value | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

mid-15c., "estimate the value of," also "think highly of," probably from value (n.). Related: Valued, valuing.

c. 1300, "price equal to the intrinsic worth of a thing;" late 14c., "degree to which something is useful or estimable," from Old French value "worth, price, moral worth; standing, reputation" (13c.), noun use of fem. past participle of valoir "be worth," from Latin valere "be strong, be well; be of value, be worth" (from PIE root *wal- "to be strong"). The meaning "social principle" is attested from 1918, supposedly borrowed from the language of painting. Value judgment (1889) is a loan-translation of German Werturteil.

face-value (n.)

1842, from face (n.) + value (n.). Originally of stock shares, banknotes, etc.

values (n.)

"principles, standards," 1918, from plural of value (n.).

valueless (adj.)

1590s, from value (n.) + -less. Related: Valuelessness.

valuable (adj.)

"of great value or price," 1580s, from value (v.) + -able. As a noun, "a valuable thing," from 1775 (in modern use often in plural). Related: Valuably.

revalue (v.)

"value anew, adjust the value of," 1590s, from re- "again, anew" + value (v.). Related: Revalued; revaluing.

valuation (n.)

1520s, from French valuation, noun of action from valuer, from Old French valoir (see value (n.)).

overvalue (v.)

also over-value, "to value (something) above its true worth," 1590s, from over- + value (v.). Related: Overvalued; overvaluing.

vail (n.)

"advantage, profit," early 15c., from vail (v.) "to be of use or service" (c. 1300), from Old French vail, from valoir "to be of value or worth" (see value (n.)).

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