This time we (and by we I mean me) are looking at dread.
Dread first showed up in the
late twelfth century as a shortened version of the Old English word adraedan, which itself was a
shorter version of ondraedan, advise
against. The prefix on- means against, while raedan is advise. Oh yeah. Raedan is also the origin word for read, which
had a variety of meanings, including advise, discuss, guide, explain and, of
course, read. Combined with the against, the word becomes “advise against”, which is a good definition for something to dread.
This might be the first time I’ve ever found two words similar
in spelling that are connected in a way that makes sense.
Sources
Tony Jebson’s page on the
Origins of Old English
It was bound to happen eventually!
ReplyDeleteThis explains why I thought "reading" was "dreadful" when I was younger... :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at that word, adraedan, and thinking that the shortened draedan would make a good character name.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to meet this challenge. I love etymology! New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z", and I look forward to visiting again.
ReplyDeleteSylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
That does make sense. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteDear J.E.: I think word geeks ROCK. And I'm loving your posts. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteIt's not Latin!
Adraedan would make a good name. Since I'm always looking for good character names...
ReplyDeleteI... I have nothing clever to say to this LOL But I did want you to know I'd read it :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right - this is the first time I've seen that happen, too. Is satisfying, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting theme .. looking forward to more.
ReplyDeletenow I am your newest follower. if you don't mind could you please return the favour:
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It's interesting how that all morphed into dread.
ReplyDeleteIt actually makes sense!
ReplyDelete