Well-Being
/ˌwɛl ˈbiː.ɪŋ/noun
The state of being comfortable, healthy, happy, or prosperous.
Did you know?The word “being” belongs to the same ancient Indo-European root as “future,” “build,” and Greek “physis,” the source of “physics,” all connected with coming into existence or growing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*welh₁-
“To wish, choose, or desire; the probable ancient root behind “well” and “will”.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰuh₂-
“To be, become, grow, or come into existence; the root behind “be” and “being”.”
Old English
Old English
wel
“Well, in a good manner, satisfactorily, or in good health.”
Old English
Old English
bēon
“To be, exist, or remain; the source of modern “be.””
Middle English
Middle English
being
“Existence or living presence, formed from the verb “be.””
16th Century
English
well-being
“A person’s state of being well or in favorable condition; the compound begins appearing in English during the early modern period.”
Modern English
English
well-being
“Overall health, happiness, comfort, and prosperity.”