Ferry Comes From the Same Root as Fare
A ferry carries people across water. Its name shares an ancient root with fare, welfare and thoroughfare, all about travelling.
A ferry is a boat that carries people and vehicles across water on a fixed route. The word comes from an Old English verb meaning to carry, and its relatives are everywhere once you see them: *fare*, both the payment and the old verb meaning to travel, *welfare*, faring well, *thoroughfare*, a way through, and *wayfarer*, a traveller. A ferry route is often called a *crossing*, and the shortest routes are known as ferry *shuttles*.
- A boat on a fixed crossing. *The car ferry.*
- To transport. *They ferried supplies across.*
- Ferryman — one who operates it. *The ferryman.*
- Fare — the payment, from the same root. *A single fare.*
- Thoroughfare — a way through. *A busy thoroughfare.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | ferry | The night ferry. |
| Plural | ferries | Two ferries. |
| Verb | ferry | Ferry them over. |
| Past | ferried | He ferried them. |
| Old English | ferian | To carry. |
- The ferry leaves at six.Transport.
- She ferried the children to school all week.Figurative.
- Fare and ferry share a root.Etymology.
The faring family
- Ferry — to carry across
- Fare — the payment, and the old verb to travel
- Welfare — faring well
- Thoroughfare — a road running through
- Wayfarer — one who travels a way
Old English *ferian*, to carry or convey, from a Germanic root meaning to go or travel, related to *fare*.
Are ferry and fare related?
Yes. Both come from an old root meaning to travel or carry. A fare was originally a journey.
What is a roll-on roll-off ferry?
One that vehicles drive onto at one end and off at the other, without needing to turn or be lifted.