Here's a breakdown:
* Old English: The word "care" originates from the Old English word "cēru," which meant "sorrow, grief, anxiety, or trouble."
* Proto-Germanic: "Cēru" itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*karō," which also meant "sorrow, grief, or anxiety."
* Proto-Indo-European: The ultimate ancestor of "care" is the Proto-Indo-European word "*kʷer-," meaning "to turn, to bend, to incline."
It's interesting to note how the meaning evolved from "turning" or "bending" to "sorrow" or "anxiety." The shift likely occurred because the feeling of sorrow or anxiety was often associated with a physical "bending" or "turning" inward, reflecting a state of worry or depression.
Over time, the word "care" acquired additional meanings, including "concern," "attention," and "responsibility." These meanings likely stemmed from the original sense of "sorrow" or "anxiety," as they often involve a sense of responsibility or concern for something or someone.
So, while "care" initially meant "sorrow," its meaning has expanded and evolved over centuries to encompass a wide range of emotions and actions.