meanings by the 16th century.

Historical Usage:

In the 16th and 17th centuries, "slender" was often used to describe people, particularly women, who were considered to be attractive. It was also used to describe objects that were elegant or delicate.

Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include its current sense of thinness or narrowness. In the 19th century, "slender" was commonly used in fashion and design to describe garments and accessories that were made of lightweight materials.

Cultural Significance:

The word "slender" has cultural significance in some societies. In certain cultures, a slender figure is associated with beauty and grace, while in others, it may be seen as a sign of weakness or poverty.

In modern Western culture, the emphasis on thinness and slenderness has led to various beauty standards and body image issues. While a slender figure may be considered attractive by some, it is important to remember that health and well-being should take precedence over societal beauty norms.

slender relate terms

  • slenderize

    Etymology The term slenderize is derived from the French word slendre which means

  • slender

    Etymology The word slender is derived from the Old English word slender which in tu

  • banting

    Etymology The term banting is derived from the name of William Banting 1796 1878 a

  • slight

    Etymology The word slight comes from the Old English word sliht which means simple

  • slim

    Etymology The word slim is derived from the following Proto Germanic roots slim

  • svelte

    Etymology Late Latin sveltus meaning graceful slender Old Norse sverta meaning to

  • gracile

    Etymology The word gracile comes from the Latin word gracilis which means slender

  • rangy

    Etymology Middle English rangy of great dimensions or extent Origin Medieval Latin

  • slinky

    Etymology The word slinky is a portmanteau of the words spiral and linky It was fi

  • daddy

    Etymology The word daddy is derived from the Middle English word dadi which in turn

  • supple

    Etymology Late Latin supplis noun and supplere verb Meaning to fill up to sup

  • lithe

    Etymology Old English liðe gentle mild soft Meaning Graceful and flexible in

  • thin

    Etymology The word thin is derived from the Old English word þynne which is itself