Etymology Explorer › Dutch

Where does “karakter” come from?

karakter (Dutch) comes from Middle Dutch caracter, from French caractère, from Old French caractere, from Latin character, from Ancient Greek χαρακτήρ, from Ancient Greek χαράσσω, from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰer- — to yearn for; to enclose; bowels, intestines.

karakter (Dutch): A character, standardized graphic symbol, such as...

Definitions

  1. A character, standardized graphic symbol, such as...

Ancestry of “karakter”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Dutchcaracter—
2Frenchcaractèrecharacter, demeanour, personality; character
3Old Frenchcaracteremark; sign; indication
4Latincharacterbranding iron; brand; characteristic, mark,...
5Ancient Greekχαρακτήρinstrument used for engraving; person who...
6Ancient Greekχαράσσωto sharpen; to engrave, carve, write, draw, stamp
7Proto-Indo-Europeanǵʰer-to yearn for; to enclose; bowels, intestines

Words derived from “karakter”

  • karakter
Every word from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰer- →