Discover Words' Origins

Explore the fascinating definitions and etymology of commonly used words that enrich our language and understanding, often overlooked yet vital for communication and expression.

*Nice

• Definitions:

  • Pleasant, kind, or agreeable.

  • Historically meant "foolish" or "ignorant" (older usage).

• Etymology:

  • From Latin nescius (“ignorant, not knowing”), from ne (“not”) + scire (“to know”).

* Peace

• Definitions:

  • A state of tranquility or harmony.

  • An agreement to end a conflict or war.

• Etymology:

  • From Latin pax (“peace, treaty”), from Proto-Indo-European pak- (“to fasten, agree”).

* Power

• Definitions:

  • The ability to act or exert control.

  • The energy required to perform a task (e.g., electricity, muscle power).

• Etymology:

  • From Latin potere (“to be able”), from posse (“to have power”).

* Protection

• Definitions:

  • The act of keeping something safe from harm.

  • In business, financial or legal safeguards.

• Etymology:

  • From Latin protectionem (“a covering over”), from protegere (“to cover, protect”).

* Purpose

• Definitions:

  • The reason for which something is done or created.

  • A firm determination to achieve something.

• Etymology:

  • From Old French purpos (“intention, design”), from Latin proponere (“to put forth”).