The word ‘queue’ originated from the French word ‘cue’, which means “tail”. It then evolved through various languages and historical contexts to its current meaning in modern English. The etymology of ‘queue’ provides insights into its linguistic transformations and the historical context in which it developed.
Origin and Etymology of Queue in Chronological Order
[Latin (15th century)] – The word ‘queue’ can be traced back to the Latin word ‘cauda’, which also means “tail”. This Latin root word laid the foundation for the evolution of ‘queue’ in subsequent languages.
[French (16th century)] – The French word ‘cue’ emerged as a derivative of ‘cauda’. Initially, it referred to the tail of an animal. Over time, it gained additional meanings, such as a long braid of hair and a line of people waiting.
[English (19th century)] – The word ‘queue’ was borrowed from French into English, retaining its meaning of a line of people waiting. This borrowing occurred in the 19th century, as English adopted various French words during the Norman Conquest.
The etymology of ‘queue’ showcases its journey through Latin and French before becoming an integral part of the English language.
Meaning of Queue
The word ‘queue’ functions as a noun and a verb in the English language. Its primary meaning as a noun refers to “a line of people or vehicles waiting for their turn.” As a verb, it means “to form or join a line or sequence.”
Example sentences:
1. Noun: “The queue outside the store stretched around the block.”
2. Noun: “I had to wait in a long queue at the airport.”
3. Noun: “She joined the queue for the concert tickets.”
4. Verb: “Please queue up in an orderly manner.”
5. Verb: “We need to queue our tasks to ensure efficiency.”
Derivatives and Related Words of Queue
– Queuing
– Queued
– Queuer
– Queueing
Synonym of Queue
– Line
– Waiting line
– File
– Column
– Sequence
Antonym of Queue
– Disperse
– Scatter
– Dissolve
– Disband
– Break up
Understanding Queue in Different Contexts
In different contexts, the meaning of ‘queue’ can vary slightly. Here are a few examples:
1. Social Context: In a social context, ‘queue’ refers to the act of waiting in line. For example, “People patiently queued outside the theater for the movie premiere.”
2. Technology Context: In the context of computer science, ‘queue’ represents a data structure that follows the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principle. For instance, “The queue algorithm efficiently manages incoming requests.”
3. Traffic Context: In the context of traffic, ‘queue’ describes a line of vehicles waiting for their turn to proceed. For example, “The long queue of cars caused a traffic jam.”
FAQs
1. Q: What is the origin of the word ‘queue’?
A: The word ‘queue’ originated from the Latin word ‘cauda’ and evolved through French before becoming part of English.
2. Q: Can ‘queue’ be used as a verb?
A: Yes, ‘queue’ can function as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means “to form or join a line or sequence.”
3. Q: What are some synonyms of ‘queue’?
A: Synonyms of ‘queue’ include “line,” “waiting line,” “file,” “column,” and “sequence.”
4. Q: What is the opposite of ‘queue’?
A: The antonyms of ‘queue’ are “disperse,” “scatter,” “dissolve,” “disband,” and “break up.”
5. Q: How is ‘queue’ used in computer science?
A: In computer science, ‘queue’ represents a data structure that follows the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principle.