The term “fullness” comes from the Old English word “fullness” (spelled “fullnes”), which means “the state of being full.” This is derived from the Old English word “full,” meaning “filled up,” combined with the suffix “-ness,” which denotes a state or quality.
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*pele-” means “to fill.”
2. Old English (c. 5th to 11th century CE)
From the PIE root, the Old English word “full” developed, meaning “filled up” or “complete.” The suffix “-ness,” indicating a state or quality, was added to form “fullness” (spelled “fullnes”), meaning “the state of being full.”
3. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old English “fullnes” evolved into Middle English “fulnesse,” retaining the meaning of “the state of being full.”
4. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “fullness” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, retaining the meaning of “the state of being full.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “fullness” has remained relatively stable from Old English to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Fullness is often used to describe the state of being filled to capacity.”
- “Another example of ‘fullness’ in a sentence is ‘After the meal, she felt a pleasant fullness in her stomach.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “fullness” was significantly influenced by its use in various contexts, including physical, emotional, and metaphorical descriptions of completeness or abundance. Fullness has been associated with satisfaction, contentment, and the idea of having enough or more than enough of something.
The word “fullness” reflects the concept of being filled or complete, emphasizing the importance of satisfaction, abundance, and completeness in various aspects of life. It underscores the role of fullness in providing a sense of wholeness, well-being, and contentment.