What shows the etymology of word neighbor?

The etymology of the word "neighbor" traces back to the Old English word "neahgebur," which itself is a combination of two words:

* "neah" meaning "near" or "close"

* "gebur" meaning "dweller" or "inhabitant"

Therefore, "neahgebur" literally meant "near dweller" or "close inhabitant." This highlights the original meaning of the word, which emphasizes the proximity and closeness of someone who lives near you.

Over time, the word evolved into "neighbor" through a series of phonetic changes in the English language.

Here's a simplified breakdown:

* Old English: neahgebur

* Middle English: neighebour

* Modern English: neighbor

So, the word "neighbor" has a very straightforward origin, reflecting the idea of someone living in close proximity and sharing a common space.