Where does “mistranslation” come from?
Mistranslation derives from Middle English mis- combined with translation, tracing to Proto-Indo-European mey- and meit-, roots associated with exchange and boundary concepts.
mistranslation (English): An incorrect translation; The incorporation of...
Definitions
- An incorrect translation; The incorporation of...
Ancestry of “mistranslation”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | Translation | The act of translating, in its various senses |
| 2 | Middle English | translacioun | Relocation, removal; Divestment or giving away;... |
| 3 | Anglo-Norman | translacioun | Alternative form of translacion |
| 4 | Latin | trānslātiō | Translation, in the broadest sense: the process of transferring or carrying something over from one thing to another; in particular |
| 5 | Latin | trānsferō | to bear, carry or bring across or over; transport, transfer, convey over |
| 6 | Latin | ferō | to bear; to carry |
| 7 | Proto-Italic | ferō | carry, bear |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰéreti | to be carrying |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰēr- | shiny, light brown |