in modern english we sometimes say that a person who has been criticized or humiliated has been "put down." given that clue, what do you think the linguistic great, great grandparent of "humiliate" meant?
a. sleep
b. fall
c. compliment
d. ground
key
[d] the great, great grandparent of "humiliate" was the latin word "humus," which meant "earth" or "ground." from "humus" came the latin adjective "humilis," meaning "low" or "humble," which later gave rise to the verb "humiliare," meaning "to make low or humble." that latin verb is the parent word that gave us the english term "humiliate." when someone has been "humiliated," it sometimes seems as if the person has been forced to the ground or made to bow down in front of someone else. remembering that imaginary "put down" can help you recall the origins of "humiliate."
Go to Other Sections
Story Tools
Copyright by chinadaily.com.cn. All rights reserved
版權聲明：未經中國日報網站許可，任何人不得復制本欄目內容。如需轉載請與本網站聯(lián)系。
None of this material may be used for any commercial or public use. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
