-ware
English edit
Etymology 1 edit
From Middle English ware, from Old English waru, from Proto-Germanic *warō, with meaning gradually shifting from guard, protection to an object that is in possession, hence meriting attention, guarded, cared for, and protected.
Suffix edit
-ware
- Used to form nouns denoting, collectively, items made from a particular substance.
- Used to form nouns denoting, collectively, items made in a particular place.
- Abruzzi + ware + -ware → Abruzzi ware
- Used to form nouns denoting, collectively, items of a particular kind or for a particular use.
Usage notes edit
- Not to be confused with -wear, which is used for types of clothing.
Derived terms edit
Related terms edit
Translations edit
denoting items made from a particular substance
denoting items made in a particular place
denoting items of a particular kind or for a particular use
Etymology 2 edit
From software. See also ware and warehouse.
Suffix edit
-ware
- Used to form mass nouns denoting specific classes of computer software, based on use, function, or method of distribution.
- (e.g. groupware in computer-mediated communication)
Derived terms edit
software
Related terms edit
Translations edit
denoting specific classes of computer software
See also edit
Anagrams edit
Old English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
From Proto-Germanic *warjaz (“dwellers of”). Cognate with Old High German -āri (“inhabitants of”).
Pronunciation edit
Suffix edit
-ware
- (used in the singular) suffix denoting inhabitants or residents of a place
- eall sēo buruhwaru ― the people of a city, the entire citizenry
- (used in the plural) suffix denoting inhabitants or residents of a place
- burgwaras ― residents of a burg, burghers, citizens
- Lundunwaras ― Londoners
- Rōmware ― residents of Rome; Romans
Declension edit
- (masc. i-stem)
Declension of -ware
- (masc. a-stem)
Declension of -ware (strong a-stem)
- (masc. n-stem)
Declension of -ware (weak)
- (fem. ō-stem)
Declension of -ware (strong ō-stem)