News etymology
A fascinating topic! The word "news" has a rich etymology that dates back to Old English.
The modern English word "news" comes from the Old English word "nōwes" or "nōwis", which referred to tidings, rumors, or reports of events. This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*nawiz", which is also the source of the Modern German word "Nachricht" (meaning "news" or "report").
The Proto-Germanic word "nawiz" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "new-", which meant "new" or "fresh". This root is also the source of many other English words related to newness, such as "new", "novel", and "novelty".
In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), the word "news" began to take on its modern meaning, referring to reports of current events or happenings. The word was often used in combination with other words, such as "tidings" or "rumors", to convey a sense of urgency or importance.
Over time, the word "news" has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, including:
- Reports of current events or happenings
- Information about recent developments or occurrences
- Gossip or rumors
- Intelligence or information about a particular topic or situation
In modern English, the word "news" is often used in phrases such as "the news", "breaking news", "newsflash", or "headline news", to convey a sense of urgency or importance.
Interestingly, the word "news" has also been influenced by other languages, such as French and Latin. For example, the French word "nouvelle" (meaning "news" or "report") has contributed to the development of the English word "novel", which refers to a book-length work of fiction.
In conclusion, the word "news" has a rich etymology that dates back to Old English, with roots in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, and continues to play an important role in modern English language and culture.