Old English:
* The direct ancestor of "neighbor" in English is "neahgebur", which literally means "near dweller".
* This word is a compound of "neah" (near) and "gebur" (dweller), reflecting the idea of someone who lives close by.
Proto-Germanic:
* The Old English word "neahgebur" itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word "nebu-gabu", which also means "near dweller".
* It's interesting to note that the Proto-Germanic word already uses the same components: "nebu" (near) and "gabu" (dwelling).
Beyond Germanic:
* While the English word has Germanic roots, it's part of a larger family of words across various languages, all stemming from a Proto-Indo-European root "*gʷʰeibʰ-/*", meaning "to reside, dwell".
* This shared origin underscores the universal human concept of proximity and community.
Evolution in English:
* Over time, the Old English "neahgebur" evolved into the Middle English "neighebour", and eventually the modern English "neighbor".
* The spelling has shifted slightly, but the core meaning of "one who lives near" has remained constant.
Summary:
The word "neighbor" is a testament to the enduring importance of proximity in human society. Its journey from the Proto-Indo-European root to modern English showcases how language reflects and shapes our understanding of the world.