Where does “unafraid” come from?
Unafraid comes from English un- plus afraid, which derives from Frankish friþu meaning peace, combined with Latin ex, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European óynos.
unafraid (English): Not afraid
Definitions
- Not afraid
Ancestry of “unafraid”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | afraid | Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear;... |
| 2 | Middle English | affrayed | — |
| 3 | Anglo-Norman | afrayer | to terrify, disquiet, disturb; Alternative form... |
| 4 | Old French | effreer | — |
| 5 | Vulgar Latin | exfridare | — |
| 6 | Vulgar Latin | *exfrido | — |
| 7 | Frankish | friþu | peace, sanctuary; security, peace; peace |
| 8 | Proto-Germanic | friþuz | peace, tranquility; sanctuary, refuge |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | priHós | dear, beloved; happy, free |
| 10 | Proto-Indo-European | preyH- | to love, to please |