Today, we’re looking at the word step.
Step as a verb comes from the Old English steppan/staeppan, while the noun comes from steppa/staepe/stepe, where it meant a stair or stepping. So, pretty much what it’s like today. It comes from the West Germanic stap-, tread and the Proto Indo European stebh, which could mean stem, post, or to support—and is the origin word for staff. Words are weird, right?
I say that a lot. Well, it’s never not been true.
Sources
Tony Jebson’s page on the Origins of Old English
Interesting. I wondered if this is related to steppes. I used to picture long steps of land when I had geography, but I know they don't look like that.
ReplyDeleteWords are definitely weird, you are totally right about that :). I suppose staffs and steps have things in common so coming from the same root makes a kind of sense ... maybe.
ReplyDeleteTasha
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So step and staff are related because they both support? That at least makes sense.
ReplyDeleteSteps do supply support, so I can see step and staff being related. And yes, words are so weird. But that is why we love them. :)
ReplyDeleteI had the sort of same association with steppes.
ReplyDeleteI like the word step and often say 'one step at a time' to myself when I'm overloaded with work.
ReplyDeleteWell, if the staff is a walking stick...
ReplyDeleteI think I took a wrong steppe.
ReplyDeleteHow did staff come from that? At least we use the shortest spelling possible for step.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
I came over from Liz and I would probable flunk basic high school English grammar now.
ReplyDeleteIf you fine the time stop in for a cup of coffee
Words are weird so you're only stating the truth.
ReplyDelete~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
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Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
I guess a staff can help you step, so maybe they are related...
ReplyDelete