Old English:
* neahgebur: This was the original Old English word for "neighbor." It was formed from the words "neah" (near) and "gebur" (dweller, inhabitant).
Proto-Germanic:
* *nabu-gabar: This is the reconstructed Proto-Germanic ancestor of "neahgebur." It also combined the concepts of "near" and "dweller."
Proto-Indo-European:
* *h₁n̥ǵʰ-wóh₂-bʰér̥: This is the ultimate ancestor of "neighbor." It breaks down as follows:
* *h₁n̥ǵʰ-: "near"
* *wóh₂-: "dwelling place"
* *bʰér̥: "one who carries, bears"
Evolution:
The word "neighbor" evolved through various stages of Germanic languages, ultimately becoming "neighbor" in Middle English and continuing into Modern English.
Meaning:
The etymology reveals the original meaning of "neighbor" as someone who lives near you. It's also significant that the word includes the concept of "dwelling place," emphasizing the importance of shared space and proximity in defining a neighbor.
In summary: "Neighbor" ultimately traces back to Proto-Indo-European roots, meaning "one who lives near" or "one who carries (a dwelling) near." The word's etymology reflects the fundamental human need for proximity and community.