trim English · revision 15243

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=inherited|attested=1510s|origins=ine-pro *deru-}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈtɹɪm/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is apparently [[inh|enm|trimmen|t=to exhort, strengthen; to make firm]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) probably [[inh|ang|trymian|t=to strengthen, confirm, set in order, arrange]] (also [[m|ang|trymman]]),^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(Chambers 2008) from [[m|ang|trum|t=strong, firm]], from [[gem-pro|*trum-]], from a suffixed form of [[ine-pro|*deru-|t=to be firm, solid]].^(Etymonline) The word is missing from the record between about 1250 and the 16th century, so the connection is uncertain;^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(Cresswell 2021) Hoad calls it of obscure origin.^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To put in proper condition or good working order: the 1510s in Etymonline, about 1521 in Merriam-Webster;^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) Barnhart has trimmen, to make firm or fit, before 1460.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Little recorded in the Middle Ages, the word burst into use in the 16th century for many purposes: fitting out a ship, preparing a candle wick, repairing and decorating;^(Cresswell 2021) by 1550, the OED says, it had become exceedingly common in nearly all its chief senses.^(Etymonline) To adorn hats or garments with flowers or ribbons is from the 1510s,^(Etymonline) to dress the hair or clip a beard in Palsgrave (1530),^(Etymonline) and to cut back plants by the 1590s.^(Etymonline) The adjective, in good order, neat, is from 1503–13, first in the adverb trimly,^(OED 1989)^(Hoad 1986) and the noun, the state of a ship as to fitness for sailing, from the 1580s (1590 in the OED).^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Ornament or decoration is from the 1570s,^(Etymonline) visible woodwork of a house from 1884,^(Etymonline) and ornamental additions to a car from 1922.^(Etymonline) In politics, to trim was to keep a cautious neutrality between parties, the origin of [[trimmer]].^(AHD)^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1460 – trimmen, to make fit.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1503–13 – trim, in good order (adjective).^(OED 1989)

+ * 1510s – to put in good order; to adorn.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1590 – the trim of a ship.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1884 – the woodwork of a house.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1922 – ornamental additions to a car.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To make neat by cutting, [[clip|alt=clipping]] or [[prune|alt=pruning]]; to cut off what is unwanted.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To reduce: ''trim the budget''.^(AHD)

+ # To [[decorate]] or [[adorn]], as clothing with lace or ribbon.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To adjust the balance of a ship, submarine or aircraft, or to set the sails to the wind.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Neat and smart in appearance; in good order.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Slim and fit.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # State of order or condition: ''in good trim''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Decoration or [[ornament]]; the contrasting edging of clothing or the ornamental parts of a building or vehicle.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A cutting or clipping, as of the hair.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[trimly]]

+ * [[trimness]]

+ * [[overtrim]]

+ * [[pretrim]]

+ * [[trim tab]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[trimmer]]

+ * [[trimming]]

+ * [[tree]]

+ * [[true]]

+ * [[trust]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ Trim was also an obsolete Scots name for a kind of ale.^(Wright 1898)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}