valetudinarian etymology

Etymology:

The word "valetudinarian" originates from the Latin phrase "valetudinarius," which means "one who is sickly or infirm."

Meaning:

A valetudinarian is a person who is excessively concerned with their health and well-being. They may hypochondriacally believe they have various illnesses or exaggerate the severity of their symptoms.

Origin:

The earliest known use of the term "valetudinarian" in English dates back to the early 18th century. It is derived from the Latin word "valetudo," which means "health" or "well-being." The suffix "-arian" indicates a person who is related to or associated with something, hence "valetudinarian" refers to someone who is associated with health or illness.

Historical Context:

Valetudinarians have been known throughout history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was common for wealthy individuals to employ valetudinarians as personal doctors or companions who would provide them with constant medical attention and reassurance.

However, the term "valetudinarian" can also carry a negative connotation. It can imply that someone is overly preoccupied with their health, to the point of becoming hypochondriacal.

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