English spelling can be complex and sometimes inconsistent, and the historical development of the language has influenced how certain words are spelled. The differences in spelling between "panicking" and "publicly" can be attributed to the evolution of the English language and its various influences over time.
Historical Development: The spelling of English words has evolved over centuries, and during this process, some words have retained their original spellings while others have changed. "Public" and "panic" have different histories, leading to their distinct spellings.
Etymology: The word "panic" comes from the Greek word "panikos," which means "pertaining to Pan" (Pan being a Greek god associated with woods and fields). The word "public" has Latin origins, derived from "publicus." As a result, their linguistic origins may have influenced the spellings they adopted in English.
Word Formation: The suffix "-ing" is commonly added to verbs in English to form the present participle, indicating an ongoing action or state. For example, "panic" becomes "panicking" when used as a verb in the present continuous tense, as in "I am panicking." This is a regular rule in English grammar.
Adverb Formation: Adverbs, on the other hand, do not follow a consistent rule for formation. While some adverbs are formed by adding "-ly" to an adjective (e.g., quick → quickly), this rule does not apply universally. Many adverbs are irregular and do not follow this pattern. The adverb form of "public" is "publicly," which is a typical adverb formation using "-ly."
Language Simplification: Over time, English has undergone efforts to simplify spelling, and some irregularities have been standardized. However, not all inconsistencies have been eliminated, and certain words retain their unique historical spellings.
Language Evolution: Languages are dynamic and change over time due to various factors, including cultural influences, migration, trade, and technological advancements. As a result, the spellings of words may evolve in different ways.
In summary, the differences in spelling between "panicking" and "publicly" are a result of historical development, etymology, and the irregularities inherent in the English language. English spelling is a product of its rich and diverse linguistic history, which makes it fascinating and, at times, challenging to navigate.