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4951172 commented on the word hindwholy
catholic (Etymological Anglish)
Etymology: Ancient Greek κατά “against, downwards” is cognate with English, hind “behind”, Ancient Greek ὅλος “whole” is cognate with English, whole. Ancient Greek -ικός “ish” is cognate with English -y.
In an etymological sense, the word means “behind-whole-ish” as pertaining to “behind the whole church”. For many years, catholics were “behind the whole church” because Catholicism was the offical religion of most of Europe before Protestantism rivaled it. Another example of how history can shape the meaning of words.
January 26, 2025