The Etymology and Evolution of 'Achieve': An In-Depth Exploration
The English language, with its rich history and diverse influences, is a treasure trove of linguistic studies. Among the many words that have fascinating origins, 'achieve' is one that reveals an intriguing journey through time and language.
Morphological vs. Etymological Perspectives
The root of the word 'achieve' is a subject that can be approached from two angles: morphological and etymological. Morphological analysis focuses on the structure and components of words, while etymological analysis delves into the historical origins of words.
Morphological Perspective
From a morphological standpoint, the root of the word 'achieve' is 'achieve' itself. In modern English, the word is a verb, formed by combining a prefix ('ad-') and a root ('caput'). The prefix 'ad-' means 'to,' while 'caput' refers to 'a head,' as in the expression 'to a head,' which implies 'to completion' or 'to the end.'
Etymological Perspective
From an etymological standpoint, the story of 'achieve' is much more complex and interesting. The word has its roots in Latin, specifically in the Latin verb complere, which means 'to fill up' or 'to complete.' The word 'achieve' in Old French is derived from the Latin adcompleire, which combines 'ad-' ('to') and 'compleire' ('to complete').
The Journey of 'Objective'
While the word 'achieve' has a clear etymology, the term 'objective' adds another layer of complexity. The root word of 'objective' is a compound that traces back to the Latin verb ob-iacere, meaning 'to throw or impel towards against or in front of.' Over time, this evolved to mean 'to cast in the way of oppose present an accusation charge opposite set down before something perceived tangible thing.' The modern day concept of 'objective' referring to 'impersonal, unbiased' originated from the military term 'objective point,' denoting a goal to be reached.
Common Source Words and Suffixes
Words like 'objectify,' 'objectified,' 'objectifies,' and 'objectifying' are all derived from the root 'object.' This root plus various suffixes like '-ify,' '-ification,' and '-ed' and '-ing' form a family of related words in English. Similarly, 'objectives' and 'objectivity' are also part of this linguistic family.
Relevance to Modern Language
Understanding the etymology of words like 'achieve' and 'objective' can provide deeper insights into their usage and meaning. For instance, knowing that 'achieve' comes from 'caput' (head) helps us understand its literal meaning of 'to come to a head' or 'to reach completion.' Similarly, understanding the etymology of 'object' allows us to see how it's used to describe both physical objects and abstract goals.
Conclusion
The words 'achieve' and 'objective' have rich histories that reflect the linguistic and cultural evolution of the English language. From their Latin origins, these words have traveled through time, evolving in their meanings and uses. By studying etymology, we not only enhance our vocabulary but also gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of language.