newest
/ˈnjuːɪst/
adjective
Origin
Proto-Germanic
*niwjaz — new
Overview
Meaning Now
- Most recent in time; having existed or been made for the shortest period.
- Most modern or up-to-date; representing the latest development or trend.
Literal older meaning
most new
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
nīwost
Earliest period
Old English
Journey
The word is a superlative form of 'new', which has remained relatively stable in Germanic languages. The use of the -est suffix to denote the superlative degree is a characteristic feature of Old and Middle English inherited from Proto-Germanic.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*néwos
“new”
- Proto-Germanic
*niwjaz
“new”
- Old English
nīwe
“new”
- Middle English
neweste
“most new”
Connections
Word parts
new
root
recent
-est
suffix
superlative degree marker
Related across languages
German
neueste
newest
Dutch
nieuwste
newest
Old Norse
nýi
new
Explore next
Related to newest
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.