-ing

Middle English

/unɡ/, /inɡ/, /inɡ/

suffix
Definitions
  • Forms gerunds from verbs, typically referring to the process of performing the verb, but also referring to the effect of the verb, what the verb affects, the capability or permission of performing the verb, or that which performs the verb.
  • Forms collective nouns from verbs meaning "to utilise (a given thing)".

Etymology

Inherited from Old English -ing (belonging to, of the) inherited from Proto-Germanic *-ingō (-ing).

Origin

Proto-Germanic

*-ingō

Gloss

-ing

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms