882: writhe, wreath, and More May 8, 2017

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The Old English word for making something into a coil has given Modern English an array of different words, but none of them relate to cords or coils exactly. The Old English 'wrīthan' meant 'plait' or 'to tie something with cord' which lead to the verb 'writhe', and the related 'wrath' (noun) and 'wroth' (adjective). Not all the derivatives have meanings connoting hatred however. That is, unless you are filled with rage at certain floral arrangements, as 'wreath' is also related. The verb 'wreathe' also associated with these, but this was created much later, partially from back-formation of the no longer used, 'wrethen' which was a participle that meant, 'made into a wreath'. The letter E at the end after the TH of a noun is typical of many verbs formed this way, such as 'bath/bathe', 'breath/breathe', and you might have also noticed it with 'writhe'. If you know any other related words, put them in the comments.

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