etymology
et-ih-MOL-uh-jee
/ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒi/
The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
Etymology is like 'word archaeology'—it digs into the past to find the roots of what we say today.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'etymon,' meaning 'true sense' or 'original meaning,' and '-logia,' meaning 'study.' The Greeks believed that by finding the original form of a word, they could find its 'true' meaning.
Word relationships
- derivation: Derivation is the specific process of how a word was formed; etymology is the whole history of the word.
Commonly confused with
- entomology: Etymology is words; Entomology is bugs (insects).
Word family
- etymological (adjective): Relating to etymology.
- etymologist (noun): A person who studies etymology.
Collocations
- word etymology
- study etymology
- false etymology
Example sentences
- "The etymology of 'sandwich' traces back to the 18th-century Earl of Sandwich, who wanted a meal he could eat while playing cards." Explaining a word's history.
- "Understanding the etymology of medical terms makes them much easier for students to memorize." Academic interest.
Memory hook
ET-ymology: Think of 'E.T.' (the extra-terrestrial) trying to find his 'Origin' (home). The history of a word.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'entomology,' which is the study of insects.
Fun facts
- A 'folk etymology' is a popular but false belief about where a word comes from (like the idea that 'S.O.S.' stands for 'Save Our Souls').
Related words
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