The word 'studying' is built upon the verb 'study', whose core meaning of zealous application originates from Latin 'studēre', meaning to be eager or zealous. This Latin verb is related to 'studium', signifying eagerness, zeal, or pursuit, which in turn connects to the Proto-Indo-European root (s)teu- (to push, knock, beat), metaphorically extending to the concept of mental exertion or thrusting oneself into a task. The addition of the '-ing' suffix, a fusion of Old English grammatical elements, transforms the action into its ongoing or nominal form, perfectly capturing the continuous process of dedicated learning or examination that defines the modern activity.

Structure: study (to apply oneself to learning) + ing (present participle/gerund suffix) - study: From Middle English 'studien', from Old French 'estudier', from Latin 'studēre' (to be eager, to devote oneself to). Functions as the core verb root. - ing: From Old English '-ende' (present participle suffix) and '-ung' (verbal noun suffix). Functions as a suffix forming the present participle or gerund.