No, these words do not share a common root, but they do all have something to do with feet . In fact, as English speakers we seem to be obsessed with feet. The words are everywhere! Let’s start the investigation with, well, investigation . Did you know the root vestig comes from the Latin vestigium meaning “footprint, trace”? Yes, to investigate is etymologically to follow footprints! And we’re just getting started. What’s up with pedigree? You may recognize ped, the most familiar foot root of all. For example, a millipede etymologically has a thousand feet, when you go on an expedition you are “freeing your feet” for adventure, an impediment is “that which blocks the feet,” and a pedestrian is “one who is on foot.” And as with most roots, a few alternative spellings have evolved. The words pawn , peon , and pioneer all map back to the Latin pedonem meaning “foot soldier.” The word impeach comes from the Latin impedicare meaning “to fetter, catch, entangle”… you guessed it: t...