The word " #obey " originates from Latin and French, and it signifies the act of listening to and following someone’s words.
1. Origin in Latin
Obey derives from the Latin word "obedire":
ob-: "toward" or "in the direction of"
audire: "to hear"
Thus, obedire literally means "to listen attentively."
→ From this, the meaning extended to "listen and follow."
2. Development in Old French
Later, obedire evolved into the Old French word "obeir".
In French, the meaning became more specific, emphasizing "to comply with a command."
This development shaped the modern meaning of "obey."
3. Adoption into Middle English
With the Norman Conquest (1066), obey was adopted into Middle English.
It settled with the meaning "to submit to the authority or rule of someone."
The root idea of "listening" is still embedded in the word, suggesting that the essence of obedience involves attentively hearing and responding to another’s words.
Related Words
Obedience : A noun form of obey, meaning "submission or compliance."
Audience : Derived from "audire", meaning "a group of people who listen."
Conclusion
The word obey is not just about compliance with authority but also emphasizes the attitude of "#listening and responding to instructions or commands," making its etymology particularly interesting.