7 Words and Their Origins, Vol 1. The Sea

7 Words and Their Origins, Vol 1. The Sea

1) Ocean Origin: From Latin ōceanus, via Greek ōkeanos, meaning “a vast or large body of water.”

2)Island Origin: From Old English īegland, meaning “island.” The s was added in the 16th century under the influence of isle (which previously lacked an s), and then carried over to island.

3)Tide Origin: From Old English tīd, meaning “time, season, or period,” etymologically related to “time.”

4)Drown Origin: From Old English druncnian, meaning “to sink or be submerged in water.” Shares its root with drunk.

5)Azure Origin: From Old French azur, from Arabic lazaward, meaning “lapis lazuli” (a blue stone).

6)Shark Origin: Borrowed into English between the 14th and 16th centuries from German Schurke, meaning “villain.”

7)Profound Origin: From Latin profundus, meaning “deep” or “bottomless.”