Where does “character” come from?
character (Latin) comes from Ancient Greek χαρακτήρ, from Ancient Greek χαράσσω, from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰer- — to yearn for; to enclose; bowels, intestines.
character (Latin): branding iron; brand; characteristic, mark,...
Definitions
- branding iron; brand; characteristic, mark,...
Ancestry of “character”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Ancient Greek | χαρακτήρ | instrument used for engraving; person who... |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | χαράσσω | to sharpen; to engrave, carve, write, draw, stamp |
| 3 | Proto-Indo-European | ǵʰer- | to yearn for; to enclose; bowels, intestines |
Words derived from “character”