What is the Origin of word silver?

The word "silver" has a fascinating journey through language and history. Its roots lie in the Proto-Indo-European word "*h₂erǵʰ-", which meant "white" or "shining".

Here's a breakdown of its evolution:

* Proto-Indo-European: "*h₂erǵʰ-" (white, shining)

* Proto-Germanic: "*silubr-" (silver)

* Old English: "seolfor" (silver)

* Middle English: "siluer" (silver)

* Modern English: "silver"

It's interesting to note that the word "silver" is related to other words that describe whiteness or brightness, such as:

* Latin: "argentum" (silver)

* Greek: "argyros" (silver)

* Sanskrit: "rajata" (silver)

These connections highlight how the silvery shine of the metal has been a universal characteristic recognized across different cultures and languages.