Definition
Hello!
I was just wondering, what is the origin of the English phrase "came from nothing"? It's clearly used a lot on every day language, but the closest dictionary definition I can find is ex nihilo. Have people just adapted this to say "I came from nothing"?
Thanks in advance!
Emma
Top answer
sailsofoblivion what is the origin of the English phrase "came from nothing" English phrases are composed of one or more words. These words are selected from the lexicon and arranged according to rules of grammar. The phrase has meaning.
- sailsofoblivion what is the origin of the English phrase "came from nothing" English phrases are composed of one or more words.
- These words are selected from the lexicon and arranged according to rules of grammar.
- The phrase has meaning.
- Some combinations have a different meaning than the individual words' definitions.
- These are called idioms.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
sailsofoblivionwhat is the origin of the English phrase "came from nothing"
English phrases are composed of one or more words. These words are selected from the lexicon and arranged according to rules of grammar. The phrase has meaning.
Some combinations have a different meaning than the individual words' definitions. These are called idioms.
0I disagree with the answer given. In the US this is fairly often heard, usually in statements like:
I came up from nothing.
He came up from nothing.
As for the origin, this is a fairly natural extension of the meaning of the word "nothing." That is, the person grew up with "nothing," relatively speaking, as compared to more fortunate individuals.
0
Related Questions