etymology — the study of the origin and history of words and their meanings
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the study of the origin and history of words and their meanings
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌetɪˈmɑːlədʒi/
Example Sentences
- My professor's obsession with etymology made every vocabulary lesson feel like a historical mystery show.
- The etymology of 'salary' comes from 'salt' because Roman soldiers were paid in salt.
- Learning etymology is like being a word detective - you never know what surprising origins you'll discover.
etymology
NOUN[/ˌetɪˈmɑːlədʒi/]
the study of the origin and history of words and their meanings
The professor traces the etymology of 'salary' back to Roman soldiers paid in salt.
ETYMO(true root) + LOGY(study) — by placing the ETYMO(true root) under a microscope for LOGY(study), the scientist discovered the word's hidden etymology.
After offering a deep apology for his mistake, the scholar presented a glowing ancient scroll to prove the correct etymology.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'etymologia', combining 'etymon' (true sense of a word) and 'logia' (study of). The Greek 'etymon' itself derives from 'etyos' (true) and 'onoma' (name).
Breakdown
etymo- (true sense/origin of a word, from Greek etymon) + -logy (study of, from Greek logia) = etymology
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My professor's obsession with etymology made every vocabulary lesson feel like a historical mystery show.”
“The etymology of 'salary' comes from 'salt' because Roman soldiers were paid in salt.”
“Learning etymology is like being a word detective - you never know what surprising origins you'll discover.”
“Thanks to etymology, I now know that 'sandwich' was named after the Earl of Sandwich who didn't want to leave his card game.”
📚Related Words
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