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Jackson6612 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Godsend: back-formation from god-sent
godsend (noun)
Etymology: back-formation from god-sent
a desirable or needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly
[M-W's Col. Dic.]
What was the need to back-form "godsend" from "god-sent" when the later is a better choice? "sent" is a past participle used as an adjective in the expression "god-sent" which would then mean something which has been 'sent' by a god. "godsend" doesn't make that much sense to me. Please guide me. Thanks.
Etymology: back-formation from god-sent
a desirable or needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly
[M-W's Col. Dic.]
What was the need to back-form "godsend" from "god-sent" when the later is a better choice? "sent" is a past participle used as an adjective in the expression "god-sent" which would then mean something which has been 'sent' by a god. "godsend" doesn't make that much sense to me. Please guide me. Thanks.
Top answer
Word development seldom follows any conscious 'need'. Note, however, that it is a noun; We do not use past participle structure as nouns even today. Check out this etymology from the Online Etymology Dictionary.
- Word development seldom follows any conscious 'need'.
- Note, however, that it is a noun; We do not use past participle structure as nouns even today.
- Check out this etymology from the Online Etymology Dictionary.
- E.
- E.
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3 Answers
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Word development seldom follows any conscious 'need'. Note, however, that it is a noun; We do not use past participle structure as nouns even today. Check out this etymology from the Online Etymology Dictionary. In Middle English the participle was 'sonde'; note its 'd':
1814, "a shipwreck" (from the perspective of people living along the coast), from M.E. Godes sonde (c.1200) "***'s
1814, "a shipwreck" (from the perspective of people living along the coast), from M.E. Godes sonde (c.1200) "***'s
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Mister MicawberNote, however, that it is a noun; We do not use past participle structure as nouns even today.Thanks a lot, Mr Micawber. Yes, "godsend" is a noun. As you say past participe structure as nouns is not used even today and I believe you. In my humble opinion using the structure "***-sent" is more 'intelligent' choice but perhaps evolution
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Sorry, I am not a machine or a dictionary or an etymologist. I cannot generate any examples; none spring to mind. Perhaps another will have more perfect recall.
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