What is the root of the word kittens? - briefly
The root of the word "kittens" is "kitten." This term originates from the Old English word "cyten," which referred to a young cat.
What is the root of the word kittens? - in detail
The word "kittens" is a plural noun that refers to young cats. To understand its root, one must delve into the etymology of the word, tracing it back through various linguistic stages and influences.
The term "kittens" originates from the Old English word "cyten," which itself is derived from the Old Norse word "kitta." The Old Norse language, spoken by the Norse peoples, had a significant impact on Old English, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of England. The Old Norse "kitta" referred to a young cat, and over time, this word evolved into "kitten" in Middle English. The plural form "kittens" was subsequently developed to signify more than one young cat.
The transition from "cyten" to "kitten" involved several phonetic changes. The Old English "cy" sound evolved into the Middle English "ki," reflecting the linguistic shifts that occurred as English transitioned from its Old English roots to its Middle English form. This evolution is a typical example of how languages adapt and change over time, influenced by cultural exchanges and linguistic borrowings.
Moreover, the suffix "-s" in "kittens" is a common plural marker in English, derived from Old English. This suffix is added to the base form of the word "kitten" to indicate plurality, following standard English grammatical rules.
In summary, the root of the word "kittens" can be traced back to the Old Norse "kitta," which was adopted into Old English as "cyten" and subsequently evolved through Middle English to become the modern English word "kitten." The plural form "kittens" is created by adding the standard English plural suffix "-s." This etymological journey illustrates the dynamic nature of language and the influences that shape our modern vocabulary.