It's important to note that the term "paved" in this context didn't necessarily imply modern-day asphalt or concrete. In ancient times, roads were often paved with stone, gravel, or even wood.
The Proto-Germanic word "*strētaz*" is further related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*strey-*", which means "to spread, strew, or scatter". This connection suggests that the original meaning of "street" was a "spread-out or strewn path" for travel.
Therefore, the origin of the English word "street" can be summarized as:
* Proto-Indo-European: "*strey-*" (to spread, strew, or scatter)
* Proto-Germanic: "*strētaz*" (paved road, paved way)
* Old English: "strēt" (street)
* Modern English: "street"
It's interesting to see how the meaning of "street" has evolved over time, reflecting the changing nature of transportation and road construction.