When did the word when become a word?

It's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when "when" became a word, as language evolves gradually over time. However, we can look at its historical usage to understand its development.

Old English:

* The word "when" has roots in the Old English word "hwænne," which meant "at what time?" or "when?"

* This word can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European.

Middle English:

* By the Middle English period (1150-1500), the word "when" had largely taken its modern form and meaning.

* It was used as an interrogative adverb (asking about time) and also as a conjunction, introducing clauses that express time or condition.

Modern English:

* Over time, "when" has become a highly versatile word with multiple grammatical functions.

* It's used as a question word, a conjunction, a relative pronoun, and even as a noun in certain contexts.

Summary:

While the exact moment of "when" becoming a word is unknown, its usage can be traced back to Old English and its roots in Proto-Indo-European. By the Middle English period, it had developed into a recognizable and multi-functional word that remains a staple of modern English.