spirit etymology

Etymology

The word "spirit" is derived from the Latin word "spiritus," which means "breath, air, life force." It is cognate with the Greek word "pneuma," which has a similar meaning. The English word "spirit" first appears in the early 13th century.

Meaning

The word "spirit" has a wide range of meanings, both literal and figurative. In its literal sense, it refers to the breath of life, the animating force that gives life to living beings. It can also refer to the soul or ghost of a deceased person.

In a figurative sense, the word "spirit" can refer to a person's attitude, disposition, or mood. It can also refer to the essential character or nature of something. For example, we might say that a person has a "good spirit" or that a place has a "positive spirit."

The word "spirit" is also used in a religious context to refer to a supernatural being or force. In Christianity, for example, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.

Origin

The concept of spirit is found in many different cultures and religions around the world. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that spirits were the souls of the dead. In many Native American cultures, spirits are believed to be the embodiment of animals or natural forces.

The belief in spirits is often associated with animism, the belief that all things have a soul or spirit. Animism is a common feature of many indigenous religions and spiritual traditions.

Today, the word "spirit" is used in a variety of contexts, both religious and secular. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of experiences and concepts.

spirit relate terms

  • conspire

    Etymology The word conspire comes from the Latin word conspirare which means to br

  • spirit

    Etymology The word spirit is derived from the Latin word spiritus which means breat

  • expire

    Etymology From Latin expirāre to breathe out die frequentative of exspīrāre to

  • spirit

    Etymology The word spirit is derived from the Latin word spiritus which means breat

  • ghost

    Etymology Old English gāst ultimately derived from Proto Germanic gaistaz Cognate wi

  • inspire

    Etymology From Middle English insipyre from Anglo Norman French inspirer from Latin i

  • soul

    Etymology The word soul traces its origins to the Proto Indo European root h₂enh₂

  • genius

    Etymology The word genius is derived from the Latin word genius which originally re

  • pneuma

    Etymology The word pneuma comes from the Greek word πνεῦμα which means breath

  • contrite

    Etymology Latin contritus past participle of conterere to rub together crush grind

  • obsession

    Etymology Middle English obsessioun from Latin obsessio obsess besiegement sieg

  • banshee

    Etymology Old Irish ben síde literally woman of the fairy mound Meaning A

  • energy

    Etymology The word energy is derived from the Ancient Greek word ενέργεια en

  • presence

    Etymology The word presence derives from the Middle English presence which itself co