The term “human” derives from the Proto-Indo-European root dhghem- or dhghom-, meaning earth or ground.
Etymology:
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
- Root: dhghem- or dhghom-
- Meaning: Earth, ground, soil
2. Latin
- From: PIE dhghem-
- Word: homo
- Meaning: Human being, person
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
- Term: humain
- Meaning: Human, relating to humans
- Composition: Derived from Latin homo
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
- Term: humain
- Evolution: humain to human
- Meaning: Human, relating to humans
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
- Term: Human
- Evolution: human
- Meaning: Pertaining to or characteristic of people