taut etymology

Etymology

The word "taut" comes from the Middle English word "taut," meaning "stretched tight." This word is derived from the Old English word "tōt," which has a similar meaning.

Meaning

  • Stretched or pulled tightly
  • Held in place tightly, often by a rope or cord
  • Not loose or slack

Origin

The Indo-European root of "taut" is *teh₂-, which means "to stretch or pull." This root is also the origin of the words "tendon" and "tendril."

Examples

  • The rope was pulled taut to prevent it from sagging.
  • The canvas was taut on the frame, ready to be painted.
  • The ship's sails were taut against the wind.

taut relate terms

  • taunt

    Etymology The word taunt comes from the Middle English tanten or tanten meaning

  • tempt

    Etymology Middle English tempten from Anglo Norman French tempter from Latin temptar

  • tandem

    Etymology The word tandem originates from the Latin word tandem meaning at length

  • tough

    Etymology Middle English togh tugh Old English tōh Meaning Firm inflexible o

  • tight

    Etymology The word tight comes from the Middle English word tiht which in turn comes

  • tone

    Etymology Origin Middle English toune from Old English tun meaning enclosed set

  • slack

    Etymology The word slack has Old English and Middle Low German roots Old English s

  • string

    Etymology The word string comes from the Middle English word streng which itself com

  • strain

    Etymology Old French estreindre Latin stringere Proto Indo European strenk

  • Sabbath

    Etymology The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word shabbat pronounced shab BAHT

  • honor

    Etymology The word honor traces its roots back to the Latin word honor which has a c

  • onomatopoeia

    Etymology Greek onomatopoiia from onoma onomatos name poiein to make Mea