wish etymology

Etymology

The word "wish" has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European language, where it was expressed as "*wes-". This root is related to the concepts of "desire" and "will".

Meaning

"Wish" refers to a desire or longing for something to happen, be true, or be possessed. It can range in intensity from a fleeting thought to a deep-seated longing.

Origin

The word "wish" entered the English language through Old English ("wīscian"), which was borrowed from the Proto-Germanic word "wiskōn". The Old English form is also related to the German word "wünschen", which means "wish" or "desire".

Development in Language

Over time, the meaning of "wish" has evolved. In Old English, it primarily meant "to desire" or "to want". In Middle English, it began to acquire a broader sense, including "to wish for" and "to long for". In Modern English, the word has further expanded its meaning to encompass a range of desires, from trivial to profound.

Synonyms and Related Words

  • Desire
  • Longing
  • Wishful thinking
  • Hope
  • Crave
  • Yearn

wish relate terms

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  • death

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  • wish

    Etymology The word wish has its roots in the Proto Indo European language where it was

  • well wisher

    Etymology The word wellwisher is derived from two Old English words well meaning g

  • well

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

  • wish

    Etymology The word wish has its roots in the Proto Indo European language where it was

  • care

    Etymology From Middle English care from Old English cāru meaning sorrow anxiety g

  • like

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meaning has changed over time

  • optative

    Etymology The word optative comes from the Latin word optō which means to wish or

  • will

    Etymology Will derives from the Old English word wille which meant desire or choice

  • well

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

  • hope

    Etymology The word hope originates from the Old English word hopian which means to

  • order

    Etymology From Middle English ordre ordre from Anglo Norman ordre from Old French or

  • want

    Etymology Want From Old English wantan meaning lacking deficient or destitut