Macehuia
/maˈse.wi.a/noun
A Nahuatl verb meaning to deserve, merit, or be worthy of something.
Did you know?In Classical Nahuatl, the related noun *macehualli* referred to a common person or commoner, showing how the root was tied to the idea of being a worthy, rightful member of society.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Nahuatl
Nah
macehuia
“to deserve, merit, or be worthy”
Classical Nahuatl
Nah
macehualli
“commoner; ordinary person”
Colonial Nahuatl
Nah
macehuia
“to deserve, be worthy, or obtain by merit”
Modern English
English
macehuia
“a scholarly transliteration of the Nahuatl verb, not a standard English word”
Explore more surprising origins