whit etymology

Etymology:

The word "whit" has Old English origins, derived from the word "wiht," meaning "a creature" or "a thing." Over time, the meaning of "whit" has shifted and narrowed.

Meaning:

  • A small amount or quantity
  • A bit or a trifle
  • A jot or an iota
  • A trace or a vestige

Origin:

  • The earliest recorded use of "whit" in English can be traced back to the 14th century.
  • It is believed that the word may have originated from the Proto-Germanic language, which also gave rise to the English word "wight."
  • The word "wight" initially meant "a person" or "a living being," but over time, its meaning evolved to denote "an insignificant person" or "a person of small stature."
  • It is possible that the word "whit" may have emerged from the diminutive form of "wight," signifying something extremely small or insignificant.

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