1. Grounded in the sense of being connected to the earth: This usage is related to the physical act of grounding something, meaning connecting it to the earth. It has its roots in the use of "ground" as a noun, referring to the surface of the earth. This connection can be literal, as in grounding a piece of electrical equipment to prevent shocks, or figurative, as in grounding oneself through meditation or nature walks.
2. Grounded in the sense of being practical and realistic: This meaning is metaphorical and stems from the literal connection to the earth. A grounded person is someone who is firmly rooted in reality, not overly idealistic or fanciful. The term likely emerged in the 19th century, reflecting the growing emphasis on practicality and scientific reasoning during the Industrial Revolution.
3. Grounded in the sense of being punished by being forbidden from going out: This meaning is specific to children and teenagers. It originated from the practice of grounding someone as a punishment, often by restricting their movement or activities. This usage likely evolved in the early 20th century, as the concept of "grounded" became more widely used as a disciplinary tactic.
4. Grounded in the sense of being delayed or unable to fly: This meaning is specific to aviation and relates to the physical act of landing an aircraft on the ground. The term "grounded" in this context is a relatively recent development, likely originating in the early days of air travel in the 20th century.
The exact origin of each usage is difficult to pinpoint, but their development can be traced back to the literal connection between "ground" and "earth."