etymologize

[ et-uh-mol-uh-jahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.

1. to trace the history of (a word).

verb (used without object)

, et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.

1. to study etymology.
2. to give or suggest the etymology of words.

etymologize

/ ˌɛtɪˈmɒləˌdʒaɪz /

verb

1. to trace, state, or suggest the etymology of (a word)

Other Words From

• ety·molo·giza·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of etymologize¹

From the Late Latin word etymologizāre, dating back to 1520–30. See etymology, -ize

Example Sentences

False etymologizing also has given rise to new values just as it has given rise to new spellings in English.

From Project Gutenberg

Before etymologizing on the word, we must try to fix its Old Celtic form.

From Project Gutenberg

Have no faith in those who etymologize on the strength of sounds, and not on that of letters, and of letters, moreover, dealt with according to fixed and recognized laws of equivalence and permutation.

From Project Gutenberg

All experience, indeed, proves how perilous it is to etymologize at random, and on the strength of mere surface similarities of sound.

From Project Gutenberg