giddiness
UK[ˈɡɪd.i.nəs]US[ˈɡɪd.i.nəs]
n
a feeling of dizziness and a sensation of spinning or unsteadiness.
n
a state of excitable and often silly happiness or excitement.
Morpheme Breakdown
giddy
ness
giddy
insane, possessed by a god or demon
ness
Etymology
the word "giddiness" originates from the old english adjective gydig, which carried the intense meaning of being insane or possessed by a deity. this term is related to the old english word for "god" (god), suggesting a state of being outside oneself, as if in a religious frenzy. over time, the meaning softened considerably, shifting from madness to describe a frivolous, light-headed, or dizzy state. the suffix -ness, of germanic origin, was added to form a noun describing the abstract condition or quality of being giddy.
Analysis
Structure: giddy + ness
giddy (from old english gydig, meaning "insane, possessed by a god or demon") + ness (from old english -nes, a noun-forming suffix denoting a state or quality).
Examples
the sudden drop on the roller coaster caused a wave of giddiness.
she felt a childlike giddiness at the prospect of the surprise party.
a side effect of the medication can be temporary giddiness upon standing up.