Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “copilot” come from?

Copilot is formed from the English prefix co- (from Latin co-) and pilot (from Italian piloto, from Latin pillottus).

copilot (English): A backup or assistant pilot of an aircraft; To...

Definitions

  1. A backup or assistant pilot of an aircraft; To...

Ancestry of “copilot”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Englishco-together; mutually; jointly; partner or...
2Latinco-allomorph of con-
3Latincōn-—
4Latincumwith, along with; at; -fold
5Old LatincomAlternative form of cum
6Proto-Italickomwith, along, at
7Proto-Indo-Europeanḱómbeside, near, by, with
8Proto-Indo-EuropeanḱeDeictic particle, here; Post-positional...
9Middle Englishkyt—
10Germankitt—
11Old High Germankuti—
12Proto-West Germanickwidugum, resin
13Proto-Germanickweduzresin
14Proto-Indo-Europeangʷet-resin, gum; to say, speak
15Proto-Indo-Europeangū-to bend; curve; arch; vault; to bow, bend, arch,...
Every word from Proto-Indo-European gū- →