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by Ralyyy on April 28th, 2008

Ralyyy

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Do the words "prodigy" and "prodigal" have the same origin? What does the root mean?

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Answers. 2 helpful answers below.

  • by Barcaluv on April 28th, 2008

    Barcaluv

    They have different origin:

    Prodigy:
    1494, "sign, portent, something extraordinary from which omens are drawn," from L. prodigium "sign, omen, portent, prodigy," from pro- "forth" + -igium, a suffix or word of unknown origin, perhaps from *agi-, root of aio "I say". Meaning "child with exceptional abilities" first recorded 1658.

    Prodigal:
    c.1450, back-formation from prodigiality (1340), from O.Fr. prodigalite (13c.), from L.L. prodigalitatem (nom. prodigalitas) "wastefulness," from L. prodigus "wasteful," from prodigere "drive away, waste," from pro- "forth" + agere "to drive" (see act). First ref. is to prodigial son, from Vulgate L. filius prodigus (Luke xv.11-32).

    http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=prodigy&searchmode=none
    http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=prodigal&searchmode=none

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  • by R U Sirius on April 28th, 2008

    R U Sirius

    I think it means.......Firestarter.......Twisted firestarter.

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