The phrase "came of" is a common one, but its spelling can be deceiving. Although it may seem as though the "of" should be spelled with a "v", the correct spelling is "of" with an "f". This is because the "v" sound is not present in this phrase, and instead, the "f" sound is used. In IPA phonetic transcription, "came of" would be spelled /keɪm ɒv/. It's important to remember that even common phrases can have unexpected spellings, so always double-check before writing them out.
"Came of" is a colloquial and idiomatic phrase that means to originate, stem, or have its origins in something or someone. It is typically used to trace the ancestry, heritage, or lineage of a person or thing. The phrase is formed by the combination of the verb "came," which signifies a process of arriving or emerging, and the preposition "of," indicating the source or origin.
In a genealogical context, "came of" refers to a person's or family's ancestral or familial background. For instance, if someone says they "came of Scottish descent," it means that either they or their ancestral family originated from Scotland. Similarly, if a particular skill, talent, or characteristic is said to have "come of" someone, it suggests that this trait or ability can be traced back to a specific person in their lineage.
The phrase is also used metaphorically to describe the development or emergence of something from a particular source or situation. For example, if a successful entrepreneur is said to have "come of humble beginnings," it means that they started from a modest or disadvantaged position before achieving success. In this sense, "came of" implies a narrative of growth, evolution, or transformation from an initial state or context to a more developed or favorable one.
Overall, "came of" emphasizes the concept of origin, ancestry, and development, whether in terms of family lineage or the emergence and growth of something from a specific source or situation.
The phrase "came of" does not have a separate etymology as it consists of two separate words: "came" and "of". "Came" is the past tense of the verb "come", which originated from the Old English word "cuman", meaning "to move towards, approach". "Of" is a preposition that traces back to the Old English word "of", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "af", meaning "from, off, away". When used together, "came of" conveys the notion of arriving or originating from a particular source or background.