Where does “fain” come from?

Fain comes from Middle English fain, derived from Proto-Indo-European dʰeyǵʰ-, which meant to form or shape, developing the sense of being pleased or willing.

fain (English): Well-pleased, glad; Satisfied, contented; Eager,...

Definitions

  1. Well-pleased, glad; Satisfied, contented; Eager,...

Ancestry of “fain”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishfainjoyful, happy; willing, eager; pleasing,...
2Old Englishfægenjoyful, rejoicing, fain
3Proto-Germanic*fagan—
4Proto-Germanicfaganazglad
5Proto-Indo-Europeanpeḱ-to pluck; livestock; wealth

Words derived from “fain”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European peḱ- →Every word from Proto-Germanic faganaz →Every word from Proto-Germanic *fagan →