The phrase "had company" is spelled with the IPA transcription /hæd ˈkʌmpəni/. The "h" at the beginning represents a voiceless glottal fricative, similar to the sound made when clearing your throat. The "a" sound is pronounced as a short vowel, followed by a "d" sound that represents a voiced alveolar stop. The word "company" is pronounced with a stress on the first syllable, followed by an "ʌ" sound that represents a short vowel, a "m" sound, and a long "i" sound at the end.
"Having company" refers to the state or condition of being accompanied or having guests or visitors present in one's vicinity. It commonly implies that someone is not alone and is instead in the presence of others. This phrase can be used to describe situations where individuals are entertaining or socializing with guests, friends, or family members within their personal or professional environment.
When someone says they "had company," it often suggests that they hosted or welcomed visitors into their home or workplace. These visitors can be friends, relatives, colleagues, or anyone invited to spend time together. The purpose of having company can vary widely, ranging from socializing and catching up with loved ones to holding meetings or conducting business discussions within professional settings.
The phrase can also imply that one had companionship or someone to keep them company during a particular period of time. It denotes the presence of others, providing a sense of comfort, camaraderie, or being part of a group. Additionally, it may refer to engaging in activities together, sharing meals, conversations, or engaging in various forms of entertainment.
In summary, "had company" carries the connotation of having guests, visitors, or companions present in one's surroundings, emphasizing the social aspect of being accompanied and interacting with others.
The phrase "had company" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two common words, "had" and "company", which have their own origins.
1. "Had": The word "had" comes from the Old English word "hæfde", which is the past tense of the verb "to have". Its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "habaði" and the Proto-Indo-European root "kap-" meaning "to grasp" or "to hold". Over time, "hæfde" evolved into "had" in Middle English.
2. "Company": The word "company" comes from the Old French word "compagnie" and the Late Latin word "companio".