Gifts
/ɡɪfts/noun
Something given willingly to someone without payment; a present.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, gifts were often thought to carry the spirit of the giver, binding the recipient in a sacred obligation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲʰebh-
“to give or receive”
Old English
Old English
giefu
“a gift, a present, or offering”
Old Norse
Old Norse
gipt
“a gift, especially in a ceremonial context”
Middle English
Middle English
gifte
“something given or bestowed”
Modern English
English
gifts
“plural of gift, referring to multiple items given willingly”
Explore more surprising origins