enjoy
/ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/
verb
Origin
Old French
enjoier — to give joy to, to enjoy
Overview
Meaning Now
- To take pleasure in or derive satisfaction from something.
- To possess, hold, or have the benefit of something (e.g., to enjoy good health).
Literal older meaning
to put into joy
Language path
Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
enjoier
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The word entered English via Anglo-Norman during the period of heavy French linguistic influence following 1066. Unlike its modern sense of internal emotional satisfaction, Middle English usage frequently carried a legalistic nuance, referring to the 'enjoyment' or possession of property or rights.
Evolution
- Latin
gaudium
“joy, delight”
The ultimate Latin root for 'joy'.
- Old French
enjoier
“to put into joy, make joyful”
Formed from prefix 'en-' + 'joie'.
- Middle English
enjoien
“to feel joy, to take pleasure in”
Adapted into Middle English after the Norman Conquest.
Connections
Word parts
en-
prefix
to put into, to make
joy
root
delight or pleasure
Related across languages
French
enjouer
to make lively
Explore next
Related to enjoy
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.