Is there any connection between the verb "utter," meaning "to speak or express," and the adjective "utter," meaning "complete, absolute"?
Surprisingly, yes. Both derive from the Old English adverb "ut" (out). The verb "utter" originally meant "to put out" or "put forth." People spoke of "uttering" goods for sale; "to utter" money meant to circulate it. In fact, today's law enforcement officials sometimes say counterfeiters "utter" phony currency.
"Utter" also came to refer to putting forth speech, and, as the more general meaning of "utter" faded away, the meaning relating to speaking came to predominant.
The concept of "out" also lies at the heart of the adjective "utter," which originally meant "outer, exterior." People spoke of an "utter room," "utter garment" or even "utter man," as opposed to the "inner man."
Though these physical meanings of "utter" have fallen by the wayside, its "outermost" sense was soon extended to its current meaning of "absolute, total."
In a similar way, several other words were separated at birth:
"Antique" and "Antic"
The Italian descendants of the Romans called the bizarre and grotesque murals on ancient Roman buildings "antichi" ("ancient things," from the Latin "antiquuus"). Because these old murals depicted odd and unusual behaviors, the English word "antic," derived from the Latin "antichi," came to mean "wild or clownish behavior." The Latin "antiquus," of course, is also the origin of the English "antique."
"Venerate" and "Venom"
"Venus," the name of the Roman goddess of love, inspired the English words "venerate" (to worship), "venerable" (respectable) and "venereal" (related to love-making). "Venus" also launched the Latin word "venenum," which denoted a love potion. But somewhere along the way — perhaps because love can sometimes turn toxic — "venenum" came to mean "poison," giving us the English word "venom."
"Peon" and "Pioneer"
Both are derived from the Latin "pedo," meaning foot soldier. Spanish adopted "pedo" as "peon," and extended its meaning to "footman," "servant" and eventually "a member of the landless laboring class," which also became its meaning in English.
French adopted "pedo" as "peon" (later "peonier"), which denoted a soldier engaged in excavation and construction. Because these soldiers usually prepared the way for the rest of the army to follow, "peonier" ("pioneer" in English) came to mean anyone who blazes the trail for others.
Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to [email protected] or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
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