Plausible evolution of this hypothetical PIE word

I’m trying to figure out how this PIE term I formulated would evolve as it passed through different languages so as to ultimately end up with a counterpart in modern English, assuming it describes a ubiquitous and everyday part of the human experience that is specific to this hypothetical scenario. The term is *bʰolis, formed from the root *bʰel- and the suffix *(ó)-is.

My goal here is to figure out what rout is most likely for the word to have taken through the different languages (and of course it would have spread through many descendant languages and given rise to many different words, but I’m focusing on Modern English), and then to figure out what changes the word would probably have undergone as it passed through each language. Failing that, I home someone here can give me advice on how to learn about the regular patterns of change in each and everything else I’ll need. For the line of descent, is it as simple as looking at one of those language family tree diagrams, or is it more complex? For the phonetic and morphological changes, where can I go to find out about the regular patterns of change in a given languag?

If someone wants to offer their best guess for how the word *bʰolis would give rise to a descendant in modern English, I’d appreciate it. Otherwise, any other guidance is also welcome.

Again, we’re imagining that the word refers to something in this alt history that is omnipresent and a constant of everyday life.

Posted Jan 11, 2026, 8:08 PM UTC

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