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

  1. branding iron; brand; characteristic, mark,...

Ancestry of “character”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Ancient Greekχαρακτήρinstrument used for engraving; person who...
2Ancient Greekχαράσσωto sharpen; to engrave, carve, write, draw, stamp
3Proto-Indo-Europeanǵʰer-to yearn for; to enclose; bowels, intestines

Words derived from “character”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰer- →Every word from Ancient Greek χαράσσω →Every word from Ancient Greek χαρακτήρ →