'anabantid' originates from the Greek word 'anabainein', where 'ana-' meant 'up' and 'bainein' meant 'to go'.

'anabainein' transformed into the scientific term 'Anabantidae' in taxonomy, eventually becoming the common English term 'anabantid'.

Initially, it referred to the action of 'going up', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a fish family known for air-breathing capabilities.