Definition of the word deal with

The word "deal" has been in use for several centuries, tracing back to its Old English origins around the 13th century. Initially, its meaning revolved around trading or handling merchandise, specifically referring to the process of bargaining and negotiating prices. It then came to denote a more general concept of managing or handling anything, whether it be a task, a situation, or a person. The preposition "with" has been in the English language for even longer, with its roots going back to the Old English word "wið," meaning "against" or "opposite." Over time, its meaning evolved to include the more nuanced sense of "in the company of" or "dealing with," ultimately leading to the creation of the phrase "deal with" in its modern form. By the 15th century, the phrase "deal with" became widely used to denote the concept of resolving or managing a particular matter, whether it be a problem, a conflict, or a person. It now carries a strong sense of action and resolution, signifying that a person is taking steps to address and overcome a situation. In summary, the origin of "deal with" can be traced back to the merging of two ancient English words: "deal," initially meaning trading or handling, and "with," initially meaning "against" or "opposite." Over time, these words evolved separately and then later came together to create the modern phrase "deal with," which now signifies managing or resolving matters of all kinds.