soothe etymology

Etymology

  • Old English: suðian (to quiet, to lull to sleep)
  • Proto-Germanic: suthjanan
  • Proto-Indo-European: *swéh₂- (to make sound)

Meaning

  • To reduce pain, discomfort, or distress
  • To calm or pacify
  • To relieve or ease
  • To make more bearable or less painful

Origin

The word "soothe" is derived from the Old English verb suðian, which means "to quiet" or "to lull to sleep." This verb is related to the Proto-Germanic root suthjanan, which also means "to quiet" or "to soothe." The Proto-Germanic root is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *swéh₂-, which means "to make sound." This root is also the origin of words such as "sweet," "sway," and "whisper."

The word "soothe" was first used in the 13th century to refer to the act of calming or quieting someone or something. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include the act of relieving pain, discomfort, or distress.

soothe relate terms

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