The direct Latin root of the English word "mirror" is mirari, which means "to admire" or "to wonder at."
The Etymological Path of 'Mirror'
The journey of the word "mirror" into the English language highlights a fascinating linguistic evolution. Its lineage traces back to Latin, moving through French before arriving at its modern form.
The progression is as follows:
- English: The word
mirror - French: Derived from the French word
mirour - Latin Root: Originating from the Latin verb
mirari, which translates to "to admire" or "to wonder at."
This etymology suggests an early association of mirrors not just with mere reflection, but with an act of admiration or contemplation of what is seen.
The Romans' Term for a Mirror
It's noteworthy that while mirari is the root of our modern word "mirror," the Romans themselves used a different term for a reflective surface. Their word for a mirror was speculum.
- Roman Latin:
Speculum(the word used by Romans for a mirror) - Latin Root: Derived from the Latin verb
specere, meaning "to look" or "to behold."
This distinction reveals two separate linguistic pathways and underlying concepts related to reflection: one centered on the act of admiration (mirari), and the other on the straightforward act of looking (specere). Both roots provide valuable insight into the historical perception and use of mirrors.
