Where does “borrowing” come from?
Borrowing derives from Old English borgian, which developed from Old English burh meaning "fortress" or "shelter," ultimately tracing to Proto-Indo-European bʰrgʰ- meaning "to protect."
borrowing (English): present participle of borrow; An instance of...
Definitions
- present participle of borrow; An instance of...
Ancestry of “borrowing”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | borrow | To receive from somebody temporarily, expecting... |
| 2 | Middle English | borwe | A pledge or security asset deposited as guarantee |
| 3 | Old English | burh | Alternative form of burg; fortress; hill |
| 4 | Old English | burg | city; town; a fortified place: stronghold, fort,... |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | burgz | fortification, stronghold; city |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰr̥ǵʰ- | — |