Here's a breakdown of its journey:
Early Meaning:
* Old English: "Liht" (meaning bright, light) - This is the root of the modern word.
* Middle English: "Lighter" (meaning light, nimble, quick) - It was still a general term for anything that was light in weight, brightness, or movement.
Shift to a Specific Object:
* 17th Century: "Lighter" starts to be used for a specific object used to carry goods from ship to shore. This is due to the lightweight nature of these boats.
* 18th Century: The meaning shifts again. Now, "lighter" is used for a device that ignites a flame (likely from a candle or other light source) to start a fire. This was a common tool in the era of flintlock firearms and candles.
* 19th Century: The introduction of the first portable lighters, using flint and steel, solidifies the meaning of "lighter" as a fire-starting device.
Modern Meaning:
* 20th Century: The invention of the gas lighter and the widespread adoption of the lighter as a pocket-sized tool for lighting cigarettes further establishes the modern meaning of "lighter" as a device for creating a flame.
Therefore, the evolution of "lighter" follows a path of:
1. General meaning of lightness: referring to weight, brightness, or speed.
2. Specific object: a boat used for transportation.
3. Fire-starting tool: a device for igniting a flame.
4. Modern, portable flame-producing device: a common tool for lighting cigarettes or other items.
This journey highlights how language adapts and changes over time, driven by shifts in technology, culture, and the way humans use objects and ideas.