English word how comes from Proto-Indo-European *kʷ-, Proto-Germanic *hwataz (Quick, sharp, brave.), Proto-Indo-European *kʷe-, Proto-Indo-European *kʷo-
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word how. Currently you are viewing the etymology of how with the meaning: (Adverb Conjunction Noun) In what manner.. In what state.. To what degree.. Used as a modifier to indicate surprise, delight, or other strong feelings. In which way; in such way.. That, the fact that, the way that. The [...]In what manner.. In what state.. To what degree.. Used as a modifier to indicate surprise, delight, or other strong feelings. In which way; in such way.. That, the fact that, the way that. The [...]
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *kʷ- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *hwataz | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Quick, sharp, brave. |
| *kʷe- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *kʷo- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *kʷód, kʷod | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *kʷís | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | Who, what (interrogative). Who, which, that (relative) Which, what. |
| *hwat | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | |
| hwā | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | |
| hwæt | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | Anything. What Now, indeed What!, listen!, hark!, lo!. |
| *hwō | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | How, with what, by what means;. |
| hū | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | |
| hwu | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | |
| how | English (eng) | In what manner.. In what state.. To what degree.. Used as a modifier to indicate surprise, delight, or other strong feelings. In which way; in such way.. That, the fact that, the way that. The means by which something is accomplished. |