go-getter
UK[ˈɡəʊ ˌɡetə]US[ˈɡoʊ ˌɡetər]
n
a person who is energetic, determined, and ambitious, and who works hard to achieve success.
Morpheme Breakdown
go
get
er
go
get
er
Etymology
The term 'go-getter' is a quintessentially American English compound, emerging in the early 20th century. It is formed from the phrasal verb "to go and get," which implies proactive effort and initiative. The agent suffix "-er" transforms this action into a descriptor for a person, literally "one who goes and gets." The word encapsulates the cultural ideal of the self-made individual who energetically pursues and seizes opportunities, evolving from the literal sense of fetching something to the abstract concept of ambitious, determined striving for success.
Analysis
Structure: go + get + er
- go (verb): From Old English gān, meaning "to advance, proceed."
- get (verb): From Old Norse geta, meaning "to obtain, acquire."
- er (agent noun suffix): From Old English -ere, indicating a person who performs an action.
Examples
She's a real go-getter; she started her own business right after college.
The company is looking for young go-getters to join their sales team.
His reputation as a go-getter earned him a quick promotion.