The English language is rich with words that have interesting and often surprising etymologies. In this blog post, we will be taking a closer look at five commonly used words: "ample," "sample," "example," "exempt," and "exemplary." Despite their similarities in meaning and usage, these words have different origins and etymologies. By understanding the roots of these words, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and evolution of the English language.
"Ample" comes from the Latin word "amplus" meaning large or spacious. It is often used to describe something that is more than enough or sufficient. For example, "She had ample time to finish the project."
"Sample" comes from the Old French word "essample" which means example. It is often used to describe a small portion of something that is meant to represent the whole. For example, "The store offered a sample of the new perfume."
"Example" comes from the Latin word "exemplum" meaning model or precedent. It is used to describe something that serves as a model or an illustration of a general rule. For example, "The teacher gave several examples of how to solve the equation."
"Exempt" comes from the Latin word "exemptus" meaning free or released. It is used to describe something that is free from a particular duty or obligation. For example, "The students were exempt from the final exam."
"Exemplary" comes from the Latin word "exemplaris" meaning serving as a model. It is used to describe something that is worthy of imitation or serves as a model of excellence. For example, "The teacher's behavior was exemplary."
In conclusion, "ample," "sample," "example," "exempt" and "exemplary" are not etymologically related and have different origins and meanings. They are often used in different context but are related to the idea of an example or model, some of them are related to the idea of freedom or exemption.
0 Comments