David Tickner's Blog
September 4, 2025
Craft, Crafty, Craftsperson
What comes to mind when you hear of someone who is crafty? Do synonyms like devious, scheming, secretive, sly, sneaky, wily come to mind? Why is this?
The Old English word craeft (power, physical strength, might) comes from Proto-Germanic kraf, the source of other words such as Old Norse kraptr (strength, virtue) and Old High German chraft (strength, skill). Before this, the origins of the word craft are unknown.
During the early Middle Ages, the Old English noun craeft (craft) came to refer to skill and dexterity, art and science, talent and mental power. During the later Middle Ages, the meaning of the word craft had expanded to include trade, handicraft, and employment requiring special skill or dexterity.
The Old English word craeftiga, the early 13th century word craftmonnen, and the late 14th century word craftisemen (craftsman) referred to a man (or sometimes a woman) skilled in a manual occupation. The word craftspeople is from 1856, craftswoman is from 1886, and craftsperson is from 1904.
So how did the word craft become associated with crafty? In spite of the word’s positive origins and connotations, by the 13th century it had also developed the more negative sense of cunning, sly, scheming.
During this time, craftspeople often appeared as wonder workers possessed of secret knowledge. For example, the skills and knowledge of metal work needed for the production of armor and weaponry were known only to the master craftspeople who in turn passed this knowledge to their apprentices. Or, for example, the masons became a secret society—you don’t want your enemies learning your trade secrets regarding the building of castles, bridges, fortifications, and so on.
And if someone was to ask how you made something from metal or wood or glass or textiles or ceramics or food, if you couldn’t easily explain what you did, it may have seemed to some that you were being devious or secretive.
Such craft knowledge cannot be easily explained to someone else. You learn from experience, you learn by doing. If someone asked you how you built that cabinet, you’d have to build another cabinet to show them.
Only later after the development of the printing press and the production of books in the 15th century did elements of such practical knowledge begin to be written down and, in many cases, become the basis for later scientific research and writing. Scientific theories were built on not just how something works but why it works. Such practical knowledge is often the precursor to theory.
Do you know what the second most published books were after the invention of the printing press? Cookbooks.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Smith, P. (2022). From lived experience to the written word: Reconstructing practical knowledge in the early modern world. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
The Old English word craeft (power, physical strength, might) comes from Proto-Germanic kraf, the source of other words such as Old Norse kraptr (strength, virtue) and Old High German chraft (strength, skill). Before this, the origins of the word craft are unknown.
During the early Middle Ages, the Old English noun craeft (craft) came to refer to skill and dexterity, art and science, talent and mental power. During the later Middle Ages, the meaning of the word craft had expanded to include trade, handicraft, and employment requiring special skill or dexterity.
The Old English word craeftiga, the early 13th century word craftmonnen, and the late 14th century word craftisemen (craftsman) referred to a man (or sometimes a woman) skilled in a manual occupation. The word craftspeople is from 1856, craftswoman is from 1886, and craftsperson is from 1904.
So how did the word craft become associated with crafty? In spite of the word’s positive origins and connotations, by the 13th century it had also developed the more negative sense of cunning, sly, scheming.
During this time, craftspeople often appeared as wonder workers possessed of secret knowledge. For example, the skills and knowledge of metal work needed for the production of armor and weaponry were known only to the master craftspeople who in turn passed this knowledge to their apprentices. Or, for example, the masons became a secret society—you don’t want your enemies learning your trade secrets regarding the building of castles, bridges, fortifications, and so on.
And if someone was to ask how you made something from metal or wood or glass or textiles or ceramics or food, if you couldn’t easily explain what you did, it may have seemed to some that you were being devious or secretive.
Such craft knowledge cannot be easily explained to someone else. You learn from experience, you learn by doing. If someone asked you how you built that cabinet, you’d have to build another cabinet to show them.
Only later after the development of the printing press and the production of books in the 15th century did elements of such practical knowledge begin to be written down and, in many cases, become the basis for later scientific research and writing. Scientific theories were built on not just how something works but why it works. Such practical knowledge is often the precursor to theory.
Do you know what the second most published books were after the invention of the printing press? Cookbooks.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Smith, P. (2022). From lived experience to the written word: Reconstructing practical knowledge in the early modern world. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
August 27, 2025
Anthology
Here’s a word with a surprising origin.
The word anthology has its origins in Latin and Greek anthologia, a word comprising Greek anthos (flower) + legein (to gather). An anthology is a gathering of flowers.
Similarly, in Latin, the ancient word for culling or selecting flowers is florilegus which comes from Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and from Greek legein (to gather). Flora is the root of words such as floral, fluorescence, florid, Florida, and florist.
Originally, a florilegium was a selection or collection of flowers, a word which later came to mean a book about flowers. Over the centuries, the word florilegium came to mean a book containing any collection of short writings, usually poems or short stories.
However, how often have you heard or used the term florilegium? Probably not that often.
In the 1630s, the word anthology came to English meaning a collection of short poems and other writings by several authors. Today we use the term anthology rather than florilegium when referring to a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music.
Florilegium, anthology’s little-known cousin, has passed from common use.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word anthology has its origins in Latin and Greek anthologia, a word comprising Greek anthos (flower) + legein (to gather). An anthology is a gathering of flowers.
Similarly, in Latin, the ancient word for culling or selecting flowers is florilegus which comes from Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and from Greek legein (to gather). Flora is the root of words such as floral, fluorescence, florid, Florida, and florist.
Originally, a florilegium was a selection or collection of flowers, a word which later came to mean a book about flowers. Over the centuries, the word florilegium came to mean a book containing any collection of short writings, usually poems or short stories.
However, how often have you heard or used the term florilegium? Probably not that often.
In the 1630s, the word anthology came to English meaning a collection of short poems and other writings by several authors. Today we use the term anthology rather than florilegium when referring to a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music.
Florilegium, anthology’s little-known cousin, has passed from common use.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
August 22, 2025
Focus
Imagine it is winter and you are walking down a cold snow-blown road in central Gaul late one afternoon during the declining years of the Roman Empire. You’re on your way to visit a friend. Even with a woollen robe over your toga, you’re cold. Maybe you shouldn’t have worn the sandals?
You arrive at your friend’s villa and bang on the gate. A moment later the gate opens and your friend says warmly (in Latin, of course), “Welcome! Come on in. Come and warm yourself by the focus!”
All of which is to say that the English word focus comes from the Latin word focus (fireplace, hearth). The focus was the source of heat and light in a home. Beyond this, the origin of the word is unknown.
If you are a teacher and you are asked, “What is the focus of your course?”, you are being asked, “What’s the source of heat and light, of energy and insight, in your course?”
Of course, there are other uses and meanings of the word focus. In the 1640s, the word was used to mean a ‘point of convergence’. At that time, focus also referred to the burning point of a lens. By 1796, focus was used to mean the centre of activity or energy. Still seems like heat and light to me!
And, finally, the word focaccia (i.e., focaccia bread) came to English in 1994 from Italian focaccia and Latin focacia (bread baked under the ashes of the hearth or fireplace).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
You arrive at your friend’s villa and bang on the gate. A moment later the gate opens and your friend says warmly (in Latin, of course), “Welcome! Come on in. Come and warm yourself by the focus!”
All of which is to say that the English word focus comes from the Latin word focus (fireplace, hearth). The focus was the source of heat and light in a home. Beyond this, the origin of the word is unknown.
If you are a teacher and you are asked, “What is the focus of your course?”, you are being asked, “What’s the source of heat and light, of energy and insight, in your course?”
Of course, there are other uses and meanings of the word focus. In the 1640s, the word was used to mean a ‘point of convergence’. At that time, focus also referred to the burning point of a lens. By 1796, focus was used to mean the centre of activity or energy. Still seems like heat and light to me!
And, finally, the word focaccia (i.e., focaccia bread) came to English in 1994 from Italian focaccia and Latin focacia (bread baked under the ashes of the hearth or fireplace).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
August 19, 2025
Wit, Whiz, Wizard
Have you ever wondered where phrases like “She’s a whiz at math” or “I’m at my wit’s end” come from? Being ‘at my wit’s end’ doesn’t mean that I don’t have any jokes left.
The origins of the words wit, whiz, and wizard are related to the origins of the words wise and wisdom.
The word wit has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root weid (to see, to know) and Proto-Germanic wit (the source of Old Saxon wit, Old Norse vit, Danish vid, Old High German wizzi (knowledge), and others). Old English wit, witt, and gewit (understanding, intellect, sense; knowledge, consciousness, conscience) and Old English witan (to know) are also from Proto-Germanic wit.
The word wizard, from the early 15th century, meant a philosopher or person possessing great wisdom. In the 16th century, wizard took on more magical connotations (“How on earth do they know that?!”). The noun whiz, meaning a clever person, is from 1914.
In the late 15th century, a wit was a person of learning. Wit, meaning the ability to connect ideas and express them in an amusing way, is from the 1540s. The word witty is first seen as Old English wittig (witty; clever, wise, sagacious; in one’s right mind). From the 1580s, a witty person was one ‘possessing a sparkling wit’.
In the 16th century, the term ‘five wits’ referred to knowledge and situations not related to the five senses. These five wits comprised humor, imagination, fantasy, enumeration or estimation, and memory.
Today, wit implies mind, memory, reasoning power, intelligence, [common] sense (i.e., using one’s senses), ingenuity (mental soundness, mental capability, resourcefulness), acumen (astuteness of perception or judgment; for example, business acumen), and imaginative perception.
Wit also means a talent for banter and witticism: the ability to think and talk on your feet, to respond in the moment with insight and humor. We admire the person who seems to effortlessly come up with the right clever or witty remark at the right moment. Such people have the ability to connect seemingly disparate things in order to illuminate or amuse. Perhaps in stressful situations, a witty person can be said to have their wits about them.
In short, wit is a lovely old word that encompasses intelligence and humor. Wit is not just what you know but more importantly it is how you know and how you engage your knowing with delight and affection when with other people in the immediacy of a given situation.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
David’s Wordshop Blog: http://www.davidtickner.ca/blog
www.davidtickner.ca
The origins of the words wit, whiz, and wizard are related to the origins of the words wise and wisdom.
The word wit has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root weid (to see, to know) and Proto-Germanic wit (the source of Old Saxon wit, Old Norse vit, Danish vid, Old High German wizzi (knowledge), and others). Old English wit, witt, and gewit (understanding, intellect, sense; knowledge, consciousness, conscience) and Old English witan (to know) are also from Proto-Germanic wit.
The word wizard, from the early 15th century, meant a philosopher or person possessing great wisdom. In the 16th century, wizard took on more magical connotations (“How on earth do they know that?!”). The noun whiz, meaning a clever person, is from 1914.
In the late 15th century, a wit was a person of learning. Wit, meaning the ability to connect ideas and express them in an amusing way, is from the 1540s. The word witty is first seen as Old English wittig (witty; clever, wise, sagacious; in one’s right mind). From the 1580s, a witty person was one ‘possessing a sparkling wit’.
In the 16th century, the term ‘five wits’ referred to knowledge and situations not related to the five senses. These five wits comprised humor, imagination, fantasy, enumeration or estimation, and memory.
Today, wit implies mind, memory, reasoning power, intelligence, [common] sense (i.e., using one’s senses), ingenuity (mental soundness, mental capability, resourcefulness), acumen (astuteness of perception or judgment; for example, business acumen), and imaginative perception.
Wit also means a talent for banter and witticism: the ability to think and talk on your feet, to respond in the moment with insight and humor. We admire the person who seems to effortlessly come up with the right clever or witty remark at the right moment. Such people have the ability to connect seemingly disparate things in order to illuminate or amuse. Perhaps in stressful situations, a witty person can be said to have their wits about them.
In short, wit is a lovely old word that encompasses intelligence and humor. Wit is not just what you know but more importantly it is how you know and how you engage your knowing with delight and affection when with other people in the immediacy of a given situation.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
David’s Wordshop Blog: http://www.davidtickner.ca/blog
www.davidtickner.ca
August 14, 2025
PARAPHERNALIA
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word paraphernalia? Do you have any paraphernalia where you live?
The word paraphernalia has its origins in Greek pherne (dowry) and pherein (to carry); i.e., to carry a dowry: in particular, to carry a dowry to a newly married bride’s home.
Among other things, Greek para means beside. Greek para (beside) + pherne creates Greek parapherna and, later, Latin parapherna (in Roman law, a woman’s property beside or, in addition to, her dowry).
The word paraphernalia came to English in the 1650s with a meaning unchanged from ancient times; i.e., paraphernalia was a woman’s personal property which she brought to a marriage along with her dowry.
Wikipedia describes paraphernalia at that time: “A husband could not sell, appropriate, or convey good title to his wife's assets considered paraphernalia without her separate consent. They did not become a part of her husband's estate upon his death and could be conveyed by a married woman's will.” This view of paraphernalia has been rendered obsolete by modern changes to the law (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraphernalia).
By the 1730s, paraphernalia also meant the equipment or apparatus or miscellaneous articles related to a particular occupation or task. Paraphernalia has evolved to mean ‘odds and ends’.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word paraphernalia has its origins in Greek pherne (dowry) and pherein (to carry); i.e., to carry a dowry: in particular, to carry a dowry to a newly married bride’s home.
Among other things, Greek para means beside. Greek para (beside) + pherne creates Greek parapherna and, later, Latin parapherna (in Roman law, a woman’s property beside or, in addition to, her dowry).
The word paraphernalia came to English in the 1650s with a meaning unchanged from ancient times; i.e., paraphernalia was a woman’s personal property which she brought to a marriage along with her dowry.
Wikipedia describes paraphernalia at that time: “A husband could not sell, appropriate, or convey good title to his wife's assets considered paraphernalia without her separate consent. They did not become a part of her husband's estate upon his death and could be conveyed by a married woman's will.” This view of paraphernalia has been rendered obsolete by modern changes to the law (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraphernalia).
By the 1730s, paraphernalia also meant the equipment or apparatus or miscellaneous articles related to a particular occupation or task. Paraphernalia has evolved to mean ‘odds and ends’.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
August 11, 2025
WISE, WISDOM
Wise
The word wise has its origins in the PIE root weid (to see; hence, to know) and Proto-Germanic wissaz (the source of Old Saxon wis, Old Norse viss, Dutch wijs, German weise).
Old English wis (learned, sagacious, cunning; sane; prudent, discreet; experienced; having the power of discerning and judging rightly) is also from Proto-Germanic wissaz. The word wise has been part of English since before the 12th century.
Wise, with its origins in PIE weid (to see, to know), is related to Greek idein (to see), the source of the word idea; i.e., “Ahh, now I see what you mean... I get the idea”. [PIE weid is also the source of the word video].
What might we see in a wise person? Many descriptions of a wise person use descriptors such as knowledge, insight, sound judgment, positive affect or attitude, and a willingness and ability to act wisely. Such people are attractive. We are drawn toward such people.
Wisdom
The word wisdom is from Old English wis (wise) and Old High German wistuom (wisdom).
Wisdom, an Old English word, has been part of written English for hundreds of years. The word wisdom has its origins in Old English wis + Old English dom (a judgment); that is, wisdom is the ability to make wise judgments.
Wisdom encompasses knowledge and feeling, cognition and affect. Wisdom is seen in how we act on the basis of what we know and feel. Such knowledge is from our perceptions and our reflections upon our experiences of the world.
In sum, to say that someone has wisdom means that they have knowledge (accumulated learning), insight (the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships), judgement (good sense), attitude (attentiveness or readiness; a feeling or emotion toward knowledge or situations), and the willingness and ability to act wisely (intention; application) on the basis of such wisdom.
In the Inuit language, the word isumataq refers to a person “who can create the atmosphere in which wisdom shows itself” (Lopez, 1986, 298).
What’s the difference between wisdom and wise? Wisdom is something that a person has or can have. Being wise is something that a person is or can be. People have wisdom; they act wisely. Wisdom tends to be collective and cultural; being wise tends to be individual and personal. Wise ones participate in and contribute to the wisdom of their traditions, culture, and community.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Lopez, B. (1986). Arctic dreams: Imagination and desire in a northern landscape. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Wisdom. (2025, July 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom
The word wise has its origins in the PIE root weid (to see; hence, to know) and Proto-Germanic wissaz (the source of Old Saxon wis, Old Norse viss, Dutch wijs, German weise).
Old English wis (learned, sagacious, cunning; sane; prudent, discreet; experienced; having the power of discerning and judging rightly) is also from Proto-Germanic wissaz. The word wise has been part of English since before the 12th century.
Wise, with its origins in PIE weid (to see, to know), is related to Greek idein (to see), the source of the word idea; i.e., “Ahh, now I see what you mean... I get the idea”. [PIE weid is also the source of the word video].
What might we see in a wise person? Many descriptions of a wise person use descriptors such as knowledge, insight, sound judgment, positive affect or attitude, and a willingness and ability to act wisely. Such people are attractive. We are drawn toward such people.
Wisdom
The word wisdom is from Old English wis (wise) and Old High German wistuom (wisdom).
Wisdom, an Old English word, has been part of written English for hundreds of years. The word wisdom has its origins in Old English wis + Old English dom (a judgment); that is, wisdom is the ability to make wise judgments.
Wisdom encompasses knowledge and feeling, cognition and affect. Wisdom is seen in how we act on the basis of what we know and feel. Such knowledge is from our perceptions and our reflections upon our experiences of the world.
In sum, to say that someone has wisdom means that they have knowledge (accumulated learning), insight (the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships), judgement (good sense), attitude (attentiveness or readiness; a feeling or emotion toward knowledge or situations), and the willingness and ability to act wisely (intention; application) on the basis of such wisdom.
In the Inuit language, the word isumataq refers to a person “who can create the atmosphere in which wisdom shows itself” (Lopez, 1986, 298).
What’s the difference between wisdom and wise? Wisdom is something that a person has or can have. Being wise is something that a person is or can be. People have wisdom; they act wisely. Wisdom tends to be collective and cultural; being wise tends to be individual and personal. Wise ones participate in and contribute to the wisdom of their traditions, culture, and community.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Lopez, B. (1986). Arctic dreams: Imagination and desire in a northern landscape. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Wisdom. (2025, July 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom
August 8, 2025
Pencil... a Human Intelligence (HI) device?
Could we say that a pencil is a Human Intelligence (HI) device? Just put the pointy end on a piece of paper and words come out.
But to get right to the point, the word pencil has its origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) pes (penis), Latin penis (a tail; penis), and Latin peniculus (brush).
Latin peniculus (brush) and penicillus (painter’s brush, hair pencil—literally, ‘little tail’) are the source of Old French pincel (artist’s paintbrush). By the mid-14th century, the word pencel came to English, meaning an artist’s small, fine brush of camel hair used for painting, manuscript illustration, and so on. Penicillus is also the origin of the word penicillin, but that is another story.
From the mid-16th century, the word pencil, in contrast to pencel, was simply a stick of pure graphite used for writing and marking. At about the same time, the wooden enclosures or holders for these graphite sticks were being developed. The graphite and its wooden container became known as a pencil.
Why is a pencil sometimes called a ‘lead’ pencil? The ancient Romans used thin rods of lead as styluses to carve lines on a surface. At first, when graphite was used for drawing and writing it was mistaken for such lead. Hence, a ‘lead’ pencil.
After a modern clay-graphite mix was developed in the 19th century, the mass production of pencils began. The pencil with an eraser on the end is from 1858.
Why are pencils often yellow? In brief, during the 19th century, some of the best graphite in the world used for pencils was found in the northern parts of China bordering on Russian Siberia. The color yellow was chosen for these top-quality pencils because of the associations of yellow with China and with royalty in Asia. To this day, most pencils are yellow.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1994/11/15/wonder-why-your-pencils-yellow/
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/10/11/492999969/origin-of-pencil-lead
But to get right to the point, the word pencil has its origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) pes (penis), Latin penis (a tail; penis), and Latin peniculus (brush).
Latin peniculus (brush) and penicillus (painter’s brush, hair pencil—literally, ‘little tail’) are the source of Old French pincel (artist’s paintbrush). By the mid-14th century, the word pencel came to English, meaning an artist’s small, fine brush of camel hair used for painting, manuscript illustration, and so on. Penicillus is also the origin of the word penicillin, but that is another story.
From the mid-16th century, the word pencil, in contrast to pencel, was simply a stick of pure graphite used for writing and marking. At about the same time, the wooden enclosures or holders for these graphite sticks were being developed. The graphite and its wooden container became known as a pencil.
Why is a pencil sometimes called a ‘lead’ pencil? The ancient Romans used thin rods of lead as styluses to carve lines on a surface. At first, when graphite was used for drawing and writing it was mistaken for such lead. Hence, a ‘lead’ pencil.
After a modern clay-graphite mix was developed in the 19th century, the mass production of pencils began. The pencil with an eraser on the end is from 1858.
Why are pencils often yellow? In brief, during the 19th century, some of the best graphite in the world used for pencils was found in the northern parts of China bordering on Russian Siberia. The color yellow was chosen for these top-quality pencils because of the associations of yellow with China and with royalty in Asia. To this day, most pencils are yellow.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1994/11/15/wonder-why-your-pencils-yellow/
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/10/11/492999969/origin-of-pencil-lead
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial
The word artificial has its origins in Latin artifex (craftsperson, artist, master of an art; e.g., music, acting, sculpting, painting, and so on). Artifex = Latin ars (art) + fex (maker), from facere (to make). In brief, in its origins, artificial refers to making art or being artful.
Related words include Latin artificialis (of or belonging to art) and artificium (a work of art; skill; theory, system).
By the late 14th century, the English word artificial meant something not natural, not spontaneous. By the early 15th century, artificial meant something contrived by human skill and labor. By the 16th century artificial meant anything made in imitation of, or as a substitute for, what is natural (e.g., artificial flowers).
By the 1590s, artificial also meant full of affectation, insincere. And, by the 1640s, artificial also meant fictitious, assumed, not genuine, or of suspicious origins.
Can the words artificial and artful be considered synonyms? In brief, the word artificial implies something created by a person; i.e., an artifact lacks a natural origin. The word artful focuses on the cleverness or creativity of the maker.
Intelligence
Have you ever browsed in a bookstore wondering what to read next? Were you in the mood for philosophy or for action escapism? Dewey or Eros? The origins of the word intelligence are found in this idea of choosing what to read.
The words intelligence, intelligent, and intellect have their origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root leg-(1) (to collect, gather, to speak, to pick out words) and Latin intelligere (to understand, to comprehend, to come to know); from Latin inter (between) + legere (to choose, pick out, read).
From such roots, we can say that being intelligent means being able to gather information and discern that which is worthwhile and valuable. It’s not what we read that shows our intelligence but how we choose what to read and what we do with what we read!
The word intelligence came to English in the late 14th century meaning the highest faculty of the mind, specifically the capacity for comprehending and understanding general truths.
The dictionary defines intelligence as the ability to learn and understand how to deal with new or challenging situations. Intelligence is also defined as the ability to apply knowledge in order to manipulate our environment or to think abstractly. The traditional way in which people have been considered intelligent is mental intelligence.
The notion of ‘multiple intelligences’ is from Howard Gardner (1983); i.e., there are several ways in which a person can be intelligent. (When asked if ‘emotional intelligence’ was one of the intelligences, Gardner is said to have replied, “Emotion is a part of every type of intelligence.”)
In brief: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The term ‘artificial intelligence’ (the science and engineering of making intelligent machines) was coined in 1956 and the AI abbreviation is from 1971. This version of AI is not to be confused with AI meaning ‘artificial insemination’, a term originating from 1894.
Artificial intelligence (AI) may not be ‘natural’ but it is no less ‘real’ in its effects—like choosing a car rather than a horse to get from one place to another. You still arrive at your destination regardless of how you get there.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Gardner, H. (2006). Multiple intelligences: New horizons in theory and practice. New York: Basic Books.
The word artificial has its origins in Latin artifex (craftsperson, artist, master of an art; e.g., music, acting, sculpting, painting, and so on). Artifex = Latin ars (art) + fex (maker), from facere (to make). In brief, in its origins, artificial refers to making art or being artful.
Related words include Latin artificialis (of or belonging to art) and artificium (a work of art; skill; theory, system).
By the late 14th century, the English word artificial meant something not natural, not spontaneous. By the early 15th century, artificial meant something contrived by human skill and labor. By the 16th century artificial meant anything made in imitation of, or as a substitute for, what is natural (e.g., artificial flowers).
By the 1590s, artificial also meant full of affectation, insincere. And, by the 1640s, artificial also meant fictitious, assumed, not genuine, or of suspicious origins.
Can the words artificial and artful be considered synonyms? In brief, the word artificial implies something created by a person; i.e., an artifact lacks a natural origin. The word artful focuses on the cleverness or creativity of the maker.
Intelligence
Have you ever browsed in a bookstore wondering what to read next? Were you in the mood for philosophy or for action escapism? Dewey or Eros? The origins of the word intelligence are found in this idea of choosing what to read.
The words intelligence, intelligent, and intellect have their origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root leg-(1) (to collect, gather, to speak, to pick out words) and Latin intelligere (to understand, to comprehend, to come to know); from Latin inter (between) + legere (to choose, pick out, read).
From such roots, we can say that being intelligent means being able to gather information and discern that which is worthwhile and valuable. It’s not what we read that shows our intelligence but how we choose what to read and what we do with what we read!
The word intelligence came to English in the late 14th century meaning the highest faculty of the mind, specifically the capacity for comprehending and understanding general truths.
The dictionary defines intelligence as the ability to learn and understand how to deal with new or challenging situations. Intelligence is also defined as the ability to apply knowledge in order to manipulate our environment or to think abstractly. The traditional way in which people have been considered intelligent is mental intelligence.
The notion of ‘multiple intelligences’ is from Howard Gardner (1983); i.e., there are several ways in which a person can be intelligent. (When asked if ‘emotional intelligence’ was one of the intelligences, Gardner is said to have replied, “Emotion is a part of every type of intelligence.”)
In brief: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The term ‘artificial intelligence’ (the science and engineering of making intelligent machines) was coined in 1956 and the AI abbreviation is from 1971. This version of AI is not to be confused with AI meaning ‘artificial insemination’, a term originating from 1894.
Artificial intelligence (AI) may not be ‘natural’ but it is no less ‘real’ in its effects—like choosing a car rather than a horse to get from one place to another. You still arrive at your destination regardless of how you get there.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Gardner, H. (2006). Multiple intelligences: New horizons in theory and practice. New York: Basic Books.
July 28, 2025
Protocol
In ancient Greece, a protokollon was the first page of papyrus glued into a manuscript. Greek protokollon = protos (first) + kolla (glue).
Greek protos has its origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) pre, per meaning forward, before first. The origins of kolla are unknown.
Latin protocollum refers to the table of contents on the first page of a document.
The English word prothogol, meaning prologue, appears in the mid-15th century. Prothogall, meaning the first draft of a document or the minutes of a transaction or negotiation, is from the 1540s. Both words are from 13th century French prothocole and Latin protocollum.
The French words prothocole, later protocole, were part of the diplomatic language referring to treaties and other agreements between nations. By 1896, the French word protocole also referred to any formula of diplomatic etiquette. The word protocol first appears in English at this time.
The use of the word protocol to mean conventional proper conduct is from 1952.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Greek protos has its origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) pre, per meaning forward, before first. The origins of kolla are unknown.
Latin protocollum refers to the table of contents on the first page of a document.
The English word prothogol, meaning prologue, appears in the mid-15th century. Prothogall, meaning the first draft of a document or the minutes of a transaction or negotiation, is from the 1540s. Both words are from 13th century French prothocole and Latin protocollum.
The French words prothocole, later protocole, were part of the diplomatic language referring to treaties and other agreements between nations. By 1896, the French word protocole also referred to any formula of diplomatic etiquette. The word protocol first appears in English at this time.
The use of the word protocol to mean conventional proper conduct is from 1952.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
July 22, 2025
Tree, Truth
Tree roots deep in earth
Each year a new ring of truth
Rings of memory.
The words tree and truth share a common origin in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) drew-o and the PIE root deru (be firm, solid, steadfast).
Tree
PIE drew-o and deru are the source of Proto-Germanic trewam (the source of other words such as Old Saxon trio, Old Norse tre, Gothic triu—all meaning tree). The English word tree is from Old English treo, treow and Middle English tre.
In Old English, treo (tree) + wryhta (worker, wright) = a treowryhta (tree wright); i.e., a carpenter. Wryhta also is the source of many other words such as cartwright, millwright, playwright, wainright, wheelwright, and others.
Truth, true
Similarly, PIE drew-o and deru are also the source of Proto-Germanic treuwaz (having or characterized by good faith). Related words include troth, truce, trust.
The English word truth is from West Saxon treowth, Old English triewth, and Middle English treuth, truth—all meaning faith, faithfulness; fidelity to country, kin, friends; loyalty; disposition to be faithful; veracity, quality of being true; pledge, covenant.
In brief, these origins would suggest that truth (or faith) is a way of being or something that we ‘do’, not just something that we ‘have’.
In contrast, the sense of truth as ‘something that is true’ or as a ‘true statement or proposition’ is from the mid-14th century. By the late 14th century truth was understood as “that which is righteous or in accordance with divine standard; true religious doctrine; virtuous conduct” (Online Etymological Dictionary). True meaning accuracy, correctness, or conformity of thought with fact is from the 1560s. By this time, truth was something that was in your ‘head’ in contrast to a way of being as was experienced in earlier times.
Note that in English there is no verb ‘to truth’. We don’t say, “They truthed” even though we do say, “They lied.”
Trees as a metaphor for truth?!
A tree begins as a seed and a sapling. Over the years, it grows and branches out. Each fall, the leaves drop and each spring the leaves return. After many years, the mature tree bears little resemblance to the young sapling—even though it is the same tree—similar to how a child grows into an adult.
Like a tree, our sense and knowledge of what is true grows and matures as we grow older.
Could we say that truth grows in each person in a similar fashion just as our knowledge grows? As a tree ages, each year the tree trunk grows another ring. Similarly, does a person grow new rings of truth and knowledge as they age?!
Our perception and sense of truth, like the growth of a tree, grows—like the tree, our truth is not static but organic.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Each year a new ring of truth
Rings of memory.
The words tree and truth share a common origin in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) drew-o and the PIE root deru (be firm, solid, steadfast).
Tree
PIE drew-o and deru are the source of Proto-Germanic trewam (the source of other words such as Old Saxon trio, Old Norse tre, Gothic triu—all meaning tree). The English word tree is from Old English treo, treow and Middle English tre.
In Old English, treo (tree) + wryhta (worker, wright) = a treowryhta (tree wright); i.e., a carpenter. Wryhta also is the source of many other words such as cartwright, millwright, playwright, wainright, wheelwright, and others.
Truth, true
Similarly, PIE drew-o and deru are also the source of Proto-Germanic treuwaz (having or characterized by good faith). Related words include troth, truce, trust.
The English word truth is from West Saxon treowth, Old English triewth, and Middle English treuth, truth—all meaning faith, faithfulness; fidelity to country, kin, friends; loyalty; disposition to be faithful; veracity, quality of being true; pledge, covenant.
In brief, these origins would suggest that truth (or faith) is a way of being or something that we ‘do’, not just something that we ‘have’.
In contrast, the sense of truth as ‘something that is true’ or as a ‘true statement or proposition’ is from the mid-14th century. By the late 14th century truth was understood as “that which is righteous or in accordance with divine standard; true religious doctrine; virtuous conduct” (Online Etymological Dictionary). True meaning accuracy, correctness, or conformity of thought with fact is from the 1560s. By this time, truth was something that was in your ‘head’ in contrast to a way of being as was experienced in earlier times.
Note that in English there is no verb ‘to truth’. We don’t say, “They truthed” even though we do say, “They lied.”
Trees as a metaphor for truth?!
A tree begins as a seed and a sapling. Over the years, it grows and branches out. Each fall, the leaves drop and each spring the leaves return. After many years, the mature tree bears little resemblance to the young sapling—even though it is the same tree—similar to how a child grows into an adult.
Like a tree, our sense and knowledge of what is true grows and matures as we grow older.
Could we say that truth grows in each person in a similar fashion just as our knowledge grows? As a tree ages, each year the tree trunk grows another ring. Similarly, does a person grow new rings of truth and knowledge as they age?!
Our perception and sense of truth, like the growth of a tree, grows—like the tree, our truth is not static but organic.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
