noun
wer
Wer (noun) means an archaic word for "man" or "husband," now surviving only inside compound words like "werewolf.". Example: “The prefix "wer-" in "werewolf" comes from this old word for "man.”
noun
1
An archaic word for "man" or "husband," now surviving only inside compound words like "werewolf."
"The prefix "wer-" in "werewolf" comes from this old word for "man.""
How to use wer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old word for "man," now only found buried inside words like "werewolf."
When to use it
Obsolete outside of etymology discussions and compound words.
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Word forms
- Plural
- wers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The prefix "_____-" in "werewolf" comes from this old word for "man."
Etymology
From Old English wer, "man," related to Latin vir (also "man"), which gives us words like "virile."
Frequently asked questions
What does “wer” mean?
The word “wer” means an archaic word for "man" or "husband," now surviving only inside compound words like "werewolf.". In plain terms, an old word for "man," now only found buried inside words like "werewolf.".
How do you use “wer” in a sentence?
Here is “wer” used in a sentence: “The prefix "wer-" in "werewolf" comes from this old word for "man.".”
What part of speech is “wer”?
“Wer” is a noun.
Where does the word “wer” come from?
The word “wer” comes from Latin. From Old English wer, "man," related to Latin vir (also "man"), which gives us words like "virile.".
