to boot
to boot (idiom)
/tu buːt/
Meaning
- Additionally, used to indicate that something extra is included beyond what has already been mentioned.
- Furthermore, emphasizing an extra element that adds to the main point being discussed.
- Moreover, highlighting an unexpected or noteworthy addition to a situation.
- Also, serving as a way to reinforce or expand upon a statement.
Synonyms
- additionally
- furthermore
- moreover
- also
Example Sentences
- She got a promotion, and to boot, she received a bonus.
- He is a skilled chef and an excellent baker to boot.
- The hotel had a stunning view and great service to boot.
- He not only finished the project early but under budget to boot.
- The movie was entertaining and educational to boot.
- She won the competition and gained a scholarship to boot.
Origin and History
The English phrase “to boot,” meaning “in addition” or “besides,” has a rich history rooted in ancient linguistic traditions. This article delves into the various theories and beliefs regarding its origin, examines its earliest recorded usage, and explores its evolution over time.
Etymological Roots
The term “to boot” originates from the Old English word “bōt,” which signified “advantage,” “remedy,” or “compensation.” This noun is derived from the Proto-Germanic “*bōtō,” meaning “improvement” or “advantage.” The concept encapsulated by “bōt” was associated with something beneficial added to a situation, aligning with the modern understanding of “to boot” as denoting an additional benefit or inclusion.
Connection to Legal Terminology
In medieval England, “bōt” was also used in legal contexts to refer to compensation or amends made for wrongdoing. This usage underscores the idea of adding something to rectify or enhance a situation, paralleling the contemporary use of “to boot” to indicate an extra addition.
Earliest Recorded Usage
The phrase “to boot” has been in use since at least the Middle English period. Forms of “to boot” in Old English date from around 1000 AD. Robert Manning of Brunne included a version of it in “Langtoft’s Chronicle” (1330):
“A hundreth knyghtes mo… and four hundreth to bote, squieres of gode aray.”
Evolution and Persistence
Over the centuries, while the original noun “bōt” faded from common usage, the phrase “to boot” endured in the English language. Its longevity can be attributed to its utility in succinctly conveying the idea of an additional benefit or inclusion. Notably, “to boot” is one of the few remnants of the Old English “bōt” still in use today.
Distinction from Other Terms
It’s important to distinguish this “boot” from other homonyms in English. The “boot” in “to boot” is unrelated to the footwear term or the computing term “boot,” which refers to starting up a computer system. These other “boots” have distinct etymological origins and are not connected to the “to boot” phrase.A
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