English edit

Etymology 1 edit

From Middle English -ling, from Old English -ling, from Proto-West Germanic *-ling, from Proto-Germanic *-lingaz, a nominal suffix, probably composed of Proto-Germanic *-ilaz (agent/instrumental/diminutive suffix) + Proto-Germanic *-ingaz (patronymic suffix).

Akin to Dutch -ling, German -ling, Icelandic -lingur, Gothic -𐌻𐌹𐌲𐌲𐍃 (-liggs). More at -le, -ing.

Alternative forms edit

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. small, immature, miniature
  2. follower or resident
Usage notes edit

Words ending in -ing derived from a root or stem terminating in -l or -le, such as dazzling, have usually only an accidental resemblance, although sometimes there is a connection, as in sidling, which derives from Middle English in this form, and which is also a present participle form of the modern English verb to sidle, which in itself is a back-formation from sidling.

Derived terms edit

(Diminutive):

(Quality):

Translations edit

Etymology 2 edit

From Middle English -ling, from Old English -ling, -linga, -lunga (adverbial suffix). Compare -long.

Alternative forms edit

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. (non-productive) An adverbial suffix denoting manner, direction or position.
Derived terms edit

See also edit

References edit

  • Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, Springfield, Massachusetts, G.&C. Merriam Co., 1967

Anagrams edit

Dutch edit

Etymology edit

From a rebracketing of nouns with an -ing suffix. See above (English).

Suffix edit

-ling m

  1. A suffix that describes a person (or other creature) in terms of a place of origin or a quality, as defined by the root to which it is added.

Derived terms edit

German edit

Etymology edit

From Middle High German -linc, from Old High German -ling, from Proto-West Germanic *-ling.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): [lɪŋ]
  • (file)

Suffix edit

-ling m (genitive -linges or -lings, plural -linge)

  1. Indicates possession of or connection with a quality or property, such as Schwächling (weakling) from schwach (weak) or Frühling (the season Spring [which comes early]) from früh (early).
  2. A modifier of nouns, meaning a follower or resident of what is denoted by the stem form, such as Häftling from Haft.
  3. Suffix forming the names of many mushrooms.

Derived terms edit

Icelandic edit

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. indefinite accusative singular of -lingur

Middle English edit

Pronunciation edit

Etymology 1 edit

From Old English -ling (nominal suffix), from Proto-West Germanic *-ling, from Proto-Germanic *-ilingaz; equivalent to -el +‎ -ing.

Alternative forms edit

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. suffix used in forming personal nouns
  2. suffix forming diminutives
Derived terms edit
Descendants edit
  • English: -ling
  • Scots: -ling, -lin
References edit

Etymology 2 edit

From Old English -ling (adverbial suffix).

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. An adverbial suffix denoting direction, state or position.
Descendants edit
References edit

Norwegian Bokmål edit

Etymology edit

From German -ling.

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. denoting diminutive

Old English edit

Pronunciation edit

Etymology 1 edit

From alteration of suffixal use of Old English lang (long).

Suffix edit

-ling

  1. adverbial suffix denoting direction, state or position
    hinderlingbackwards
Descendants edit

Etymology 2 edit

From Proto-West Germanic *-ling, from Proto-Germanic *-ilingaz.

Alternative forms edit

Suffix edit

-ling m

  1. suffix used in forming personal nouns
    dīerlingfavorite, darling
    rǣplingprisoner
  2. suffix forming diminutives
    stærlingstarling
  3. dynasty, lineage
    Icling ("dynasty of Icel" or "House of Icel"); Ætheling (House of Ethel)
Declension edit
Derived terms edit
Descendants edit