* "inter" meaning "between"
* "polare" meaning "to polish" or "to make smooth"
Therefore, the original meaning of "interpolate" was to "insert something between other things to make them smoother or more complete." This concept of filling in gaps or smoothing out inconsistencies is still central to the word's meaning today.
Here's how the word evolved:
1. Latin "interpolare": Initially meant to "polish" or "restore" something by inserting missing parts.
2. Medieval Latin "interpolare": Took on the meaning of "to falsify" or "to alter" a text by adding false information.
3. Early Modern English "interpolate": This meaning of "to insert something that doesn't belong" continued to be used.
4. Modern English "interpolate": Expanded to include the concept of "inserting data points" in mathematics, statistics, and other fields.
Today, "interpolate" is used in various contexts, but its core meaning remains the same: to insert something between other elements to create a smoother, more complete, or more accurate result.