Share
/ʃɛər/noun
To divide and distribute a portion of something with others, or to have a part in something.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from an ancient root meaning “to cut,” which is why it’s historically tied to division and portions rather than generosity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sker-
“to cut”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*skeraną
“to cut, shear”
Old English
OE
scearu
“a cutting, division, portion”
Middle English
ME
share
“a part or portion; division”
Modern English
English
share
“to divide and distribute; to have a portion in something”
Explore more surprising origins