Here's a breakdown:
* Old English: "yfel" (meaning "evil" or "bad")
* Proto-Germanic: "*ubilaz" (meaning "evil")
The word "ill" essentially transitioned from meaning "evil" to "bad for health" or "sick" over time. This shift in meaning occurred because "ill" was often used to describe something that was considered harmful or damaging, which naturally extended to describe conditions that were harmful to the body.
Interestingly, the word "evil" itself also originates from the same Proto-Germanic root "*ubilaz". This connection highlights how the concept of "evil" and "ill" were closely intertwined in the early stages of English language development.
So, while we may think of "ill" as a word strictly related to health, its origins are rooted in a broader concept of harm and negativity.