Where does “rich” come from?
Rich comes from Middle English riche, from Old English rice, from Proto-Germanic rīkiją, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₃reǵ- meaning to rule or lead.
rich (English): Wealthy: having a lot of money and possessions;...
Definitions
- Wealthy: having a lot of money and possessions;...
Ancestry of “rich”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | riche | rich |
| 2 | Old English | rīċe | power, authority, dominion; realm, kingdom;... |
| 3 | Frankish | rīki | rich |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | rīkijaz | kingly, royal, noble; mighty, powerful; rich |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | rīks | king, ruler |
| 6 | Proto-Celtic | rīxs | king |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | h₃rḗǵs | king, ruler |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | h₃reǵ- | to straighten, to right oneself; right; just |