The English word "swear" has two distinct etymological origins and meanings:
In this sense, "swear" implies a serious and binding commitment to the truthfulness of a statement or promise. This usage is common in legal and religious contexts, where oaths are used to ensure the integrity of testimony or vows.
This usage is derived from the Viking practice of invoking the gods to witness their actions or curses. Over time, the word "swear" became associated with the crude and blasphemous language used by Viking warriors, and eventually took on its modern meaning as a vulgar term for using profanity.
The Old English "swerian" is cognate with the German "schweren" and the Dutch "zweren," all sharing the meaning of "to swear" in the sense of making a solemn affirmation. The Old Norse "sverja" is related to the Swedish "svära" and the Danish "sværge," all referring to the act of using profanity.
The transition from the solemn to the profane meaning of "swear" is thought to have occurred during the Viking invasions of England in the 9th and 10th centuries. As Viking warriors settled and interacted with the Anglo-Saxon population, their use of profanity became adopted by the English and gradually integrated into the language.
Over time, the profanity-related meaning of "swear" became more common and widely accepted, while the solemn meaning continued to be used in formal and religious contexts. Today, both meanings are recognized as distinct and separate aspects of the word "swear."
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Etymology and Meaning of Swear The English word swear has two distinct etymological o
Etymology Meaning A response to a question or request Origin The word answer come
Etymology and Meaning of Swear The English word swear has two distinct etymological o
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