ganar, to win. wage, gain.

gainen, acquire or achieve.

The word “gain” has a rich linguistic history that traces back through several languages and centuries. Here’s a detailed look at its etymology:

Origin and Early History

• Old French Roots: The English word “gain” originates from the Old French word “gagner,” which means “to earn, to obtain, to win.” This term was commonly used in medieval France and carried the connotation of acquiring something through effort or merit.
• Frankish Influence: The Old French “gagner” itself is derived from the Frankish word *waidjan, which means “to obtain” or “to acquire.” The Frankish language was a Germanic language spoken by the Franks, a group of tribes that settled in what is now France and parts of Germany.

Entry into Middle English

• Adoption into English: The term entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 12th century, retaining much of its original meaning related to obtaining or earning something, particularly through effort or merit.
• Middle English Forms: In Middle English, “gain” appeared in various forms, such as “gainen,” maintaining the sense of acquiring or achieving.

Evolution of Meaning

• Expansion of Usage: Over time, the meaning of “gain” expanded beyond merely obtaining something through effort. It began to encompass the ideas of increase, improvement, or profit. For example:
• Economic Gain: Referring to financial profit or advantage.
• Physical Gain: Indicating increase in size, strength, or other physical attributes.
• Metaphorical Uses: Such as gaining knowledge or gaining favor.
• Grammatical Development: “Gain” has functioned both as a verb (e.g., “to gain experience”) and as a noun (e.g., “a significant gain in skills”).

Related Words and Cognates

• Cognates in Other Languages: Many languages derived from Latin and influenced by Frankish have similar words:
• Spanish: “ganar” (to earn, to win)
• Italian: “guadagnare” (to earn, to gain)
• German: “gewinnen” (to win), though slightly different in form
• Related English Words: Words like “wage,” which also relates to earning or compensation, share a similar Germanic root.

Modern Usage

Today, “gain” is a versatile word used in various contexts, including:

• Finance: Referring to profit or financial advantage.
• Health and Fitness: Describing the increase in muscle mass or strength.
• Knowledge and Skills: Indicating the acquisition of information or abilities.
• General Advantage: Any form of benefit or improvement.

Summary

• Old French “gagner” → Frankish *waidjan → Middle English “gainen” → Modern English “gain”

The evolution of “gain” from its Old French and Frankish origins to its current usage in English illustrates the dynamic nature of language and how words adapt to encompass broader meanings over time.

Profit through field labor?

gagner,,,hunt, forage, pasture

The word “gain” comes from the Old French word “gaignier” (or “gagner” in Modern French), which meant to earn, win, or acquire. This Old French word in turn originated from the Frankish (a West Germanic language) word “waidanjan”, meaning to hunt, forage, or pasture.

The Proto-Germanic root of “gain,” “waithō”, referred to pasture or forage. This gives us a sense of its original meaning tied to agricultural work, like acquiring or gathering resources or profits through labor, particularly in the fields.

Over time, the meaning broadened in English, coming to signify not only agricultural earnings but also more general notions of obtaining or achieving something valuable, like profit, advantage, or success.