vertiginous etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: vertigo "dizziness, giddiness"
• Proto-Italic: *wert- "to turn"
• Proto-Indo-European: *wer- "to turn, twist"

Meaning:

• Causing dizziness or a sensation of spinning
• Exaggeratedly high or steep
• Extremely frightening or overwhelming

Origin:

The word "vertiginous" traces its roots back to the Proto-Indo-European root *wer-, which denoted concepts of turning or twisting. In Latin, this root evolved into "vertigo," meaning "dizziness" or "giddiness." From there, the word was adopted into English in the 17th century, initially referring to a medical condition characterized by feelings of spinning and loss of balance.

Over time, the usage of "vertiginous" expanded to include figurative meanings. The sensation of spinning or dizziness associated with the word could be metaphorically applied to other experiences that evoke similar feelings, such as an overwhelming sense of height or the paralyzing effect of extreme fear.

vertiginous relate terms

• vertigo

  Etymology The word vertigo is derived from the Latin word vertigo meaning a whirlin

• dizzy

  Etymology Old English dysig cognate with Old Norse dys Dutch duizelig German diesig

• giddy

  Etymology Middle English giddie from Old English gydig giddy dizzy crazy Proto G

• ABBA

  Etymology ABBA is an acronym formed from the first letters of the surnames of the four b

• spare

  Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

• conceit

  Etymology The word conceit derives from the Latin word conceptus meaning conception

• pool

  Etymology The word pool originates from the Middle English word pol which is derive

• tradition

  Etymology Latin traditio traditionis a handing over delivery transmission surren

• souvenir

  Etymology The word souvenir is derived from the French word souvenir which means t