Where does “swearsome” come from?
swearsome (English) comes from English some, from Middle English som, from Old English sum, from Proto-West Germanic *sum, from Proto-Germanic sumaz, from Proto-Indo-European sem- — together, one.
swearsome (English): Characterised or marked by swearing
Definitions
- Characterised or marked by swearing
Ancestry of “swearsome”, step by step
swearsome traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English some
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | some | A certain number, at least two; An indefinite... |
| 2 | Middle English | som | some |
| 3 | Old English | sum | some |
| 4 | Proto-West Germanic | *sum | some |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | sumaz | some (one), a certain (one) |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | sem- | together, one |
via English swear
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | swear | To take an oath, to promise; To use offensive,... |
| 2 | Middle English | sware | Alternative form of square; A response to a query... |
| 3 | Old English | swaru | an oath, vow |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | swarō | a solemn statement or affirmation; oath; vow |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | swer- | to ache; to fester; wound; injury |