Etymology is a fascinating field of study. Words you hardly ever think of can turn out to have rich and storied histories.
Take the word “wind”, for example. Its original pronunciation rhymed with “lined” and “mind” in every case; today, the word designating “air in motion” has a shortened “i”. This apparently occurred in the 18th century.
The word which still has a long “i” comes from an entirely different root: the Old English windan, meaning "to turn, twist, plait, curl, brandish, swing”. This wind is related to “wend” and to “wander”.
Source: Online Etymology Dictionary
Take the word “wind”, for example. Its original pronunciation rhymed with “lined” and “mind” in every case; today, the word designating “air in motion” has a shortened “i”. This apparently occurred in the 18th century.
The word which still has a long “i” comes from an entirely different root: the Old English windan, meaning "to turn, twist, plait, curl, brandish, swing”. This wind is related to “wend” and to “wander”.
Source: Online Etymology Dictionary
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