worthy
Meaning
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in a specified way.
Deserving effort, attention, or respect.
Structure
Usage
She proved herself worthy of the leadership role.
This is a worthy cause that deserves our support.
He is a worthy opponent who always challenges me to improve.
Etymology
The word "worthy" originates from the Old English weorþig, which was formed by combining the noun weorþ (value, worth) with the adjectival suffix -ig. The root weorþ itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic werþaz, meaning "toward, opposite," and further to the Proto-Indo-European root wert-, meaning "to turn, wind." The semantic evolution moved from the physical act of turning toward something to the concept of equivalent exchange or value, as in "turning into" an equivalent. Thus, "worthy" literally means "having worth" or "full of value," a sense that has remained consistent from its Old English origins to its modern abstract meaning of being deserving or meritorious.
Analysis
- worth: From Old English weorþ, meaning "value, price, equal in value to". It functions as the core root conveying the sense of value or merit. - y: From Old English -ig, a suffix used to form adjectives meaning "having the quality of" or "full of".