Grammar
/ˈɡræm.ər/noun
The system and structure of a language, including syntax and morphology.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'grammar' was associated with the knowledge of the occult and was believed to have magical properties, turning words into spells.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰrem-
“to bind or attach, a concept linked to structure.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γραμματική (grammatikḗ)
“the art of letters, a system for structuring language.”
Latin
Latin
grammatica
“the study of letters and language structure.”
Old French
Old French
gramaire
“the study of language, encompassing both grammar and magic.”
Middle English
Middle English
gramer
“the art of grammar, often intertwined with magical knowledge.”
Modern English
English
grammar
“the rules governing the structure of language, retaining echoes of its mystical origins.”