What is the origin of understand?

From Middle English understanden, from Old English understandan (“to understand”), from Proto-Germanic *under (“between”) + *standaną (“to stand”), equivalent to Old English under- (“between, inter-”) + standan (“to stand”).

Where did the expression and how come from?

Origin of And How! The etymology of this phrase is contested. Some claim that it was first recorded in 1865, while others claim that it was first used in 1924. It is believed that the English phrase was essentially “borrowed” from German and Italian expressions “und wie!” and “e come!” respectively.

What does chalk & cheese mean?

When you say that two people are like ‘chalk and cheese’, you are suggesting that the two are very different from each other; they have nothing in common. The expression, which has the same meaning as ‘apples and oranges’, can be used with things as well. They’re like chalk and cheese.

Where did the expression to at come from?

“To a T” or “to a tee,” meaning “exactly, precisely, perfectly” is an older expression than you might think, dating all the way back to the late 17th century (“All the under Villages and Towns-men come to him for Redress; which he does to a T,” 1693).

What is the prefix to understand?

prefix mis-
The verb misunderstand adds the “bad” or “wrong” prefix mis- to understand, from an Old English root, understandan, that literally means “stand in the midst of.”

What’s the difference between understand and Overstand?

As verbs the difference between understand and overstand is that understand is to be aware of the meaning of while overstand is (rare) to stand or insist too much or too long; overstay.

Why do we say for Pete’s sake?

“For Pete’s sake” originated as a substitute for “for Christ’s (or God’s) sake,” and other similar expressions—as using a shortened form of the disciple St. Peter’s name instead was considered less offensive.

What does chalked up mean?

1 : ascribe, credit chalked up his failures to inexperience. 2 : attain, achieve chalk up another victory.

What is the opposite of understand in English?

What is the opposite of understand?