A list of interesting word etymologies, because language is fascinating. Etymologies found through etymonline.com, which is a great free resource.
- Recap. Shortened form of "recapitulate", which is a back-formation of "recapitulation". Comes from Latin through Old French. re-, "again" + capitulum "main part" (literally "little head"). Essentially means to repeat the main points previously mentioned.
- The cool part is, "capitulation" comes from the same Latin capitulum, and has come to mean surrendering with agreed upon terms.
- With the "re"- at the front, it would seem like the two words would be more connected. You capitulate, then you recapitulate. But instead, the two words formed somewhat independently.