Sunday, February 7, 2010

What is the true meaning of god speed and why do we use those particular words in lieu of go safely.?

Godspeed, as a word, is a wish for a prosperous journey, success, and good fortune.


I don't know why we use it other than to give a blessing as well as good wishes.What is the true meaning of god speed and why do we use those particular words in lieu of go safely.?
NOUN:





Success or good fortune.





ETYMOLOGY:


From Middle English God spede (you), may God prosper (you) : God, god ; see god + spede, third person sing. present subjunctive of speden, to prosper (from Old English spdan, from spd, success; see speed)





It means more than just go safely. Its a blessing that your path will be successful and/or prosperous.What is the true meaning of god speed and why do we use those particular words in lieu of go safely.?
As the words imply, it is a wish that God will take care of you and speed you on the way to your destination.





In the days when a journey could be much more hazardous than today (highwaymen, bandits, outlaws, dreadful tracks instead of tarmaced roads, etc) it was a very valid wish!

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