Here's a breakdown:
* Grandparents: This term is a relatively straightforward combination of "grand" (meaning big or important) and "parents." It refers to the parents of your parents.
* Great Grandparents: This simply adds the word "great" to the front, signifying an additional generation back in the family tree.
The "great" serves as a multiplier, indicating a level of distance further removed from the speaker.
Historical Context:
* The concept of extended family and tracking ancestry existed long before the specific term "great grandparents." However, as societies developed and became more literate, the need for precise terminology to distinguish generations increased.
* By the 16th century, the use of "great" to denote further generations was established.
In essence:
The term "great grandparents" is a logical evolution of family terms, making it clear that you are referring to your grandparents' parents, the generation beyond your grandparents.