Definition of carry out

The expression "carry out" has its roots in the late Middle English period (approximately 1400-1500 CE). At that time, the phrase was spelled "carie out," and it literally referred to transporting or moving objects from one place to another. The Old English word "þearcondition" (meaning "to lead; to bear away") served as a predecessor to the Middle English term "carie," and it can be traced back further to the Old Norse word "þara" (meaning "to carry"). Over time, "carry out" came to signify a wider range of actions, beyond the movement of physical items. Today, "carry out" commonly refers to completing a task or action, particularly when implementing a plan or following through on a promise. The idiomatic expression "to carry out" conveys the idea of fulfilling a mandate, whereas the phrasal verb "to carry out" (involving the preposition "out") implies a conclusion or completion. Thus, by tracing the etymological path of "carry out," we can see how this English phrase has evolved, from a specific physical act to a more versatile and abstract notion that reflects the complexities and nuances of our everyday language use. In sum, the origin of the term "carry out" highlights the rich and dynamic history of the English language, demonstrating how linguistic usages and patterns of communication can change and adapt over time, in response to shifting social, cultural, and historical contexts.