Thing
/θɪŋ/noun
A word for an object, entity, or concept, often used in a general sense.
Did you know?In Old Norse, 'thing' referred to a gathering for legal or political purposes, hinting at its deep roots in community and power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰengʰ-
“to set, to put, to place, indicating a state of being or existence.”
Old English
Old English
þing
“A matter, event, or object, originally associated with assembly or a gathering.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
þing
“A meeting or assembly where matters were discussed and decisions made.”
Middle English
Middle English
thinge
“A term for an object or concept, evolving from legal and communal contexts.”
Modern English
English
thing
“A general term for any object, idea, or concept, stripped of specific identity but rich in potential.”