Etymology: meaning, definitions and examples

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etymology

 

[ ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

study of the origin of words

Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the historical development of their meanings. It explores how words have evolved over time, tracing their roots to different languages and cultures.

Synonyms

origin of words, word history

Examples of usage

  • The etymology of the word 'etymology' itself can be traced back to the Greek word 'etymologia'.
  • Etymology helps linguists understand how languages have influenced each other over centuries.

Translations

Translations of the word "etymology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 etimologia

🇮🇳 व्युत्पत्ति

🇩🇪 Etymologie

🇮🇩 etimologi

🇺🇦 етимологія

🇵🇱 etymologia

🇯🇵 語源 (ごげん)

🇫🇷 étymologie

🇪🇸 etimología

🇹🇷 etimoloji

🇰🇷 어원학 (어원)

🇸🇦 علم أصول الكلمات

🇨🇿 etymologie

🇸🇰 etymológia

🇨🇳 词源学 (cíyuán xué)

🇸🇮 etimologija

🇮🇸 orðsifjafræði

🇰🇿 сөз төркіні

🇬🇪 ეტიმოლოგია

🇦🇿 etimologiya

🇲🇽 etimología

Word origin

The term 'etymology' comes from the Greek word 'etymologia', which combines 'etymon' meaning 'true sense' and 'logia' meaning 'study of'. The study of etymology dates back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, where scholars sought to understand the origins of words. Over time, etymology has evolved into a formal field of study, helping linguists and historians uncover the rich history behind language.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,441, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.