Here's a breakdown:
* Old English: The word "cetel" likely originated from Proto-Germanic, and it meant "cooking pot."
* Middle English: This evolved into "ketel" in Middle English, where the "c" softened into a "k" sound.
* Modern English: Finally, the spelling shifted to "kettle" in Modern English.
Interestingly, the word "kettle" is related to the Dutch word "ketel" and the German word "Kessel," both meaning "kettle" or "boiler." This connection highlights the shared history of the Germanic languages.
So, while the exact origin of the word "kettle" is debated, it's clear that its history goes back centuries and is deeply rooted in the language and culture of the Germanic peoples.