worthwhile etymology

Etymology

  • Word: Worthwhile
  • Origin: Old English

Meaning

"Worthwhile" means "having value or importance; worth the effort or time spent."

Origin

The word "worthwhile" is a compound word that combines two elements:

  • Worth: From the Old English word "weorþ," meaning "value, worthiness"
  • While: From the Old English word "hwīl," meaning "time, space"

Development

The original form of the word "worthwhile" was "worth the while." This phrase first appeared in the 16th century and meant "worth the time spent." Over time, the phrase was shortened to "worthwhile," which became the standard spelling in the 19th century.

Usage

The word "worthwhile" is typically used to describe something that is valuable or beneficial, particularly in terms of the time or effort required to achieve it. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:

  • Academics: "Studying for the exam was worthwhile because I got a good grade."
  • Work: "The project was worthwhile because it helped us improve our efficiency."
  • Relationships: "The conversation was worthwhile because it helped us clear up some misunderstandings."
  • Hobbies: "The painting class was worthwhile because I learned a lot of new techniques."

Synonyms

  • *Beneficial
  • *Valuable
  • *Meaningful
  • *Worth the effort

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