Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “win” come from?

Win comes from Proto-Germanic winnaną, from Proto-Indo-European wen-, ultimately from h₂weh₁-, a root of uncertain original meaning.

win (English): To conquer, defeat; To reach some destination or...

Definitions

  1. To conquer, defeat; To reach some destination or...

Ancestry of “win”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishwindReal or perceived movement of atmospheric air...
2EnglishfarmA place where agricultural and similar activities...
3Middle Englishferme—
4Old Frenchfermelease; the land leased; farm
5Medieval LatinfermaAlternative form of firma
6LatinFirma—
7LatinFirmus—
8Proto-Italicfermos—
9Proto-Indo-Europeandʰer-mo-sholding
10Proto-Indo-Europeandʰer-to support; to hold

Words derived from “win”

  • won
  • winning
  • winnings
  • winningly
  • winnable
  • unwinnable
  • breadwinning
  • prizewinning
  • winneth
  • electrowinning
  • winningest
  • winless
  • unwon
  • winningness
  • winnest
  • nonwinning
  • winnability
  • soulwinning
  • rewin
  • electrowon
  • wonnest
  • electrowin
  • unwinning
  • matchwinning
Every word from Proto-Indo-European dʰer- →