etymology

[ et-uh-mol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural et·y·mol·o·gies.

1. the derivation of a word.

   Synonyms: origin, derivation

2. a chronological account of the birth and development of a particular word or element of a word, often delineating its spread from one language to another and its evolving changes in form and meaning.
3. the study of historical linguistic change, especially as manifested in individual words.

etymology

/ ˌɛtɪməˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of the sources and development of words and morphemes
2. an account of the source and development of a word or morpheme

Derived Forms

• ˌetyˈmologist, noun
• etymological, adjective
• ˌetymoˈlogically, adverb

Other Words From

• et·y·mo·log·i·cal [et-, uh, -m, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], ety·mo·logic adjective
• ety·mo·logi·cal·ly adverb
• ety·molo·gist noun
• pseudo·ety·mo·logi·cal adjective
• pseudo·ety·mo·logi·cal·ly adverb
• subet·y·molo·gy noun plural subetymologies
• unet·y·mo·logic adjective
• unet·y·mo·logi·cal adjective
• unet·y·mo·logi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of etymology¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin etymologia, from Greek etymología, equivalent to etymológ(os) “studying the true meanings and values of words” ( étymo(s) “true” + lógos “word, reason”) + -ia noun suffix; etymon, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of etymology¹

C14: via Latin from Greek etumologia; see etymon , -logy

Example Sentences

Not because those words aren’t fitting descriptors for Ani, but because she’s far more complex than a couple of attributes you can pull from the etymology section of a mommy blog.

From Salon

There are corners of the internet that spend more time worrying about the etymology of Darth Vader’s name than the policies of any politician.

From Salon

Near the end, on “Ti nèg,” Joachim contrasts a peaceable tone with what the album’s liner notes describe as an effort to reclaim “the etymology of the N word.”

From New York Times

Local etymology aside, the Scandinavian influence on Everton has grown hugely in recent years.

From BBC

A “government of the few,” in the word’s etymology.

From Seattle Times