Etymology
/ˌɛt.ɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history.
Did you know?The word 'etymology' itself traces back to the Greek 'etymon', meaning 'true sense', reflecting an ancient belief that words held a deeper, almost mystical truth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἔτυμον (etymon)
“True sense or meaning of a word.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
etymologia
“The study of the true sense of words.”
Old French
Old French
etimologie
“The study of the origins of words.”
14th Century
Middle English
etimologie
“The science of the origin and development of words.”
Modern English
English
etymology
“The study of the history and origin of words and their meanings.”
Explore more surprising origins