pregnancy English · revision 5926

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1520s}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈpreɡ.nən.si/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|pregnant|-cy]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(Klein 1966)^(SOED 2002) An earlier word in the sense was pregnacioun (early 15th century), from Old French pregnacion and Latin praegnātiō.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Originally figurative, in the 1520s, before 1529 in the OED;^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) the SOED has fertility of mind, inventiveness, from the late 15th century.^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The literal sense, the condition of being with child, is from the 1590s, 1598 in the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Fertility of mind or quickness of wit is from 1550,^(OED 1989) and of the soil, fruitfulness, from 1615.^(OED 1989) In the 17th century a promising youth could be called a pregnancy.^(OED 1989) Fullness of meaning in words is from 1841.^(OED 1989)^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1520s – figurative uses.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1550 – fertility of mind.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1598 – the condition of being with child.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1615 – fertility of soil.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1841 – fullness of meaning.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The condition of being [[pregnant]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # An instance of being pregnant, or the period from [[conception]] to birth.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(literary)'' Richness in meaning or significance.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # ''(archaic)'' Inventiveness; quickness of mind.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[postpregnancy]]

+ * [[ectopic pregnancy]]

+ * [[false pregnancy]]

+ * [[toxemia of pregnancy]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[pregnant]]

+ * [[impregnate]]

+ * [[prenatal]]

+ * [[natal]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}