swell etymology

Etymology

The word "swell" has multiple etymological origins:

• Old English: "swellan" (to increase in size, become inflated)
• Proto-Germanic: "swellan" (to swell, grow)
• Indo-European: "*swel-" (to swell, bubble)

Meaning

• To increase in size or volume, to expand.
• To become exaggerated or pompous.
• To rise or overflow (of water).
• To cause a feeling of pride or elation.
• To be impressive or noteworthy.

Origin

The word "swell" has been in use in the English language since the 12th century, originally meaning "to increase in size." By the 16th century, it had acquired its modern meanings of "to become exaggerated" and "to rise or overflow." The figurative meaning of "to cause a feeling of pride or elation" emerged in the 18th century, and the sense of "to be impressive or noteworthy" developed in the 19th century.

Usage

The word "swell" is used in a variety of contexts, including everyday speech, literature, and music. Here are some examples:

• The water in the river swelled after the heavy rain.
• His pride swelled as he received the award.
• The boxer gave his opponent a swell black eye.
• The party was a swell affair, attended by all the social elite.
• The lead guitarist played a swell solo that brought the house down.

swell relate terms

• swelling

  Etymology The word swelling comes from the Middle English word swellen which is der

• swell

  Etymology The word swell has multiple etymological origins Old English swellan t

• swollen

  Etymology Swollen comes from the Old English word swellan meaning to enlarge or b

• swell

  Etymology The word swell has multiple etymological origins Old English swellan t

• ground swell

  Etymology Groundswell is a compound noun derived from two Old English words Ground

• ground

  Etymology The word ground has several origins Old English grund meaning soil

• swell

  Etymology The word swell has multiple etymological origins Old English swellan t

• well

  Etymology The word well comes from the Old English word wiella which is derived from

• dandy

  Etymology The word dandy is derived from the Scottish dander meaning to strut abou

• dude

  Etymology The word dude has an uncertain etymology with several possible origins S

• intumescence

  Etymology The word intumescence is derived from Latin intumescentia a swelling

• intumescent

  Etymology Latin intumescere to swell up Participle intumescens swelling Mea

• edema

  Etymology Greek οἴδημα oídēma Meaning Swelling caused by an abnormal acc

• bloat

  Etymology The word bloat comes from the Middle English word bloten which means to s

• elevation

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense height or altitude above sea level

• grate

  Etymology of Grate The word grate has multiple etymological origins 1 Old English