Where does “breathable” come from?
Breathable is formed from English breathe plus the Middle English suffix -able, from Old French -able, from Latin -abilis, combining Latin -i- with a root from Proto-Indo-European bʰrē-t-, itself from Proto-Indo-European bʰer-.
breathable (English): suitable for breathing; Letting air seep through
Definitions
- suitable for breathing; Letting air seep through
Ancestry of “breathable”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | breathe | To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases |
| 2 | Middle English | brethen | to breathe, blow, exhale, odour |
| 3 | Middle English | breth | breath |
| 4 | Old English | brǣþ | odor, scent, stink, exhalation, vapor |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | brēþiz | vapour; steam; breath; odour, smell |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰrē-t- | exhalation from heat; steam |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰer- | to bear, carry |